The Africa’s Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026 is closing in, a powerful and future-focused conference with a dedicated Career Day for tourism and maritime students on 20 March 2026 at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Designed to connect young talent with real opportunities in the blue economy, the Career Day will form a vital part of the multi-day event that will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from across the continent.
Following the Golf Day on 17 March and the Main Trade Exhibition and Conference on 18–19 March, the Career Day will shift the spotlight toward the next generation of professionals who will shape Africa’s coastal and marine tourism future.
Bridging Education and Industry
The Career Day create a dynamic platform where students, educators, and industry professionals will engage directly on career pathways in:
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Coastal and marine tourism
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Maritime transport and port operations
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Ocean conservation and environmental management
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Marine engineering and technical maritime fields
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Maritime law, governance, and business leadership
With the Department of Basic Education partnering in the initiative, learners will be exposed to structured guidance on subject choices, qualification routes, and future career opportunities within the ocean economy. This partnership will ensure that learners from diverse backgrounds could better understand how to transition from school into specialised maritime and tourism careers.
Nelson Mandela University: A Long-Standing Maritime Education Partner
A key highlight of the Career Day will be the strong presence of Nelson Mandela University (NMU), a partner of the Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market since its inception. The university will showcase its comprehensive range of maritime, ocean science, and marine engineering programmes, reinforcing its role as a leader in developing Africa’s maritime skills base.
Nelson Mandela University Key Maritime Qualifications
Marine Engineering (North Campus)
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Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Marine Engineering – A 3-year degree preparing students for careers as Marine Engineer Officers, focusing on ship systems, design, maintenance, and technical management.
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Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Marine Engineering – Advanced technical studies for marine technologists seeking higher-level expertise.
Maritime Studies & Management
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Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies – Covering port management, maritime law, and coastal development.
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Master of Maritime Management – A 2-year, part-time programme focused on maritime business leadership.
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Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Maritime Studies/Ports and Shipping – Research-driven postgraduate study for specialists in ports and shipping sectors.
Ocean Sciences & Law
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Master of Laws (LLM) in Ocean Governance – Legal expertise for ocean policy and maritime regulation.
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Bachelor, Master’s, and PhD degrees in Ocean Sciences – Including Oceanography, Marine Botany, and Zoology, supporting environmental sustainability in marine tourism.
Short Courses & Online Learning
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Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) MOOC – A free online course available through NMU’s Engage platform, making maritime knowledge more accessible.
Understanding Entry Pathways
Students attending the Career Day will also receive guidance on entry requirements for maritime studies:
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Engineering programmes require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics and a strong Applicant Score.
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Marine Engineering cadetships often have age limits (generally under 21–25).
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Medical fitness, including a SAMSA-approved medical and eyesight test, is required for seafaring careers.
This practical information will help learners and parents understand both the academic and physical requirements needed for maritime professions.
Driving Africa’s Blue Economy Forward
The Career Day will reinforce the broader mission of the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market: unlocking opportunities in the blue economy while promoting inclusive growth and sustainable coastal development. By directly involving students, the event ensures that Africa’s maritime future is not only driven by investment and innovation but also by skilled, informed, and inspired young professionals.
Industry exhibitors, maritime authorities, tourism operators, and education institutions all contribute to making the Career Day an interactive experience, with live demonstrations, career talks, and one-on-one guidance sessions.
A Platform for Hope, Skills, and Opportunity
As the event comes closer, the Career Day will stand out as more than just an educational showcase — it is a gateway to possibility. For many students, it is their first real exposure to the vast career landscape within Africa’s oceans, ports, and coastal tourism sector.
By bringing together government, academia, and industry, Africa’s Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026 proves that building a sustainable tourism future starts with empowering the next generation.
And on 20 March 2026, that future will be in the room. To register for Career Day click here, and for more information visit https://marinetourism.co.za
