Four young individuals from the Solomon Islands have received maritime cadetship scholarships from Pacific Towing (PacTow), a PNG marine services company. These scholarships aim to nurture the next generation of maritime professionals in the region. After completing their Officer of the Watch training through both theoretical and practical experiences, these awarded cadets will work at PacTow’s tug base in Honiara initially.
PacTow has expressed plans to continue offering more scholarships to Solomon Islanders as part of its strategy to strengthen the local workforce. Founded in PNG in 1977, PacTow has been committed to fostering maritime education and employment opportunities, notably launching its women-focused ‘Women in Maritime’ cadetship in 2018 in collaboration with other entities, including the Australian government.
The current scholarship holders will undergo eight months of preliminary training, which includes a two-month basic seafaring training session this April at the Maritime College of Solomon Islands National University. They will then gain practical experience at PacTow’s operations until the end of the year. In early 2026, they will transition to Fiji for a year of study at the National University’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies, followed by two years of sea-time training.
Gerard Kasnari, the General Manager of Pacific Towing, highlighted the importance of building a qualified seafaring workforce to meet the growing demands of the maritime industry. Recognizing the aging workforce in Melanesia, he emphasized the company’s role in ensuring not only availability but also high standards of maritime qualifications among new professionals.
This initiative aims to not only benefit the cadets but also contribute to the overall growth of the maritime sector in the Solomon Islands. After their training, graduates will have the opportunity to work across various maritime operations regionally and internationally, equipping them with valuable skills for global maritime careers.
PacTow has been actively involved in the Solomon Islands since 2012, offering various marine services and assisting with salvaging operations in local waters. The commitment to cultivating local talent reflects PacTow’s long-standing dedication as a corporate citizen aiming to enhance the employment landscape and promote sustainability in maritime industries.
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