by Rabia Mathakutha | Sep 21, 2023 | Antarctica, Commemorative Days, Environment, International Days, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Infratsructure, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Uncategorised
The Maritime Interview Series, leading up to World Maritime Day on September 28, 2023, aims to better acquaint us with and honour the seafarers on board the S.A. Agulhas II.
Did you miss Part 1? Click here.
The maritime industry connects countries, facilitates economic growth, enables scientific and research expeditions and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. However, the success of this enormous industry would not be possible without the men and women who sacrifice their time on land to serve our maritime needs.
The Maritime Interview Series Part 2 features Mr Siphosethu Radebe, Third Officer of the S.A. Agulhas II.
What does the Third Officer do on the ship?
The Third Officer, also referred to as the Third Mate, holds the position of a certified Officer In Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW) and serves as an officer under the Second Mate. The Third Officer’s role encompasses a range of crucial duties, from navigational supervision to safety inspections and crew training. When assuming the navigational watch, as the Third Officer, I take charge of the bridge team, oversee the vessel’s maneuvering to maintain safety and course accuracy. The primary responsibility of the Third Officer revolves around ensuring safety on board. This includes conducting thorough inspections of gear lockers, lifeboats, and all equipment, verifying their proper functioning and adherence to safety standards, and overseeing emergency drills. Additionally, as the Third Officer, I play a pivotal role in directing line handlers, supervising cargo watches, managing anchor details, and providing training and guidance to crew members.
Mr Radebe’s Background and Journey into a Seafarer Career
I hale from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and recently joined the S.A. Agulhas II with the vessel managing agent, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL). I obtained my National Diploma in Nautical Studies (previously referred to as Maritime Studies) from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), including in-service training with AMSOL, qualifying me as a maritime officer. I’m a SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) accredited officer after completing several short courses related to health and safety as part of the “Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping” (STCW), as determined by the IMO. My experience as a seafarer extends beyond working on the S.A. Agulhas II, and includes experience on the vessel NOMASA (a Tug that was built in 2006, sailing under the flag of South Africa along the African west coast) and the Fire Fighting Vessel SIYANDA (built in 2010, also sailing under the flag of South Africa). My training included shadowing the First Officer on the S.A. Agulhas II.
What are some of the challenges that you experience in your line of work?
The long working hours and being away from home are challenging. However, this is often compensated by the decent break we receive after finishing a voyage, usually equating to approximately two months at sea and two months at home.
Any advice to someone who would like to pursue this career?
My best advice to anyone interested in pursuing a career in maritime is to work hard in school and be a top archiver, especially in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Part 3 will be shared on 22 September 2023.
Photo Credit: Rabia Mathakutha (South African Polar Research Infrastructure) and Eduan Teich via the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) Archive.
Written by: Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 21 September 2023
Edited by: Anche Louw (South African Polar Research Infrastructure) and Ria Olivier (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa)
by Rabia Mathakutha | Sep 20, 2023 | Antarctica, Commemorative Days, Environment, International Days, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Infratsructure, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Uncategorised
Leading up to World Maritime Day 2023
Every year on the last Thursday of September, nations around the world come together to celebrate World Maritime Day. This international observance aims to highlight the crucial role that shipping and seafaring play in our global economy and emphasise the importance of sustainable maritime practices. World Maritime Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the maritime industry and to promote international cooperation in addressing them.
According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), This year’s World Maritime theme is “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”. The theme spotlights the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which covers the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
Acknowledging the Role of South African Seafarers in the Maritime Industry
The maritime industry is the backbone of global trade. This industry connects countries, facilitates economic growth, enables scientific and research expeditions and plays a vital role in our everyday lives. However, the success of this enormous industry would not be possible without the men and women who sacrifice their time on land to serve our maritime needs. In recognising this, the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) and the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), would like to honour some of our local seafarers working on board the South African research and supply vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II during various marine and Antarctic research related expeditions through the Southern, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. We would like to honour these seafarers in The Maritime Interview Series, leading up to World Maritime Day, on Thursday, 28 September 2023.
The Maritime Interview Series Part 1 features Captain Michael Sibusiso Mdluli, Master of the S.A. Agulhas II.
What is the Captain’s role on the ship?
“As the captain (also known as the Master), I hold the highest-ranking position on the vessel and I’m responsible for various critical tasks. I oversee the navigation, operations and safety of the S.A. Agulhas II, including managing and leading the crew. I have to ensure compliance with regulations and laws, oversee the vessel maintenance and administration, and handle commercial and legal responsibilities. My primary focus is thus on maintaining the safety, efficiency, and overall well-being of the vessel, crew, and cargo throughout its operations”.
Captain Mdluli’s Background and Journey into a Seafarer Career
Captain Mdluli grew up in a small village of Kwathunyana, which is 50 km south of Durban, and currently resides in Kloof, Durban. From humble beginnings as a Third Officer to obtaining the internationally recognised Master’s Certificate of Competency (Unlimited) in 2012, Captain Mdluli has been a seafarer for over 20 years. He has worked as a Master on several cargo vessels before joining the S.A. Agulhas II in 2016, and maintains that his experience on a research vessel such as the S.A. Agulhas II is both challenging and enjoyable. Some of the new and exciting experiences he mentioned about commanding the S.A. Agulhas II were learning how to navigate sea ice, a critical role during SANAE IV expeditions to Antarctica, as well as working with and learning from the scientists and researchers aboard the S.A. Agulhas II during research expeditions.
Captain Mdluli holds a Master’s Certificate of Competency (Unlimited), which makes him qualified to command a vessel of any size in the world’s oceans.
What do you like the most about your job?
“I enjoy travelling, seeing new places, meeting and interacting with different people, and learning from others. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and empowering and inspiring the youth of South Africa”. To this, Captain Mdluli spoke about his involvement in school outreach programmes, where he visits local high schools in KwaZulu-Natal to share his knowledge and experiences as a seafarer.
What are some of the challenges that you experience in your line of work?
“Being away from loved ones and sometimes the long working hours that come with being a captain and overseeing everything and everyone”. He mentioned that he often has to be the last man standing. Captain Mdluli expressed that as much as he enjoys working with people and sees the crew as part of his family and always strives to get to know his crew on a personal level, this also comes with the challenge of dealing with individual personal matters that he is not always equipped to. However, he mentioned that the vessel managing agent, African Marine Solutions (AMSOL), offers counselling for their staff, which helps provide support during long voyages at sea.
Away from home: See the S.A. Agulhas II voyage schedule here.
Advice from Captain Mdluli:
“The best advice I would give to anyone interested in pursuing a career in maritime or wants to become a ship captain one day, is to choose STEM subjects at school (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Furthermore, to work at sea, you must have a positive mindset and show resilience, and most importantly, you must have a passion for it. Therefore, when looking to pursue any career, talk to the people who’ve been there or doing something related, to find out if it’s right for you”.
World Maritime Day reminds us of the vital role that the maritime industry plays in our interconnected world. The maritime industry is also particularly crucial in enabling the science and research in the Antarctic region and Southern Ocean through SANAP. SANAP recognises the global and national importance of safeguarding the environment of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean and protecting the integrity of ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial, in the region.
As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, let us recognise the invaluable efforts of seafarers who continue to navigate the world’s oceans, connecting nations, and powering global trade, science and research.
Photo Credit: Rabia Mathakutha (South African Polar Research Infrastructure) and Eduan Teich via the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) Archive.
Written by: Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 20 September 2023
Edited by: Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure and Ria Olivier, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa
by Rabia Mathakutha | Jul 26, 2023 | Environment, Oceanography, Research, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Infratsructure, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Science, SEAmester
SEAmester – South Africa’s Class Afloat in association with the Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA).
June 2023 saw the success of the 6th SEAmester expedition, a programme aimed at accelerating marine science as an applied and cross-disciplinary field to postgraduate students all over South Africa. Forty-seven science students from institutions across the country made it through the programme and participated in the SEAmester ten-day at-sea practical training course aboard the flagship South African research vessel, S.A. Agulhas II. The programme was led by Prof. Isabelle Ansorge, head of the Department for Oceanography at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and initiator of the programme; and coordinated by Tahlia Henry.
SEAmester is a programme initiated to meet the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) objectives of creating platforms to “attract young researchers to the region and retain them by exciting their interest in aspects of global change”. SEAmester introduces marine science as an applied and cross-disciplinary field to students. The strength of SEAmester is that postgraduate students combine theoretical classroom learning with the application of this knowledge through ship-based and hands-on research.
SEAmester was undertaken in collaboration with ASCA, a science project spearheaded by DSI and the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Egagasini Node. ASCA is a multi-institutional, international collaboration, whose objectives are to determine how the Agulhas Current and its role in the global conveyor belt varies over time by providing the first long-term observations of Agulhas Current volume, heat and salt transport and its variability through seasonal to interannual timescales. To read more about ASCA click here.
Since ASCA provides a large, international programme performing ground-breaking science, and is also being used as a training platform for students, interns and junior staff, teaming SEAmester with ASCA makes an excellent match, one that has worked successfully for all SEAmester expeditions to date.
Students taking photos and soaking in the views as they bid farewell to Cape Town en route to the expedition.
Setting sail
The S.A .Agulhas II voyaged from East Pier, Cape Town on 20 June 2023 to the Agulhas Current, off East London, and docked back in Cape Town on 29 June 2023. The expedition involves running a transect across the core of the Agulhas Current off Port St Johns. The SEAmester VI expedition encompassed a group of forty-three postgraduate students from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country (both inland and along the coast), including, two high school learners from the Northwest School, and two junior scientists from Anchor Environmental Consultants, as part of expending its network and reach.
The first two days of the voyage en route to the ASCA transect gave all on board a chance to settle in and combat their seasickness. Among the bird, mammal and weather observations along the way, the students managed to get further acquainted with life at sea.
SEAmester VI Activities
The students were divided into two module steams, “Tools of the Trade” and “Oceans in a Changing Climate”. Oceans in a Changing Climate focuses on the biological aspect of the ocean, the role of the ocean as a carbon source and carbon sink, the interconnectivity of the ocean with the atmosphere and how it affects life in the sea. Tools of the Trade focuses on various methods of measuring the physical properties of the ocean, using an assortment of instrumentation each comprising highly expensive sensors.
Learning comprised of daily class-room lectures, daily assignments and deck work – running in parallel to the ASCA programme. Students from both streams provided research support to specialist scientists and obtained daily hands-on deck training, data collection, sampling and data analysis. Each student gained experience working with the full suite of oceanographic, atmospheric and biological ship-based instrumentation such as CTD, underway measurements and autonomous devices such as Argo, SVP drifters, as well as experience on biological net tows. Training on data analysis following each dedicated SEAmester CTD station was provided, as well as technical and electronic experience in calibrating and modifying each instrument. In addition, a third stream is offered to all students which is the “Art” stream, this allows students to be creative in tasks such as tiled mosaics, photography, and documenting their cruise through journals and film-making. The students also had to work on a specific scientific mini-project related to their area of interest and the scientific research underway.
The spectrum of lectures included Introduction to Physical Oceanography, Microbiology and DNA, Benthic Environment, Oxygen and Nutrients, Molluscs, Seals and Dissections, Micro-plastics, Blue Economy, Oil spills, Maritime Archaeology, Hydrography, GIS Mapping, Film, Photography, Astronomy, Engineering, Acoustics, and Phytoplankton; presented by highly skilled lecturers and professionals from South Africa’s HEIs and organisations alike.
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Some of the Tools of the Trade students after successfully sampling a CTD after it was brought back on board after a 4 000-metre cast.
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Students doing the Arts stream practical and working on their tiled mosaics to showcase during the night of the exhibition and take home as a souvenir.
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Students getting ready to deploy the Argo float after the excitement of signing earlier in the morning.
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Tanweer Absolom (Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Tools of the Trade student) poses for a photo while busy with an engineering practical offered by Boris Fawcett (Private sector).
SEAmester VI Takeaways
The jam-packed SEAmester and ASCA operations ran smoothly with no issues to report for the entire expedition. The students were dedicated and rose to the challenge and completed their projects timeously. The programme came to an end on the morning of the 29th of June after the students showcased their SEAmester movies about their journey and received their completion of the programme certificates. The students were then treated to a cake by the SA Agulhas II crew. An art exhibition and farewell gathering was held the night before, where students reflected on their journey and the expedition, expressing that SEAmester has been rewarding both educationally and in terms of the network and connections they made. A social braai and themed party were held on one of the last nights, during this time, all the students and staff came together to unwind after all the tasks had been submitted.
With that said, the biggest success of SEAmester remains to be its ability to break down social, cultural, economical, and racial barriers between students and in doing so build the next generation of integrated marine scientists in South Africa.
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As hectic as the SEAmester programme was, students also managed to fit in playtime, seen here interacting with one of the lecturers and crew members.
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Braai night. Students sharing a braai stand with the crew members including the captain of the expedition, Captain Mdluli (5th from the right).
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A reflection of the art exhibition, and one of the testimonials from a SEAmester VI student.
SEAmester-South Africa’s Floating University is a NRF-SANAP funded project. Click on the link below to view all the current NRF-SANAP funded projects.
NRF-SANAP funded projects
Featured Image credit: Associate Professor Svea Josephy, Fine Art (photography) at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town.
Images: Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure; Megan Maroen, Stellenbosch University.
Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 26 July 2023.
by Rabia Mathakutha | Jun 19, 2023 | Antarctica, Current Event, Environment, Important Dates, International Days, Invasion Biology, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Research, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic, Uncategorised
On 19th of June, the world comes together to celebrate World Albatross Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about these magnificent seabirds and the conservation challenges they face. World Albatross Day serves as a crucial platform to educate and inspire action to protect these iconic ocean wanderers. With their graceful flight and important ecological role, albatrosses deserve our attention and concerted efforts for their survival.
South Africa is a long-standing Party to the International Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). The agreement was brought into existence on 1 February 2004. The day also falls on the date of the signing of the Agreement 22 years ago. ACAP has chosen the theme “Plastic Pollution” to mark the fourth World Albatross Day, to be celebrated on 19 June 2023. This follows the inaugural theme “Eradicating Island Pests” in 2020, “Ensuring Albatross-friendly Fisheries” in 2021, and “Climate Change” last year in 2022.
Albatrosses close to home
Multiple species of albatross are found across the Southern Ocean. This includes Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and subtropical waters. These albatrosses breed on sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands including South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Marion Island holds significant breeding populations of four albatross species – the Wandering Diomedea exulans, Grey-headed, Light-mantled Phoebetria palpebrata and Sooty Phoebetria fusca. In addition to this, two other species of albatrosses have been seen ashore on Marion Island – Black-browed and Indian Yellow-nosed Thalassarche carteri. To read more about the “other” two species of albatrosses recorded from Marion Island as uncovered by one of our researchers Kim Stevens, click here.
The Challenges Facing Albatrosses
Albatrosses face a range of challenges that threaten their survival. One of the most pressing issues is longline fishing, where albatrosses can become accidentally caught on fishing hooks, leading to injury or death. Pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species on breeding islands also pose significant risks to their populations. World Albatross Day sheds light on these challenges and promotes measures to mitigate their impact. The pressing threats to Albatrosses in the Southern Ocean include invasive species on breeding islands, most notably, the house mice on Marion Island. Introduced to Marion Island by sealers in the early 19th century, the house mice have been inflicting devastating impacts on the ecology of the island, including killing its native seabirds.
Conservation Efforts and Awareness
The Mouse-Free Marion Project is a registered non-profit company in South Africa, established to eradicate the invasive albatross-killing mice on Marion Island. The project was initiated by BirdLife South Africa and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Upon successful completion, the project will restore the critical breeding habitat of over two million seabirds, many globally threatened, and improve the island’s resilience to a warming climate. For more information or to support the project please visit mousefreemarion.org.
May 2023: Barbara Creecy, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, confirms government support for the Mouse-Free Marion Project in her budget speech.
What can you do?
In keeping with this year’s theme for World Albatross Day “Plastic Pollution”, as an individual you can participate by reducing plastic pollution, organising or joining local beach cleanups, where you can help remove litter and prevent it from reaching the oceans, including minimising the use of single-use plastics. Education plays a vital role in driving positive change for albatross conservation. Increase your understanding of albatross biology, their unique adaptations, the threats they face, and the ecological importance they hold in marine ecosystems by reading some of these selected publications here. By raising awareness and fostering partnerships, we can work collectively to safeguard albatross populations and their habitats.
Let us unite in our efforts to protect these majestic ocean wanderers and ensure a future where albatrosses continue to grace our oceans for generations to come.
YOU CAN HELP SAVE MARION ISLAND’S SEABIRDS
Images: The Mouse-Free Marion Project (text added to MFM poster) and Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA)
Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 19 June 2023
by Rabia Mathakutha | Jun 8, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Commemorative Days, Current Event, Discover, Environment, Important Dates, International Days, Marine Protected Area, Oceanography, SA Agulhas II
Preserving our precious marine ecosystems
Every year on the 8th of June, the world comes together to celebrate World Oceans Day, a global event dedicated to honouring and protecting our vast marine environments. This special day serves as a reminder of the significant role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth and the urgent need to conserve and restore their health. With over 70% of our planet covered by oceans, it is crucial to recognise the immense value they hold and take action to safeguard their future.
World Oceans Day is a day to appreciate the abundant biodiversity that thrives in these waters and reflect on the numerous benefits oceans provide, such as climate regulation, food security, and economic resources.
Event of interest on 8 June 2023
Significance of World Oceans Day
The delicate marine ecosystems face numerous threats, including pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. World Oceans Day emphasises the need to protect and restore these ecosystems through sustainable practices.
Promoting conservation efforts
What can you do?
Individuals can participate by organising or joining local beach cleanups, where they can help remove litter and prevent it from reaching the oceans. By minimising the use of single-use plastics and making environmentally conscious choices, individuals can also contribute to reducing pollution in our oceans.
Recreational diving with a purpose. Cleaning the ocean one dive at a time. Image credit: Thando Mazomba.
Take-home message
World Oceans Day is an annual celebration that reminds us of the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. It urges us to recognise the urgent need to protect and restore marine ecosystems through sustainable practices, education, and policy changes. By coming together on this special day, we can create a collective voice for ocean conservation and work towards a future where our oceans thrive, benefiting both present and future generations. Let us celebrate World Oceans Day and commit to preserving the precious wonders of the deep blue.
On social media
Rabia Mathakutha & Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 08 June 2023
