The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) pays tribute to the late Mr. Christopher Adams, a respected colleague and friend whose life and career made a significant impact on the maritime sector.

SAIMI acknowledges the career path that Mr. Adams swam through, which commenced in the galley as a Galley Boy, at Safmarine. He rose through the ranks—UT Steward, Steward, 2nd Steward, Chief Steward, and eventually Purser. It is the dedication and commitment that shaped how he provided the care and welfare of both crew and passengers onboard. Known for his warm personality and genuine care, he developed meaningful relationships with passengers, many of which endured throughout his lifetime.

It is at Marine Crew Services (MCS), a seafarer recruitment, training, and placement agency, that he had joined after the career at sea, where SAIMI forged a formidable bond with Chris, as he played a vital role in the recruitment, training and placement of cadets and crewing of officers and ratings. He possessed an engaging personality who was diligent in recruiting and placing suitable seafarers with leading shipowners, including RK Offshore, Greatship Global, Minerva Bunkering/Aegean, Bourbon, and Sonasurf.

The relationship continued when he joined STC-SA in Cape Town, where he was responsible for managing the Crewing Department. A man dedicated to his calling, he engaged with SAIMI as a partner in supporting cadet sponsorship and placement under SAIMI’s National Seafarer Development Programme (NSDP) wherein he provided opportunities for seafarers at companies such as Hallstrom Holdings and Orca Crew Services. Beyond his formal duties, Chris gave generously of his time and expertise to the Training Department, the company’s cadet training division. With patience and passion, he imparted the wisdom gained from his many years at sea, leaving an enduring impression on aspiring seafarers and shaping the future of the industry.

Chris Adams will be remembered not only for his professionalism and commitment to the maritime sector but also for his kindness, mentorship, and the legacy he leaves through those whose lives and careers that he touched and shaped.