PONANT Explorations Group has announced an expanded partnership with the Australian Maritime College (AMC) to support emerging Australian seafarers.
Since beginning operations in Australia in 2014, PONANT has been driven by a mission to explore differently and to invest in the regions it visits. That mission now takes a significant step forward, with the company’s Asia Pacific division offering valuable sea-time placements for AMC cadets across its global fleet of small-capacity expedition vessels.
Each luxury and sustainably designed vessel will host up to four cadets at a time, providing immersive, hands-on experience both on deck and in the engine room. Cadets work alongside experienced officers, gaining practical knowledge and mentorship from leaders who often began their own maritime careers as PONANT cadets.
Under the new agreement, up to 30 cadet placements will be available annually, exclusively for AMC students — the only Australian maritime institution offering a university-level degree.
“It is often a challenge for Australian cadets to secure sea time. I am incredibly proud of this initiative as we open our fleet to these future maritime professionals,” PONANT Explorations Group Asia Pacific CEO Deb Corbett said.
“This program allows us to extend our company’s ethos beyond our community of travellers and give back to the Australian seafaring community in a meaningful and lasting way.”
Cadets can now apply for deck and engine positions across PONANT’s award-winning, environmentally advanced fleet, which sails to some of the world’s most remote and remarkable destinations. The program offers real-world experience navigating polar conditions and tropical tides, creating an extraordinary training ground for future maritime leaders.
“For students embarking on a seagoing career, the largest hurdle is often finding an initial sea service opportunity. The cadetships offered by PONANT Explorations are simply fantastic, providing not only that opportunity but doing so within a modern, safe working environment — and with the adventure of a maritime career on a global scale.” AMC Principal Mal Wise said.
Operating under the French flag, PONANT’s fleet meets some of the world’s highest safety, environmental and social standards. For AMC cadets, this partnership represents not just a pathway to completing sea time, but a launchpad for a world-class maritime career.
