It was urgent that the government develop a policy that had incentives to attract young people to sea-faring professions. "This problem has been looming for more than 16 years," Ndebele said, adding "[w]e call on the local shipping industry to inject more resources into training and as government we must do more to promote maritime training and the maritime industry in general."
Ndebele said the maritime industry was a key contributor to South Africa's economic development and it had to "generate the skills it requires over and above just sustaining itself". Fishermen, salvors, merchant mariners, offshore riggers, engineers, harbour pilots and rescue crew were among those honoured at the Seafarers' Merit Awards.
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