TANGA: TANZANIA must accelerate efforts to develop a highly skilled maritime workforce as rapid technological advances continue to transform the global shipping industry, Deputy Minister for Transport Mr David Kihenzile said yesterday.
He warnined that new skills will be critical to improving safety, efficiency and the effective operation of modern maritime systems.
Speaking during the national climax of the 2026 World Maritime Day celebrations in Tanga, held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” he said maritime technology and skills development are key to create more employment opportunities
as the government accelerates reforms aimed at strengthening the shipping sector and expanding the country’s blue economy, he said investment in technology will prepare young Tanzanians for emerging jobs in the industry.
“Modern technology provides an opportunity to build the capacity of our youth, enabling them to secure employment while also allowing the country to keep pace with the direction of the digital world,” said Mr Kihenzile.
He said the government continues to invest in port development, maritime safety and shipbuilding capacity, including vessels for search and rescue operations, while directing authorities to ensure that all registered vessels comply with international safety standards to reduce accidents and protect lives and property.
Mr Kihenzile also called for stronger collaboration with the private sector in implementing measures that improve the industry’s resilience against weather-related disruptions and other operational challenges.
The push for practical reforms comes as the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) reports a sharp rise in the number of certified seafarers, signalling growing capacity in the country’s maritime workforce.
TASAC Director General, Mr Mohamed Salum said the corporation issued 15,948 seafarers’ certificates by March this year, up from 10,270 during the corresponding period of the 2024/25 financial year, representing a 55.29 per cent increase.
Of the certificates issued, 15,353 were Certificates of Proficiency (COP), 501 were Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC), while 94 were Certificates of Competency (COC) for ship officers.
Mr Salum said professional certification goes beyond documentation, describing it as a gateway to employment opportunities in both domestic and international maritime labour markets.
“By strengthening training, certification and professionalism, we are expanding employment opportunities for our youth both within and outside the country,” he said.
He said Tanzania has continued translating maritime policies into practical action through improvements in port infrastructure, expansion of passenger and cargo berths, increased private-sector participation and implementation of international maritime conventions.
According to Mr Salum, the reforms have contributed to higher cargo volumes and the arrival of larger vessels at Tanzanian ports.
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He said TASAC has also strengthened the country’s emergency response capacity through the completion of a regional Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Mwanza.
The centre receives emergency information, identifies incident locations, directs the nearest rescue vessel to the scene while also providing weather alerts and coordinating rescue operations with neighbouring countries.
Mr Salum said Tanzania has already acquired two search and rescue boats and one medical boat through the project, while TASAC has separately budgeted for four additional rescue boats under the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.
“Two of the vessels have already arrived, with one stationed in Tanga and another in Kigoma, while two more are expected in Mtwara and Kagera in November,” he said.
He also announced plans to acquire two specialised Oil Spill Response and Anti-Pollution Vessels, with one to be stationed in Tanga and the other in Dar es Salaam to strengthen the country’s ability to respond quickly to marine pollution incidents.
The corporation is also working with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to establish a Maritime Single Window, a digital platform expected to speed up vessel clearance by consolidating information on vessel arrivals, passengers and cargo into a single system.
Mr Salum said the initiative would reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency across the maritime transport chain and help ease congestion at ports and dry ports.
He added that Tanzania’s strategic location makes maritime transport vital for regional trade, with the ports of Tanga, Dar es Salaam and Mtwara serving not only the country but also more than six neighbouring states.
TASAC Board Chairman, Captain Mussa Mandia said the sector remains central to trade, investment, employment and the growth of the blue economy, but stressed that sustained progress depends on professionalism, safety and discipline.
“As a retired seafarer who served as a captain, I understand in practice the importance of safety, discipline, perseverance, professionalism, courage, technology and adherence to safety procedures,” Captain Mandia said.
He called on all maritime stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and ensure that policies, laws and international standards are translated into practical action capable of delivering a safe, efficient and competitive maritime sector.
