The Oceana Maritime Academy continues to be a cornerstone of capability-building within the Group and beyond—strengthening technical competencies, nurturing leadership, and extending opportunities to neighbouring communities and small-scale fishers.

In 2024, the Academy reached a major milestone by expanding its accreditation, becoming a registered training provider with both the Food and Beverage SETA and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This achievement enables the Academy to deliver its own accredited qualifications, ensuring greater control over programme quality, responsiveness to industry needs, and alignment with Oceana’s transformation and development goals. The first qualification offered under this new accreditation was the Fish & Seafood Processing NQF Level 2 Learnership, which launched in 2024.

The inaugural intake welcomed 28 learners—eight from Amawandle Pelagic and 20 from Lucky Star—marking the start of a journey toward formally recognized, job-relevant skills development for our own employees. Accreditation has strengthened the Oceana Maritime Academy’s ability to deliver high-quality, nationally recognised training that meets industry standards. It enables access to SETA funding and strategic partnerships, while allowing for tailored learning programmes that support career progression and broader economic inclusion—particularly for historically disadvantaged individuals. Additionally, the Academy refurbished a room at the Hout Bay site to serve as a technical skills workshop.

This space is intended to host future skills programmes in partnership with educational institutions—focusing on essential trade skills that create income-generating opportunities and support local economic development.

Through these initiatives, Oceana continues to create a lasting legacy of opportunity, capability, and impact—one accredited learner at a time.