First-year classes at the Department of Maritime Studies are in full swing, with students already hard at work on assignments.

On 27 January 2009, more than 120 first-year students reported to the Granger Bay Campus, for the start of their academic year.

The Department is one of the leaders in Maritime Studies on the African continent and annually produces a large number of highly skilled graduates, who are snapped up by local and international shipping companies.

The department offers Marine Navigation (deck officer) and Marine Engineer programmes, which equip students to work in a sea-going capacity.

The campus has direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, with students offered training on the state-of-the-art training vessel, Fathom10. Students also have access to an internationally accredited Survival Centre, which is one of only two in Africa.

Head of the Department Prof Edward Snyders, who welcomed the students during an orientation programme on their first day at the campus, said, “This is a tough programme.”

With various mathematic and science-based courses offered, students were urged to approach their studies seriously.

“I expect input from all students. Try to adhere to deadlines and follow all the guidelines,” he said.

Prof Snyders said the first two semesters are vital and will determine which students will be placed for experiential training in 2010.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 months’ sea service aboard trading vessels greater than 500 gross tons, after completing their first academic year.

During the sea-going phase, students complete a structured on-board training programme. Competencies are recorded in a cadet’s record book.

“In June and July foreign shipping companies visit South Africa to select students. You need to be eligible for placement at sea,” he said.

Prof Snyders, who has been at the helm of the department for several years said the pass rate has never been lower than 90% and expect first year students to uphold the department’s traditions and reputation.

“You have met the minimum requirements for this programme. You have the potential and can pass first time around. I am sure that you will make us proud,” he said.

Meanwhile, first year students said they are looking forward to life at Granger Bay .

Clement Jansen, from Namibia , who enrolled for the marine navigation diploma, said he has been to sea, but is now looking forward to developing the necessary skills to work at sea.

Sam Butt, from the Eastern Cape, is also no stranger to life at sea. Her father and siblings are involved in the maritime community. Butt said she opted for Granger Bay because of its reputation in the marine community.

“I am looking forward to the programme. I will give it my best,” she said.

Dermonique Cloete from Vredenburg, who plans to become a deck officer said: “I am very excited and will work hard.”

Meanwhile, Bade Booi, a senior student who returned for a semester to complete the first-year Marine Engineering modules, said he has made the correct career choice.

Booi, who has worked at sea on cargo vessels, said, “It’s a lot of hard work, but life is good at sea.”

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT staff and students are taking the world of science and technology innovation to rural learners.

The institution’s Service Learning and Civic Engagement Units, together with Camissa Solutions, were recently involved in a National Science Week project that traversed the Western Cape towns of Beaufort West, Laingsburg, Mossel Bay, George and Vredenburg, ending with a Hackathon at Uhuru Spaces in Woodstock.

National Science Week is an annual Department of Science and Technology, National Research Foundation and South African Agency for Science and Technology Agency initiative and this year the theme was The Harsh realities of climate change. Architectural Technology, Electrical Engineering, Emergency Medical Sciences (EMS), Horticultural Sciences, Information Technology, Town and Regional Planning participated.

Now, thanks to the success of that project, the university has been invited by project partner Camissa Solutions to extend the project to three more local schools in Mossel Bay. Lovetta Bolters from Camissa Solution says that despite the challenging circumstances experienced by some of our rural learners, the National Science Week opened up their minds and broadened their horizons to what is possible.

The CPUT group took a delegation of staff and students from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Electrical Engineering, Maritime Studies, Mechanical Engineering disciplines to showcase some uniquely CPUT innovations including a solar fridge, 3D printer, water purification system, and an energy efficiency demonstration.

Manager of Service Learning at CPUT, Jacqui Scheepers, says that the project will also expand the learners understanding of potential study options in those fields at CPUT.

“So even though learners live at the coast, some may only know of their parents being fishermen and not realise that there is a whole Maritime industry that they can pursue,” she said. “We are hoping to market CPUT as a potential study destination for learners and ignite their interest in Engineering and Science.

Written by Lauren Kansley

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Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

The CPUT Maritime Studies Department recently acquired an author-inscribed copy of The Principles of Navigation: Admiralty Manual of Navigation Volume 1, one of the leading authoritative texts its field.

Captain Nicholas Cooper, a past cadet of the South African Training Ship (SATS) General Botha, which was a precursor to the Maritime Studies Department, received a copy of the latest edition from its author, Lieutenant Commander Alan Peacock, at the book’s launch last year.

Captain Cooper, in turn, chose to donate the valuable volume to his alma mater.

The Admiralty Manual of Navigation Volume I, which is currently in its tenth edition, deals with navigational theory, procedures and techniques. The 2008 revised version, while rooted in the navigation principles that have been used by seafarers for centuries, also looks at the influence of the electronic age and discusses modern navigational aids.

The book was presented to CPUT, on behalf of Captain Cooper, by Captain Tony Nicholas, Chair of the SATS General Botha Old Boys' Association at a ceremony at Granger Bay Campus on 20 February 2009.

Uniformed Cadet Class Captains were on hand to accept the 690-page volume

Captain Nicholas noted that it was, “a pleasure to meet a student representative of CPUT’s Maritime studies,” whom he referred to as “a well-spoken and pleasant young man.”

He said that the re-introduction of uniforms for Maritime Studies students has been a very positive step as it “instils a sense of discipline and pride in the students.”

Prof Edward Snyders, Head of Maritime Studies, said that the Department “treasures its long-lasting association with Captain Tony Nicholas and the SATS General Botha Old Boys' Association.”

“We are pleased that the ‘old salts’ are still keen on the development of our youth and, with this kind gesture, continue ‘handing over the watch’ to them.”

Prof Snyders added, “Without their indispensable mentorship and encouragement, our seafaring traditions and comradeship may be severely undermined and threatened.”

The new copy of The Principles of Navigation:Admiralty Manual of Navigation Volume 1 has been catalogued and placed in the Granger Bay Library for use by both staff and students.

By Ilana Abratt

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The Cape Town Sailors’ Home recently donated R60 000 towards bursaries for students in Maritime Studies at the Granger Bay campus.

The organisation has been supporting Maritime Studies students annually for more than ten years

The Cape Town Sailors’ Home dates from the 1880s when benefactors made the establishment of a home from home for sailors possible in Cape Town, offering accommodation, meals and people support to sailors passing through Cape Town or waiting for new postings at sea.

The changes in the maritime industry prompted the management council of the Sailors’ Home to reconsider their support of matters maritime which resulted in the selling of the Sailors’ Home in 1994 and thereafter making donations to maritime support organisations from the interest accrued on the capital received for the Sailors’ Home property.

Earlier this year Mr Doug Jupp, the trustee responsible for liaison with CPUT and a General Botha old boy, visited the Department of Maritime Studies and was hosted by Captain Ed Snyders at Granger Bay who showed him the ropes regarding modern seagoing officer training. This included all the modern equipment as well as the trusted Admiralty seagoing training, culminating in a visit to the Maritime Department’s training vessel, Fathom X.

Jupp stated that it was great to be involved with helping an institution that offers training that will prepare students for their future careers. Captain Snyders responded that each student has a dream and that the Cape Town Sailors’ Home helps them in achieving these dreams. He continued that the bursaries were not a handout and those recipients were selected on the grounds of their desire to go to sea, their academic record and their financial position.

By Chris Lombaard and Tyrone van Heerden

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In yet another first for the African continent, CPUT has teamed up with industry and the College of Cape Town (CCT) to launch a project to boost the skills of marine engineering students.

This flagship project is intended to provide the much-needed statutory South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) accredited Marine Engineering Workshop Training (MEWT) to CPUT marine engineering cadets, who have successfully passed S1 and S2 in 2016.

The training will take place prior to their work integrated learning seagoing phase aboard internationally owned trading vessels. 

“The MEWT is a is a statutory requirement of the SAMSA Code and the International Maritime Organisation's international convention governing the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers to which South Africa is a signatory,” says Pieter Coetzer, Training and Development Manager at the South African Maritime Training Authority (SAMTRA).

Participants include CPUT’s Department of Maritime Studies, the CCT, SAMTRA and the Transport Education Training Authority.

The students will be trained on, among others, diesel engines, electrical, fitting and turning, hydraulics, pneumatics, sheet metal work and welding for a period of approximately eight months.

Coetzer adds that the CPUT students will after the training be required to work on merchant ships for a further 12 months, and obtain an internationally recognized certificate of competency issued by SAMSA.

“This will enable them to work in the international shipping arena as Marine Engineers, and earn a tax-free, foreign currency salary,” he says.

The programme also ties in with the Government's Operation Phakisa, an initiative aimed at tapping into the opportunities the ocean's economy provide.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Senior maritime instructor and manager at Survival Centre, Samantha Montes is grateful to be appointed Membership Director of the International Association for Safety and Survival Training (IASST).

“[I am] extremely honoured, for South Africa, the African continent [and this will] help other countries to realise South Africa have something unique to offer in our maritime sector,” says Montes. Besides being a membership director, her mandate includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Promote the Association internationally
• Chairperson of the IASST discussion group
• Participate in or chair other sub-committees
• Disseminate and collate election ballots for the position of directors.

“As Dissemination was our portfolio for the Erasmus Plus EURO-ZA capacity building in maritime education, I feel this has given me the tools to achieve this mandate.”

Reflecting on her career journey, the Eastern Cape-born “quirky” maritime instructor says it all started on a school trip to Cape Town in Standard 7 (Grade 9). She visited the Zonnebloem Campus of the then Cape Technikon.

“I saw one line in the course prospectus that said, ‘Maritime Studies’ and [I]decided this was my career choice.”

After completing her schooling in King Williams Town, Montes relocated to Cape Town to study Maritime Studies at the Cape Technikon, now known as CPUT’s Granger Bay campus.

She joined her first vessel as a navigation cadet in January 2000. Her long sea career has seen her work on various ship types and within many maritime sectors.

In 2015, Montes received a call from her alma mater, CPUT, and was offered a post ashore. Since August 2015, she has been a Senior Maritime Instructor at Survival Centre. An opportunity to return to sea for a short stint presented itself in 2019 when Montes was asked to sail as a training officer aboard the SA Agulhas for a historic voyage of venturing to Antarctica with 20 female cadet officers for three months.

Reflecting on her glittering career, Montes said she had to show up and be present. “Opportunities are not going to seek you out. But if you’re in the room, people take notice of you. Perseverance and resilience. Change the narrative by being involved.”

She also attributed her success to her “never give up” attitude. Some of the highlights in her career include visits to all seven continents. “To be exposed to many different cultures and work with many nationalities. The challenges often are not unique to maritime, but how you address those challenges sets you apart and leads to success.” Her message to the younger generation is: “Don’t be scared to ask questions. Throughout my career, I asked questions. I would rather be seen as foolish for asking simple questions to be sure not to mess up and look incompetent. Although, now, I seem to be the one who answers the questions.” She loves her job and the unique challenges it brings her every day. “I am a problem-solver, so this industry provides ample opportunity to practise this skill.”

When she is not at work, Montes spends time with her two ginger cats, which require much attention. “Cats are the masters of relaxing, so I learn from them. I read and enjoy chatting with friends all over the globe.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The Department of Maritime Studies recently hosted Prof Benedict Knud, a Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences (HSW) representative, for the Erasmus Plus Euro-ZA Capacity building project in the field of Maritime education.

Samantha Montes, Department of Maritime Studies: Senior Maritime Instructor, Survival Centre, says the primary goal of the Erasmus+ capacity building project in Maritime Education and Training (MET) that is currently taking place between the six participating maritime universities is to develop systems processes to aid the development of Maritime Education and Training. “The objective is to develop a clear mapping of the focus areas that each institution needs to modify to have a recognised curriculum amongst the six institutions,” Montes explains.

Knud delivered three guest lecturing sessions at the Granger Bay campus. ​

The three lectures were on:

• Life & Study - global tendencies and individual aspects for beginner students" (referring to a sample of the EURO ZA project).
• Life & Study - Global Picture and the Role of Simulation in Maritime Studies and Ship Operation" – From Wooden Ship Models to Fast Time Simulation Systems - (referring to a sample of EURO ZA project)
• The role of Simulation in Maritime studies and ship operation - Demonstration of Fast Time Simulation SAMMON and ARROW tool" (referring to a sample of EURO ZA project).

Knud says the reason specifically for the meetings is “our partnership in the EURO ZA project where three universities from Europe and three from South Africa (CPUT, Durban University of Technology and Nelson Mandela University) are working together to improve the maritime education and training – exchanging information about their curricula and equipment and contributing with lectures. “Therefore, I delivered three presentations here at CPUT to students and lecturers,” he remarks.

Reflecting on his visit, Knud says: Cape Town is a beautiful city – even under Covid-19 impact. And the lectures and meetings were perfectly organised. So, it has been great…”

“They manage the campus and the Maritime Education & Training so well, even under difficult conditions in South Africa with less money than in Europe. And most of all, the friendliness of the people and to even feel the joy of life even under complicated conditions due to Covid-19.”

Montes adds that the project comprises six partner universities from Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom and South Africa. “The benefit to CPUT Department of Maritime Studies is the introduction to simulation as a research tool with special reference to:  

• Ship’s dynamic for efficient manoeuvres (this is using the SAMMON planning software tool)
• Avoiding dangerous rolling and other wave effects in heavy weather (this is using the ARROW software tool).”

She says Prof Knud has a very engaging YouTube channel that is highly informative and offers case studies of maritime casualties and routine ship handling.  “To see one of his lectures in person was most beneficial to the students because it allowed them to engage directly with him and his experience. As an experienced seafarer, I found the philosophical approach to simulation most intriguing; this is a concept I had not considered previously.”

Montes enjoyed that the two disciplines of studies in the department (Marine Engineering and Nautical Science) were exposed to the same lectures and that they understood that their actions onboard a ship could not be seen as not impacting other areas of seafaring.  “For every action, there is a reaction. This also illustrates the need for effective communication and teamwork (Engine Room Management, Bridge Team Management).”

She was also impressed by the “depth of knowledge and that the ideas were unique” and how Knud “developed the software and the concepts”.  In his message to the CPUT community, Knud says: “I do wish you all the best for the future – overcoming the drawbacks due to Covid-19 constraints and the respective problems in shipping currently existing.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The at-risk Science and Mathematics students from numerous departments recently attended the STEM (Science, Technology, Education & Maths) mid-year boot camp intervention programme held at South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre.

The students came from the departments such as Maritime Studies, Marine Engineering, Mathematics, Marine Physics, B.Ed. FET Physical Science and Mathematics, Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Mathematics. The STEM boot camp has been designed to prepare students for the mid-year assessments.

The CPUT STEM Support Lead, Dr Frikkie George, says the boot camp intervention programme is one of the imperatives of the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) STEM project funded by the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET). The first Bootcamp was conducted in 2022 during the September recess. The Bootcamps take place twice a year - in May to prepare students for the mid-year assessments and in September to prepare students for the year-end final assessment.

“The Bootcamp targets at-risk mathematics, physics and chemistry students identified by lecturers. The interest and requests from students to attend grew, however, due to funding we can only accommodate 50 students in May and 100 in September,” said George.

During the bootcamp students worked through the assessments of the first semester in discipline specific sessions. Lecturers, Jerome Tangkeh from Mathematics and Physics Department, Rhulani Saka from Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, tutors, and STEM Club members facilitated the bootcamp sessions. The bootcamp was well attended despite the short notice to students and the timing of the bootcamp (last week of lecturers). Over the two days 95% of the students attended. The difference in the results of the pre-diagnostic and post-diagnostic tests indicate a 5% improvement.

To quantitively determine the success of the bootcamp intervention for recording purposes, students write a pre-diagnostic test at the start of the bootcamp and a post-diagnostic test at the end of the Bootcamp. The facilitators also randomly interview students during the bootcamp to qualitatively determine the students' experiences of the different sessions. The facilitators also track the academic performance in the mid-year and year-end assessments of the students who attend. “These measures are important to indicate whether the bootcamp makes an impact in the academic performance of students who attend the bootcamps.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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