Bandari: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Katana highlighted that the issue of sea-time is a global challenge and has been a perennial problem for Kenya. The support of Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Honorable Hassan Joho has been instrumental in engaging the right partners and stakeholders to resolve this issue for Kenyan citizens. He further 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.
Jensen remarked that he is impressed with the education and training standards at the academy. He acknowledged that the lack of sea-time is a global problem that prevents many students from becoming officers, not just a Kenyan challenge. He expressed hope that their project with these 10 cadets will encourage others to invest in Kenyan talent, potentially leading to the first Kenyan captain on a foreign ship.
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. She applauded BMA as a training institution that is linking training to seafaring and developing officers for the country, emphasizing the importance of required sea service in creating complete seafarers.
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, expressed gratitude to the institution’s leadership and Danica CEO Captain Henrik Jensen for their collaboration with Kenya Maritime Authority, encouraging 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.
