Twenty local persons received further insight on employment opportunities available in the maritime industry following a presentation by Virgin Islands Shipping Registry and SVITZER Americas.

The presentation was held on December 4, and highlighted the opportunities available for persons seeking a maritime career, and how this would be done through the company’s local office, in collaboration with the Shipping Registry and the School of Marine Studies at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. 

Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR), Captain Raman Bala stated, “This is a very fine example of the successful model of private/public partnership. A need in the private sector was identified, and the government bodies concerned responded to address that need. This resulted in an idea that has been converted into a successful project. The VISR is looking forward to working with the maritime community to address their needs in a pragmatic manner.”

A SVITZER office was first established in the Territory in May, and the company has now started to coordinate its regional operations from the British Virgin Islands which includes recruiting potential seafarers to work on its vessels in some of the nearby Caribbean islands. SVITZER has provided safety and support at sea since 1833.

The company is a global market leader in towage and emergency response with a fleet of 430 vessels in 100 locations worldwide, and is keen on growing their operations in this region of the world. SVITZER is one of the largest fleet owners of tugs and has already completed registration of the four of its tugs, in the Virgin Islands.