Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has held discussions with Wilhelmsen Ship Management General Manager, Mr Craig De Savoye, on sea-time placements and employment opportunities for BMA cadets and graduates.
Wilhelmsen Ship Management runs a cadetship programme that enables cadets to gain practical experience at sea aboard the company’s vessels, with potential employment opportunities upon successful completion of the programme.
BMA has benefited from this programme, with its cadets and officers gaining valuable sea-time experience and exposure to the global maritime industry.
The company operates LNG/LPG carriers, tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, Ro-Ro and car carriers, as well as cruise and passenger vessels. It has provided opportunities for Kenyan seafarers at various levels, including cadets, ratings, and officers.
BMA Assistant Director, Quality Assurance, Mr Michael Njogah, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Eric Katana, commended the programme and called for an increase in the number of sea-time placements available to BMA cadets.
“We request that you provide us with more slots, especially for sea time, so that our cadets can gain the experience they need and improve their chances of securing employment,” said Mr Njogah.
He noted that sea-time experience is essential for cadets to develop the practical skills required by the maritime industry and progress towards professional certification and employment.
BMA Nautical Science Trainer, Ms Winnie Nyambu, urged Wilhelmsen Ship Management to involve the Academy in the cadet selection and interview process. She said BMA’s participation would help identify qualified candidates and enhance the effectiveness of the recruitment process.
Ms Nyambu attributed the preparedness of BMA cadets to the Academy’s Competency-Based Curriculum, which equips trainees with practical and industry-relevant skills.
Mr De Savoye commended the competence and professionalism of Kenyan seafarers and expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with BMA in the training, development, and recruitment of maritime professionals.
The engagement reflects BMA’s efforts to strengthen industry partnerships and expand access to sea-time and career opportunities for its cadets and graduates in the global maritime industry.
