Getting back to basic training

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.