The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies in the College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) joined the School of Life Sciences and the School of Engineering in celebrating World Hydrography Day 2026 through a career exhibition hosted at the Maritime School of Excellence in Durban.
The event attracted approximately 500 high school learners from across KwaZulu-Natal and provided a platform for UKZN to showcase its diverse academic offerings while inspiring learners to explore careers within the maritime and ocean economy sectors.
Following the World Hydrography Day lecture programme, learners engaged with exhibitors representing various disciplines across the University. The Maritime Studies Unit highlighted opportunities in maritime law, shipping, logistics, port management and the blue economy, while the School of Engineering showcased engineering innovation, technology and hydrographic surveying. The School of Life Sciences demonstrated the vital role of marine and environmental sciences in sustainable ocean governance and conservation.
The collaborative exhibition reflected UKZN’s commitment to interdisciplinary education and community engagement while raising awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within South Africa’s growing maritime sector.
Director of the Maritime Studies Unit, Dr Dusty Donnelly said the event provided an invaluable opportunity to introduce young people to an industry that plays a critical role in the country’s economic development.
“World Hydrography Day offers an important platform to expose learners to the vast opportunities that exist within the maritime and ocean economy. Through engagements such as these, we aim to inspire the next generation of maritime professionals and encourage learners to consider careers that will contribute to the sustainable growth of South Africa’s blue economy. UKZN is proud to play a role in developing the skills and knowledge required to support this important sector,” said Donnelly.
The exhibition reinforced UKZN’s commitment to developing future professionals equipped to support South Africa’s growing ocean economy while encouraging prospective students to explore careers in maritime and related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The event left learners better informed about the diverse study and career opportunities within the maritime sector and the important role they can play in supporting South Africa’s ocean economy.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied
