Transnet’s first maritime pilots get their wings

83 students graduated from Transnet's School of Maritime Excellence in Durban yesterday (Wednesday), including  20 new maritime pilots and 17 helicopter pilots who will be deployed at all Transnet ports across the country.

The graduation ceremony – attended by minister of public enterprises, Malusi Gigaba – included a helicopter flight demonstration over the Port of Durban. 

A Transnet spokesperson said that the pilots achieved both private and commercial licences. "This is the first time Transnet has taken ownership of training and employing its own aviation pilots. The helicopter pilots will be flying marine pilots to the vessels. Marine pilots guide vessels into the ports. This is a service provided by Transnet National Ports Authority in Durban and Richards Bay," she said.

She also noted that Transnet would spend over R7 billion on training and up-skilling over the next five years, with R4.7bn of this going towards bursaries for students.  Transnet has already embarked on a rolling capital expansion plan of R307bn over the next seven years.