Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Transport General Authority (TGA), in collaboration with the Aramco Marine Training Academy, has officially accredited Najla bint Salman Al-Naimi as the Kingdom's first assistant marine trainer.

This significant milestone, as highlighted in a press release from the authority, marks a crucial step toward the support and qualification of both male and female trainers in the maritime transport sector, aligning with international maritime standards. It also reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to empowering female workers in the maritime industry, in harmony with the objectives outlined in the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.

The press release underscored the importance of boosting women's roles in the maritime sector, providing them with access to primary and practical maritime courses and opportunities to work with maritime companies and ports. The initiative aims to create a conducive environment for their growth and development, adhering to the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended.

According to the TGA, female staff seeking accreditation as marine trainers must complete specialized marine training courses, successfully pass evaluation tests, obtain a Trainer of Trainers course, and undergo a fitness examination.

Al-Naimi has successfully completed rigorous training and testing as a trainer, in addition to specialized maritime courses at the Aramco Maritime Training Academy under the supervision of the Maritime Transport Sector at the General Authority for Transport. These measures ensure that she meets the stringent international maritime training standards.