Marine training vessel handed over to Cape university

RAY SMUTS IN A significant step forward for maritime education and training development, the national department of environmental affairs and tourism last week handed over to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology a vessel for this very purpose. Known as the Patella, the upgraded former fishery and environmental protection vessel was acquired from DEAT by the university, soon to be renamed Fathom 10. Possibly the only dedicated training vessel on the African continent, the vessel will “complement and enhance the existing academic component,” says departmental head Captain Dr Ed Snyders. Formerly deployed to monitor rock lobster and other vessels around the South African coastline, the Patella is said to be ideal for a wide range of training applications for marine engineering and marine navigation cadets and pilot boat skippers. The vessel will also be used for marine research and a host of other non-commercial academic applications.