Blue Economy Newsmagazine Honours Capt. Makhosi Mbokazi as IMO Spotlights Women in Maritime
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) hosts its annual hybrid event at its London headquarters to advance gender equality in the maritime sector, on Monday, 18 May 2026, Blue Economy Newsmagazine has recognized Capt. Makhosi Mbokazi for her pioneering contributions to African maritime.
The Newsmagazine noted that Capt. Mbokazi was the first African female Chief Officer to sail on a 12,398 GRT drill ship in 2018 and South Africa’s first female Surf Pilot-Engineer. This recognition coincides with the 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime, observed under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence.”
Recall that a drill ship is a specialized vessel for offshore oil/gas drilling. A 12,398 GRT ship is large and technically complex. Chief Officer is the second-in-command on the vessel, responsible for cargo, stability, and deck operations. In 2018, no other African woman had held that rank on a drill ship. That makes it a “first” worth noting because it breaks both gender and geographic barriers in a male-dominated, high-skill role.
The Newsmagazine equally celebrates renowned World Maritime University (WMU) Professor Momoko Kitada, who would be awarded the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award on the occasion and launch a new Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital on Monday, as part of activities to mark the 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, the publisher, commended Capt. Mbokazi’s achievement, saying that her feat was a clear example of what happens when policy commitments translate into real opportunities at sea. “Her career demonstrates the talent and leadership African women bring to the maritime industry when barriers are removed,” he maintained.
Dr. Kiyaramo, who is the Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, noted that Capt. Mbokazi’s milestone remains significant for the continent’s maritime sector, where women represent less than 2% of seafarers and face persistent structural barriers to entry and advancement, adding that her career path provides a benchmark for maritime academies, shipping companies, and regulators working to build a more inclusive and competitive industry.
“Captain Makhosi Mbokazi is a trailblazer in Africa’s maritime industry. She made history as South Africa’s first female Surf Pilot-Engineer and the first African woman to serve as Chief Officer aboard a 12,398 GRT drill ship in 2018.
“A graduate of the Durban University of Technology, she holds a National Diploma in Marine Science and a Higher National Diploma in Maritime Studies, specializing in Marine Transportation, along with unlimited Chief Officer and 500-ton Master licenses.
“Beyond her seagoing career, Captain Mbokazi is the founder of Marine Crew Welfare, a digital platform dedicated to promoting and supporting seafarer wellbeing across Africa. With experience spanning container ships, patrol boats, research vessels, drilling vessels, and offshore supply vessels, she is currently the only Black female Surf Pilot-Engineer operating in both Angola and South Africa.
“We congratulate Capt. Mbokazi on this well-deserved recognition. Her story should serve as both inspiration and a call to action for African governments and maritime stakeholders to accelerate inclusive policies and ensure they are implemented in practice,” Dr. Kiyaramo stated.
Meanwhile, the Publisher of Blue Economy News magazine and Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo has commended Chaplain Sean F. Petoors, Head of the Blue and Green Economy Roundtable, Southern Africa and Coordinator of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable in Southern Africa, for elevating Capt. Makhosi Mbokazi’s achievements in the Global Maritime sector ahead of the International Day for Women in Maritime.
Dr. Kiyaramo also praised the Chaplain’s leadership in advancing Blue and Green Economy pathways across Southern Africa.
The International Day for Women in Maritime which was established by the IMO is observed annually on May 18 to celebrate women in the industry and promote recruitment, retention, and sustainable employment of women in the maritime sector.
The Blue Economy Newsmagazine covers developments in Africa’s maritime, ports, shipping, and ocean economy sectors. The publication highlights innovation, policy, and leadership, driving sustainable growth in Africa’s blue economy.
