The arrival of the 87-year-old
training vessel, Picton Castle,
in Cape Town last week cast
the spotlight on the critical
need for training in the
seafreight sector.
“There are more than
200 000 jobs going begging
internationally in the
merchant sailing sector,”
Captain Dan Moreland of the
Picton Castle told FTW last
week while docked at the Port
of Cape Town.
“They do not need university
graduates and people with
long lists of educational
qualifications, but rather
people who have been trained
at sea. People trained in the
basics who have good solid
foundations because of that.”
Moreland said countries like
South Africa would do well to
invest in acquiring training
vessels like the Picton Castle
where students are educated
the old-fashioned way.
The vessel, built in 1928,
is a true working ship. The
training programme sees
sail trainees working as
deckhands on the traditional
square-rigged ship.
“Everyone participates in
the ship’s operations. They
handle sails, scrub the deck,
take turns at the wheel, raise
the anchor, haul the lines,”
said Moreland. “There are also
training classes in seamanship
and navigation. After six
months on board, students
who have trained with us are
well prepared for life on a
merchant vessel should they
choose that as a career.”
Students on board the
Picton Castle range from the
ages of 18 to 60. Not all join
to become sailors. There are
many who train for the mere
opportunity to spend time on
an old-fashioned sailing vessel.
“The vessel carries 12
professional crew who are
responsible for the training of
the 32 students on board,” said
Moreland.
Peter Meihuizen of
Meihuizen International,
which represents the vessel
locally, said several South
Africans had been trained on
the Picton Castle which visits
South Africa every three to
four years.
“This is learning
seamanship in its original
form and is a wonderful
opportunity for young people
interested in joining the
maritime sector. The vessel,
however, also serves as a great
example for countries such as
South Africa to look at ways of
how they can train students.”
CAPTION
Built in 1928, the Picton Castle is a true working ship. The training programme sees sail
trainees working as deckhands on the traditional square-rigged ship.
