Sixteen Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) trainees at Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) have commenced their practical training, marking a key milestone in their journey towards becoming internationally certified seafarers.
The trainees, drawn from different parts of the country and diverse career backgrounds including hospitality, tourism, engineering, business and other professions, are pursuing careers in the global maritime industry through the Academy’s internationally recognised STCW programme.
Part of the practical training includes close huddling and open huddling, two critical survival techniques used during emergencies at sea.
Close huddling enables survivors in the water to group closely together to conserve body heat, reducing the risk of hypothermia while awaiting rescue. Open huddling, on the other hand, helps improve the visibility of survivors, making it easier for search and rescue teams to locate them.
The hands-on practical sessions expose trainees to real-life emergency scenarios, equipping them with the confidence, knowledge and internationally recognised competencies required to respond effectively to emergencies on board ships.
Bandari Maritime Academy continues to attract trainees from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, transforming them into competent seafarers equipped with the skills and certifications needed to access employment opportunities in the global shipping industry.
Through its quality maritime training programmes, the Academy is playing a pivotal role in preparing a skilled workforce to support Kenya’s growing Blue Economy.
