WINDHOEK – The Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) is set to bolster its instructor training program through a development grant from the Indonesian Agency for International Development.

According to NAMPA, the grant totaling N.dollar 5.3 million will fund a training of trainers (ToT) program for 19 NAMFI instructors in Jakarta, Indonesia, scheduled from November 4th to 19th, 2023.

The training will cover topics under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, including the use of training aids and simulation equipment for bridges and main engines. The Indonesian Embassy provided a pre-departure orientation for the candidates on Friday to prepare them for the cultural and social environment they will encounter in Indonesia.

Ambassador Wisnu Edi Pratignyo, addressing the candidates, emphasized the significance of the training in contributing to the development of NAMFI as a leading marine training center upon their return to Namibia.

This capacity-building initiative is a continuation of the collaborative efforts between Namibia and Indonesia, which have participated in six such programs from 2011 to 2019, under the Memorandum of Understanding and Plan of Action on Marine Affairs and Fisheries Cooperation signed by the two countries in 2018.

The embassy highlighted the longstanding partnership between Indonesia and Namibia, stressing that the ToT program represents Indonesia’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s national development, particularly in enhancing human resource capabilities in the maritime and fisheries sectors to foster industry and economic growth.