With some of its initiatives already fully operational and some in various stages of implementation, SAIMI has paved a path, and continues to do so, for the successful implementation of Operation Phakisa (Oceans Economy) through the mandate drawn from DHET to coordinate the education and skills development work streams. The outcomes are tangible and there to be seen.

Some of these major initiatives undertaken by SAIMI are:

• The creation of a maritime skills knowledge base which has culminated in skills audits in various sectors such as aquaculture, small harbour, marine manufacturing, oil and gas, marine protection and oceans governance, fisheries and marine transport. This will culminate in the development of a framework for the supply and demand for skills in the maritime sector.

• The promotion of maritime research and innovation which has resulted in the creation of a marine research and knowledge management roadmap. The roadmap has paved the way leading to research in marine information technology, maritime indigenous knowledge systems, oil and gas alternative energy, ocean governance, maritime economics and the promotion of small enterprises participating in the Oceans Economy.

• Skills, education and training co-ordination which has given rise to the setting up of the National Seafarer Development Programme to promote seafarer development in the country, supporting maritime qualification and curriculum development, supporting the accreditation process of aquaculture demonstration centres, as well as the training of skippers, small scale fisheries, Local Economic Development officials and traditional leaders, amongst others.

• Capacity building: maritime bursary schemes and post-doc grants were introduced, capacitation of TVET colleges to offer maritime qualifications, and emerging researchers have also been given support as part of research building capacity for the maritime sector.

• Maritime advocacy: work done includes the definition and measurement the size of the Oceans Economy, maritime awareness programmes, the promotion of the Oceans Economy programmes in coastal cities including proposed development of frameworks for such and participating in the development of an Oceans Economy Masterplan process.

Mtati said as a direct outcome of Operation Phakisa, SAIMI is driving the enhancement of South Africa's capacity for maritime skills development, education, research and innovation which is needed to support the achievement of plans for the Oceans Economy growth.

He said the success of the implementation of the Oceans Economy Strategy will depend on:

• Early identification of challenges and the proposition of solutions
  
• The implementation of plans and the identification of tools and the guidance on how to apply them to build capacity and open new frontiers
  
• Expanding people's horizons and inspiring confidence to own and drive the process for effective execution, including the identification of champions, and lastly and most importantly, collaboration and partnerships of all role-players.