Four aspiring maritime professionals from the Solomon Islands are set to embark on an exciting career journey, thanks to a new cadetship program offered by Papua New Guinea’s esteemed marine services company, Pacific Towing (PacTow). This initiative marks a significant step for the participants, who will train to become Officers of the Watch through a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
The scholarship awardees will initially gain practical skills at PacTow’s tug base in Honiara, where they will partake in nearly two months of basic seafaring training starting this April. This training will include vital Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) education, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges. Following this, they will accumulate valuable experience working at PacTow’s operation until the end of 2025.
CEO Gerard Kasnari emphasized the company’s commitment to developing talent within the region, noting that PacTow is keen on recruiting female cadets to promote diversity in the maritime industry. The cadetship program is part of a broader initiative to enhance the skill set of Solomon Islands’ workforce, aligning with PacTow’s vision for sustainable growth in maritime careers. It’s worth mentioning that PacTow has invested in women’s maritime programs for several years, showcasing a dedication to inclusivity.
In January 2026, the cadetship holders will transition to Fiji for a year of intensive study at the National University’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies. This phase is crucial, as it will prepare them for the practical realities of life at sea, further enhancing their employability in the maritime sector. They will later embark on a two-year sea-time training program that includes experience aboard larger vessels operated by Swire Shipping—a sister company of PacTow—and coastal operations with Consort Express Lines.
The structured program aims not only to equip these young mariners with the skills needed to navigate the increasingly sophisticated maritime landscape but also to support the broader community by nurturing the next generation of seafarers. Kasnari remarked, “Melanesia faces an aging seafaring workforce, and with rising international standards, we need to ensure that our future professionals are well-trained and equipped for the challenges ahead.”
PacTow’s commitment to fostering maritime talent in the Solomon Islands comes amid its long-standing presence in the region—having established operations there since 2012. As Melanesia’s largest marine services provider, employing over 250 staff and operating a fleet of 20 vessels, PacTow is dedicated not only to business success but also to corporate social responsibility. The company aims to continue extending its support to maritime education, potentially expanding its scholarship offerings to young Fijians as its operations grow.
This initiative serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how investments in training and education can lead to flourishing careers, thereby contributing significantly to the local economies of the Solomon Islands and beyond. With the maritime industry becoming a vital component of regional economic development, the future looks bright for these young cadets and the promising maritime workforce they represent.
#SolomonIslands #PapuaNewGuinea #MaritimeEducation #BusinessNews #Tourism
