Maritime training in Ostend again
The harbor building of Ostend was the nautical school for decades. Generations of sailors followed a large part of their training there. This came to an end in 1992. But in September, the Maritime Academy will partly return to the sea, with the hydrography course. “It’s an additional part. The hydrographer is the man who is responsible for measuring the seabed. He also makes the nautical charts, hence the importance,” it sounds.
“Keeping maritime talent here”
They exchange the old Maritime School for the Entrepot building, which is still undergoing full restoration. According to the port, which is committed to training in Ostend, this is an opportunity to better keep maritime talents in its own region, confirms chairman Charlotte Verkeyn of the Ostend port. “I think that people do see the dynamics that have been going on in Ostend for a number of years. On the one hand because they also see that a whole cluster of companies is emerging here, but also because there is a potential for students here in that area.”
Link with dredging companies
Many new offshore companies inspire the Maritime Academy to return to Ostend with at least 20 students. “The bond with the dredging companies is quite strong. A survey company also has an important hub here that we work with. It is a very nice initiative for our training.”
In the last 15 years, almost all colleges have disappeared from the coastal city. You can only follow pilot training at the airport. The partial return of the Maritime Academy makes Ostend dream of more.