Liberia Celebrates its First Homegrown Marine Pilot and Tugboat Captain
In a momentous occasion for Liberia’s maritime sector, two Liberian captains, Sam Jabbah and William Lassanah, have been officially recognized as the nation’s first homegrown marine pilot and tugboat captain, respectively. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s pursuit of developing local expertise and capacity within its maritime industry. The two captains were formally presented to the National Port Authority (NPA) after completing rigorous training and certification programs at the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana. Their accomplishment signifies a new era for Liberia’s maritime sector, paving the way for greater self-reliance and professional growth within the industry.
The historic event was attended by key figures in the Liberian maritime sector, including the Managing Director of the National Port Authority, Mr. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, and representatives from APM Terminals Liberia and Svitzer, the companies instrumental in supporting the captains’ training. APM Terminals Liberia Managing Director Jan Buijze expressed immense pride in the captains’ achievements, highlighting their dedication and the positive impact their training has had on Liberia’s maritime reputation. He detailed the extensive international training undertaken by both captains, including Captain Jabbah’s studies at the South African Maritime Training Academy, Maritime Professional Training in Florida, Falck Safety Services in Texas, and the Canarian School of Navigation and Maritime Safety in Spain. Captain Lassanah also underwent advanced maritime training and certification in Bahrain, achieving a significant professional milestone by earning his Master near coastal line license.
Svitzer Managing Director Cedric Guiraud emphasized the significance of training Liberians as captains, underscoring the importance of "Liberianization" within the maritime service. He pointed out the positive impact this initiative will have on the overall development of Liberia’s maritime sector. The training of these captains symbolizes a broader movement toward empowering Liberian professionals to take on leadership roles within the industry, reducing dependence on foreign expertise and promoting sustainable growth within the sector. This shift towards localized expertise is crucial for strengthening Liberia’s maritime capabilities and bolstering the country’s economic development.
NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly lauded Captains Jabbah and Lassanah for their remarkable achievement, recognizing their contribution to elevating Liberia’s standing within the global maritime community. He emphasized that their success marks a turning point in the transformation of Liberia’s maritime sector, signaling a renewed focus on professional development and capacity building. Dukuly stressed the growing need for skilled professionals within the maritime industry, particularly as Liberia’s international trade relations expand. He highlighted the Freeport of Monrovia’s critical role as the gateway to the Liberian economy, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development to meet global standards.
Dukuly further explained that the Freeport of Monrovia, as the primary trade infrastructure for Liberia, requires a highly skilled workforce to manage the increasing flow of goods. He underscored the importance of investing in human resources and ensuring that professionals within the maritime sector receive ongoing training to maintain international standards. This commitment to continuous professional development will enable Liberia’s maritime industry to adapt to evolving global demands and maintain its competitive edge.
Dukuly conveyed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s strong support for the development of the maritime sector, emphasizing the president’s belief in leveraging knowledge and technology to enhance Liberia’s global position. He stated that President Boakai is highly impressed by the achievements of Captains Jabbah and Lassanah, viewing their success as an inspiration for young Liberians to pursue careers in the maritime industry. The president’s endorsement underscores the government’s commitment to promoting the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth and providing opportunities for Liberian citizens to excel in this field. This renewed focus on developing local talent will contribute to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of Liberia’s maritime industry.
