By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has marked another major milestone in Maritime capacity building after 15 of its trainers successfully completed the Sub-Regional Training Workshop on the Train-the-Simulator Trainer and Assessor. The week-long workshop, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), was hosted at the Academy’s state-of-the-art simulation center in Mombasa.
The training brought together 32 participants drawn from across the sub-region, including trainers from Maritime institutions, to enhance their proficiency in simulator-based training and assessment for both deck and engine room departments.
Speaking on behalf of BMA CEO Dr. Eric Katana, Corporate Secretary Said Gongo congratulated the trainers for successfully completing the program. He noted that the training was a significant step towards advancing the full implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
“This program is not just about meeting international standards; it is about transforming the way we teach, train, and mentor the next generation of seafarers. I urge all trainers to carry forward the knowledge and skills they have gained and use them to transform their classrooms, simulators, and institutions,” said Gongo.
BMA Registrar Dr. Irene Mugo emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and urged the trainers to cascade the newly acquired knowledge to students at the Academy.
Representing KMA Director General CPA Justus Omae Nyarandi, Jessica Mbae, KMA Corporation Secretary & Director of Legal Services, commended the collaboration, stating that the training provided an excellent platform for simulator trainers from across the region to sharpen their skills and improve the quality of Maritime education.
IMO Regional Coordinator Capt. Dave Muli lauded the high turnout and active participation of trainers, noting that such capacity-building programs are critical to strengthening Africa’s Maritime human resource base and supporting the growth of the Blue Economy.
