Saudi TGA Launches Nextwave Maritime Training Program

The Transport General Authority (TGA) of Saudi Arabia has announced a call for nominations for maritime cadets from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to join the Nextwave Pilot Training Program for the 2025–2026 cycle. The initiative, launched in cooperation with the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to provide 20 male and female cadets with six months of practical onboard training aboard Saudi vessels operated by Bahri. Fully funded by the TGA and Bahri, the program covers accommodation, monthly stipends, airfare, visas, and daily allowances, removing financial barriers that often prevent cadets from completing certification.

This development marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support global maritime capacity building and reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to international cooperation under Vision 2030. By targeting SIDS and LDCs, the program addresses critical gaps in access to shipboard training and the high costs associated with maritime certification. Participating countries are encouraged to nominate one male and one female cadet to promote gender balance and inclusivity in the maritime sector. The program not only equips cadets with the sea time required for professional certification but also establishes a sustainable model for global maritime training.

Context and Background

Why does the maritime sector remain a vital yet underutilized pathway for economic development in many nations? For decades, SIDS and LDCs have faced persistent challenges in developing their maritime workforces, including limited access to training ships, insufficient funding for certification, and a lack of international partnerships. These obstacles have hindered their ability to participate fully in the global shipping industry, which carries over 80% of world trade by volume. The Nextwave Pilot Training Program emerges as a direct response to these challenges, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s maritime expertise and resources to create opportunities for aspiring seafarers from vulnerable regions.

The Transport General Authority, which regulates land, rail, and maritime transport in the Kingdom, has been increasingly active in international maritime affairs. Its collaboration with Bahri, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, and the IMO, the United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety and pollution prevention, underscores a multilateral approach to capacity building. Bahri’s modern fleet and operational experience provide an ideal training environment, while the IMO’s global mandate ensures alignment with international standards. This partnership builds on Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a maritime hub, exemplified by its strategic location along major trade routes and its investments in port infrastructure.

Historically, Saudi Arabia has supported maritime development through various initiatives, including the establishment of the Saudi Maritime Congress and the Kingdom’s participation in IMO technical cooperation programs. The Nextwave program represents a scaling up of these efforts, focusing specifically on human capital development. By targeting SIDS and LDCs, Saudi Arabia reinforces its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequalities. The program also aligns with the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme, which seeks to assist developing countries in implementing international maritime regulations.

Key Details of the Nextwave Program

What exactly does the Nextwave Pilot Training Program offer to its participants? According to the TGA’s press release, the program will select 20 cadets—10 male and 10 female—from eligible countries for a six-month training period starting in 2025. The training will take place aboard Saudi vessels operated by Bahri, providing cadets with the sea time necessary to qualify for professional certification under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The TGA and Bahri will cover all costs, including accommodation, monthly stipends, airfare, visas, and daily allowances, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder participation.

Participating countries are encouraged to nominate one male and one female cadet, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on gender balance and inclusivity. This approach not only promotes equal opportunities but also addresses the underrepresentation of women in the maritime industry, where they currently comprise only about 2% of the global seafaring workforce. By requiring gender-balanced nominations, the program aims to catalyze systemic change in participating countries, encouraging them to develop policies that support women in maritime careers. The selection process will be managed by the TGA in coordination with Bahri and the IMO, with criteria likely focusing on academic qualifications, medical fitness, and motivation.

The six-month duration is designed to meet the minimum sea time requirements for certification as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or an Engineering Watch, depending on the cadet’s specialization. During this period, cadets will receive hands-on training in navigation, cargo handling, safety procedures, and vessel operations, supervised by experienced Bahri officers. The program also includes structured mentoring and performance evaluations to ensure that cadets gain the competencies needed for their careers. Upon successful completion, cadets will receive a certificate of training and be better positioned to pursue further certification and employment in the global maritime industry.

International and Regional Impact

How will this program influence maritime cooperation between Saudi Arabia and developing nations? The Nextwave initiative is expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the Kingdom and SIDS/LDCs, many of which are located in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. By investing in human capital, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a partner in sustainable development, enhancing its soft power and fostering goodwill. For the participating countries, the program offers a rare opportunity to access world-class training without incurring the heavy costs typically associated with maritime education abroad. This can lead to a multiplier effect, as trained cadets return home to contribute to their national maritime sectors, potentially filling critical skills gaps and supporting local economies.

Regionally, the program reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Middle East and its commitment to South-South cooperation. It also complements the Kingdom’s broader maritime strategy, which includes expanding port capacity, promoting cruise tourism, and developing a robust shipbuilding industry. By training international cadets, Saudi Arabia showcases its maritime capabilities and creates a network of professionals who may later collaborate with Saudi entities. Furthermore, the program aligns with the IMO’s goal of enhancing global maritime training standards, particularly in regions where access to training is limited. The involvement of the IMO adds international legitimacy and ensures that the training meets global benchmarks.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What economic benefits could arise from this initiative for both Saudi Arabia and the participating nations? For Saudi Arabia, the program represents an investment in global maritime human capital that can yield long-term returns through enhanced trade relationships and goodwill. It also supports the growth of Bahri, which gains access to a diverse pool of talent and strengthens its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. For SIDS and LDCs, the program addresses a critical barrier to entry into the maritime industry, which can generate employment, foreign exchange earnings, and technology transfer. Remittances from seafarers are a significant source of income for many developing countries, and by enabling more cadets to qualify, the program can boost these flows.

Strategically, the initiative enhances Saudi Arabia’s maritime security cooperation and aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying the economy away from oil. By developing a skilled maritime workforce, the Kingdom supports the growth of its logistics and transport sectors, which are key pillars of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program. The program also contributes to the Saudi Green Initiative by promoting efficient and sustainable shipping practices. Moreover, it strengthens the Kingdom’s position in international organizations like the IMO, where Saudi Arabia has been increasingly active in shaping global maritime policy.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Nextwave program embody the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents. Central to this vision is human capital development, both domestically and internationally. The Nextwave program reflects this by investing in the skills of young seafarers from developing nations, thereby fostering international cooperation and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global prosperity. It also aligns with the Vision’s emphasis on empowering women, as the program actively promotes gender balance in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Furthermore, the initiative supports the Vision’s goal of enhancing the Kingdom’s maritime sector, which is vital for trade and economic diversification. By partnering with Bahri, a national champion, and the IMO, a respected international body, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its ability to lead multilateral efforts. The program also contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its global engagement, initiatives like Nextwave will play a crucial role in building bridges and creating shared value.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Nextwave Pilot Training Program?

A1. The Nextwave Pilot Training Program is a maritime training initiative by Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, in cooperation with Bahri and the IMO, to provide six-month onboard training for cadets from Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.

Q2. Who is eligible to participate in the program?

A2. Maritime cadets from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are eligible. Participating countries are encouraged to nominate one male and one female cadet to promote gender balance.

Q3. How many cadets will be selected for the 2025–2026 cycle?

A3. The program aims to select 20 male and female cadets for the 2025–2026 cycle, providing them with practical onboard training aboard Saudi vessels operated by Bahri.

Q4. What costs does the program cover?

A4. The TGA and Bahri fully fund the program, covering accommodation, monthly stipends, airfare, visas, and daily allowances for all selected cadets.

Q5. How long is the training period?

A5. The training period is six months, during which cadets gain the sea time and experience required for professional certification in the maritime industry.

Q6. What is the role of Bahri in the program?

A6. Bahri, as a strategic partner, provides its advanced fleet and expertise to offer a world-class training environment aboard its vessels, helping cadets develop essential skills.

Q7. What is the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)?

A7. The IMO collaborates with the TGA and Bahri to ensure the program aligns with international maritime training standards and supports global capacity building.

Q8. Why does the program focus on SIDS and LDCs?

A8. SIDS and LDCs often face limited access to shipboard training and high certification costs. The program addresses these challenges by providing fully funded training opportunities.

Q9. How does the program promote gender balance?

A9. Participating countries are encouraged to nominate one male and one female cadet, ensuring equal opportunities and addressing the underrepresentation of women in the maritime sector.

Q10. What kind of training will cadets receive?

A10. Cadets will receive hands-on training in navigation, cargo handling, safety procedures, and vessel operations, supervised by experienced Bahri officers, to meet STCW certification requirements.

Q11. When will the training begin?

A11. The training for the 2025–2026 cycle is scheduled to begin in 2025, following the nomination and selection process.

Q12. How can countries nominate cadets?

A12. Countries are invited to nominate cadets through official channels as outlined by the TGA. Details on the nomination process are available from the TGA and its partners.

Q13. What are the benefits for participating countries?

A13. Participating countries gain access to world-class training for their cadets, enhancing their maritime workforce, promoting gender inclusivity, and supporting economic development through skilled seafarers.

Q14. How does this program align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A14. The program supports Vision 2030 by investing in human capital, promoting international cooperation, empowering women, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector and global role.

Q15. What is the significance of the program for Saudi Arabia?

A15. It reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in maritime capacity building, strengthens ties with developing nations, and showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to global sustainable development.

Q16. What challenges does the program aim to address?

A16. The program addresses limited access to shipboard training, high costs of maritime certification, and the gender gap in the maritime industry, offering sustainable solutions.

Q17. Will cadets receive a certification upon completion?

A17. Yes, cadets who successfully complete the six-month training will receive a certificate of training, which contributes to their eligibility for professional certification.

Q18. How does the program contribute to global maritime training standards?

A18. By providing standardized, IMO-aligned training and promoting inclusivity, the program helps raise global maritime training standards, especially in underserved regions.

Q19. Is the program fully funded?

A19. Yes, the TGA and Bahri fully fund the program, covering all associated costs such as accommodation, stipends, airfare, visas, and daily allowances.

Q20. What is the long-term goal of the Nextwave program?

A20. The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable, inclusive model for global maritime training, enabling cadets from SIDS and LDCs to build successful careers and contribute to the industry.

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