Bandari Maritime Academy has flagged off 10 cadets to various shipping lines globally in partnership with Danica Crewing Agency, marking a significant step towards addressing the persistent sea-time challenge facing Kenya’s maritime education sector.
Speaking during the flagging off ceremony on Monday, BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr Eric Katana said the academy currently has 120 cadets in its database requiring mandatory sea-time opportunities, a problem that has hindered the completion of maritime training in the country.
“The issue of sea-time is a global challenge that has been a perennial problem for Kenya. With the support of Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Honorable Hassan Joho, we have engaged the right partners and stakeholders to solve this problem for our citizens,” Dr Katana said.
He revealed that 43 cadets are currently aboard various vessels, seven have completed their sea-time and disembarked, and the 10 being flagged off will undertake a 12-month mandatory sea-time requirement split into two six-month periods.
The CEO emphasized that Bandari Maritime Academy remains the only institution in Kenya that not only trains maritime students but also actively seeks placement opportunities for its trainees, noting that maritime education remains incomplete without the mandatory sea-time component.
Danica Crewing Agency CEO Henrik Jensen commended the quality of training at the academy and expressed confidence in Kenya’s maritime potential.
“I am very impressed with the education and training standards here. The lack of sea-time is a problem that prevents many students globally from becoming officers, it’s not just a Kenyan Challenge. I hope our project with these 10 cadets will encourage others to invest in Kenyan talent. Hopefully one of these cadets will become the first Kenyan captain on a foreign ship one day,” Jensen said.
The challenge of sea-time has persisted due to Kenya’s lack of a training ship, forcing the country to rely entirely on partnerships with shipping companies for placement slots.
To address this gap, the academy has signed Memoranda of Understanding on Certificate of Competence under Regulation 1/10 of the STCW Convention with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dominican Republic, Republic of Palau, Republic of Panama, and Republic of Liberia. Advanced talks are ongoing with Singapore for similar recognition.
Kenya Maritime Authority Assistant Director for Maritime Labour Josephine Nthia lauded the initiative, stating that academic studies alone cannot produce complete seafarers without the required sea service.
“We applaud BMA as a training institution that is linking training to seafaring and developing officers for this country. Required sea service is what makes a seafarer complete,” Nthia said.
BMA Deputy Director for Corporate Services Evans Oyeiyo assured prospective students that the academy goes beyond classroom training to secure practical opportunities for graduates.
Engine Cadet Franklin Kagechu, one of the flagged-off cadets, thanked the institution’s leadership and Danica CEO Captain Henrik Jensen for the collaboration with Kenya Maritime Authority, urging fellow youth to join the maritime field.
Deck Cadet Marion Madza pledged that the cadets would represent the academy with excellence and return with positive results, crediting CS Joho’s support for making the opportunity possible.
Senior Principal Nautical Trainer Major (Retired) Franklin Toniok described the moment as a proud one for seafarers, urging the cadets to serve as ambassadors and conquerors who would create opportunities for others through their excellence.
By Sitati Reagan
