IMO Opens Global Pipeline for Maritime Cadet Training
The program provides shipping operators with a standardized pathway to train at least 30 new maritime cadets by early 2027.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Internships
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The International Maritime Organization has opened nominations for the second phase of its NextWave Seafarers initiative, which provides seagoing experience to cadets from developing countries. At least 30 cadets will undergo training on Bahri-operated vessels as part of a push to address global seafarer shortages.
Why it matters
The program removes financial and logistical barriers for maritime operators by standardizing cadet training berths and funding. By building this training pipeline, the initiative aims to stabilize the supply of future officers for the global shipping workforce.
At least 30 cadets from developing countries will receive training under the second phase of the NextWave Seafarers initiative. Eligible nations may nominate up to two candidates for the program, which provides up to 6 months of seagoing service on ships operated by Bahri.
The players
International Maritime Organization
The United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.
Bahri
A global maritime logistics company headquartered in Saudi Arabia that operates a large fleet of tankers and cargo vessels.
The details
To participate, candidates must be over 18, hold valid seafarer documentation, and pass safety, security, and English proficiency testing. Once nominated by their respective maritime administrations and endorsed by a senior official, selected cadets sign a direct trainee contract with the partner operator, Bahri. The ship operator assumes responsibility for travel, visas, and stipends, while the International Maritime Organization provides a daily subsistence allowance for cadets in transit.
Timeline
20 November 2026: Global workshop held at IMO headquarters in London.
31 December 2026: Deadline for submission of nominations.
Market Landscape
This program aligns with the global requirements set forth by the STCW Convention regarding the training and certification of merchant marine personnel. It marks a shift toward public-private partnerships to solve entry-level labor gaps that traditional training models have struggled to fill.
Maritime operators should track the graduation of this cohort as a potential new source of qualified officer talent for their own crewing needs. Businesses should also monitor the expansion of these private-public training models as a potential framework for future collaborative workforce development.
The takeaway
The IMO initiative creates a replicable model for easing the entry-level bottleneck in maritime careers through structured private-sector cooperation. Operators should review their regional maritime administration's nomination process before the December 31 deadline if they are looking to sponsor or support candidate participation.
Further reading
For more on industry-led career development programs, see our latest coverage on Internships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maritime Review.
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