Mombasa: Youth have been challenged to enroll in maritime courses to tap into the vast, largely untapped employment opportunities in the Blue Economy. Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana emphasized that maritime training offers a practical solution to youth unemployment, noting that the Blue Economy presents diverse career opportunities beyond the traditional perception that it is limited to fishing.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Blue Economy ecosystem is vast and encompasses various sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, renewable energy, tourism, and offshore resource exploration. Dr. Katana pointed out that oceans and seas contain valuable resources such as oil and natural gas that require skilled professionals for exploration and extraction. He stressed that without qualified experts, these valuable resources will remain unutilized.
The CEO further highlighted the significance of the maritime industry to global trade and economic development, noting that more than 80 percent of the world’s trade is transported by sea. He explained that shipping remains one of the most important industries globally due to its critical role in facilitating international trade.
Dr. Katana also clarified that the Blue Economy is not limited to coastal regions but also encompasses inland water bodies, such as lakes and rivers. He explained that this sector includes economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coastal regions, as well as inland bodies of water, creating opportunities not only for coastal communities but also for those living around lakes and rivers.
The BMA CEO further noted that the growth of the cruise ship industry has expanded employment opportunities within the Blue Economy sector. He urged young people to acquire the mandatory basic safety training certification, commonly known as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificate.
Dr. Katana stated that the certificate opens doors for professionals from various fields, including hairdressing, photography, welding, hospitality, and other technical trades, enabling them to secure employment and earn income while working at sea. With an STCW certificate, many young people can access employment opportunities aboard cruise ships, which require personnel from different professional backgrounds.
