Topaz Marine KSA Co. Ltd has welcomed 25 Saudi graduates from the Faculty of Maritime Studies of King Abdulaziz University (KAU), to receive their practical training on-board Topaz vessels in Saudi Arabia. Topaz Marine KSA Co. Ltd is a fully-owned subsidiary of Topaz Energy and Marine, a UAE based and a leading international offshore support vessel owner.
The Saudi graduates have recently completed the three-month ‘Rating forming part of a Navigational Watch’ training offered by the KAU and sponsored by Topaz. The company is now welcoming the cadets to the next and final stage in the formal training programme, which is a two-month practical work experience on-board Topaz vessels. Subject to the successful completion of the Topaz practical work experience, the trainees will be awarded the STCW AII/4 ‘Certificate of Competency’ by the Saudi Maritime Authorities and will be qualified to work as seamen.
René Kofod-Olsen, CEO of Topaz Energy and Marine said: “We are committed to help develop local talent in Saudi Arabia and make a positive contribution to the Kingdom’s maritime industry, for which we see good growth opportunities. Our practical work experience programme is designed to help passionate Saudi graduates begin a successful career in the Saudi maritime industry.”
The practical experience programme for Saudi graduates is part of a strategic agreement with the Faculty of Maritime Studies of the KAU in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Following a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the KAU in December 2014, Topaz has been providing cadet-seats on board of its vessels, which is part of the formal officer-training program for students graduating from the Faculty of Maritime Studies.
Photo: The trainees along with the staff of the Faculty of Maritime Studies of the King Abdulaziz University and Topaz senior management, Mr. Paul Jarkiewicz, Regional Director – MENA & Subsea, and Mr. Willem de Vries, Country Manager – Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Hattan Timraz, Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Studies at King Abdulaziz University, hands over a plaque to Mr. Paul Jarkiewicz, Regional Director – MENA & Subsea, Topaz Energy and Marine, to commemorate their successful cooperation since 2014.