Interview of Captain Thulani Dubeko, Vice President of the African Harbour Masters Committee (AHMC)
- Please introduce yourself to our dear readers.
My name is Thulani Dubeko, Harbour Master for the Port of Ngqura in South Africa. I am Vice President for the African Harbour Masters Based in South Africa. This applies to the Southern Region.
- Briefly, tell us the role of a harbour master in a port?
The Role of The Harbour Master is to ensure safety of shipping movements in the Port. They also responsible for security and movement of dangerous goods. Harbour Masters are also playing big in role in search and rescue event including the protection of the environment. They are the Maritime Experts within the Ports leadership.
- When has the African Harbour Masters’ Committee been created and what are its objectives?
The Committee was created about a year ago and confirmed by the International Harbour Masters Association in May 2022.
The Committee has been created as the African committee represented at the International Harbour Master association. It is the African Chapter of the International Body.
The committee brings the African Harbour Masters together to share ideas. The of of the aims is to develop the African ports together lead by the Harbour Masters, sharing the best practice. Be the Maritime voice in AU advising the continent on Maritime matters. Arrange seminars and training for the African Harbour Masters. Develop the Africa youth.
- What are the upcoming activities planned by your association?
There is planned African Harbour Master Seminar in Morocco date to be advised. This is a physical session but there also seminars that will be done virtually.
- Do you have a message for your fellow habour master in Africa?
Its an appeal for the African brothers/sister to work together and we must all strive to share the ideas for the better maritime operations in Africa. Lets all strive to be creative and innovative and develop the next generation of mariners.
Interviewed by Pascaline ODOUBOUROU
