Graduate Trainee Program – Marine Technology

About the role

Transnet is offering a Graduate Trainee Program in Marine Technology for recent high‑school graduates. Trainees will be placed at the Maritime School of Excellence satellite campus in Durban and will rotate through practical training on a range of port‑ and vessel‑handling simulators.

Key responsibilities

• Operate the multi‑million rand Ship Handling Simulator to practice pilot and tug master procedures.
• Use Terminal Operations Simulators, RTG crane, ship‑to‑shore container crane and other equipment to learn real‑time terminal handling.
• Perform maintenance and basic repairs on vessel engines and auxiliaries as a Marine Motorman Grade II.
• Support port and terminal operations as an Operator of Lifting Equipment (OLE) or as a Skipper Port Operations (SPO) for vessels 25‑200 tons.

Required profile

• Grade 12 (matric) with Mathematics and Physical Science.
• Valid Code 8/EB driver’s licence (minimum three years).
• Computer literate and physically fit.
• Willingness to work shifts and in adverse weather conditions.
• Pass pre‑entry and medical examinations, including hand‑eye coordination and height work assessments.

Required skills

• Ship Handling Simulator operation.
• Terminal Operations Simulators (RTG crane, ship‑to‑shore crane, Reach Stacker, Counter Balance, Mobile Harbour Crane, Rail Mounted Gantry, Straddle Carrier, Truck handling).
• Basic engine and auxiliary maintenance (Marine Motorman).
• Computer literacy.

What we offer

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art maritime simulators.
• Training aligned with International Standards Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) criteria.
• Potential career progression within Transnet’s maritime division.