South African Naval College

The South African Naval College is a military training facility located in Saldanha that educates naval officers through specialized programs. The institution uses the local bay for practical training while classroom instruction focuses on maritime knowledge and operational skills.

The college traces back to HMS Thames, a vessel that arrived in 1885 and became TS General Botha in 1920. This training platform eventually led to the establishment of a permanent shore-based institution for naval officer education.

The college maintains strong connections with naval traditions through joint operations and training exercises with neighboring African maritime forces.

The institution sits in a port town with good accessibility and accommodations nearby for visitors. Access to the facilities may be restricted, so checking for permission beforehand is advisable.

The facility originated from a floating training ship and maintains those maritime roots in its modern officer education. This connection between a traditional sailing vessel and contemporary military training makes the location historically distinctive.