SAMTRA (South African Maritime Training Academy)

The South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) is a non-profit maritime education & training company established in 2002 through donations made by the A.P. Møller-Maersk Group of shipping companies with the aim of providing skills enhancement training for Southern African seafarers.

The training facility, situated in Simon’s Town – a picturesque community with a strong Naval history, was officially opened by the State President of South Africa on 9 September 2003. The facility houses state-of-the-art bridge, engine room, refrigeration, electronic navigation and communications simulators.

SAMTRA provides educational programs and simulation skills enhancement training courses in navigation and ship handling, refrigeration engineering, marine engineering, as well as professional maritime short courses for all disciplines. In addition to the education and training offered, the company provides training management services for cadet and rating training programs.

Over the years SAMTRA has evolved into an innovative maritime education & training solutions provider and plays a meaningful role in the local maritime industry through its contribution to skills development, job creation and participation on professional bodies, advisory committees and industry work groups.