Indian HC visits Seychelles Maritime Academy |20 February 2016

The Indian high commissioner to Seychelles Sanjay Panda has said seafarers can only succeed if they have a global vision and that the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) should teach the students not only for Seychelles but for the world.

HC Panda said this yesterday during a meeting with directors and staff of the SMA at Roche Caiman during his visit there to see how the academy is doing as Seychelles and India are maritime neighbours.

He congratulated the institution for achieving the International Organisation of Standards (ISO) Certification which he described as a certification of quality and which promises better things to come.

He said he was impressed by the strategic planning of the school but translating vision into reality makes the difference.

HC Panda also commended the standard of the institution which he said has greatly improved since a last visit about one and a half year ago.

He said navigation is the lifeline of this country and he has always been of the view that the academy has a very important role to play in this area.

Mr Panda also said Seychelles’ International Maritime Organisations’ white list status is a great achievement.

Remarking that the academy should not train the seafarers for the Seychelles only but for the world, HC Panda said there is a need to broaden the students’ horizon in this area.

“It is important not only to enlarge the scope of institution but to make it an attractive destination for the youths of Seychelles,” said Mr Panda.

He remarked on two main points that could be considered to make the academy an attractive place of study like getting to know what former graduates are doing now and that apart from the technical aspect of the training creating seafarers, at the same time widen their spheres by getting them accredited to necessary concepts.

He mentioned examples of concepts like the Blue economy championed by President James Michel and whereby Seychelles is the leading voice.

He also spoke of the need for the maritime students to broaden their knowledge on the importance of the western Indian Ocean region.

“If their horizon widens, they will discharge their duties effectively. It will bring the best in all so they become responsible seafarers,” said the Indian HC.

HC Panda and the SMA staff then went on a tour of the academy.