By John Ndegwa / BMA
On the shimmering waters of the East Africa–Middle East route, one Kenyan mariner is quietly making history not just for himself, but for the future of Maritime training in Kenya.
Maj. (Rtd) Franklyne Toniok, Senior Principal Trainer at Bandari Maritime Academy’s School of Nautical Science, has swapped his classroom lectern for the helm of a cargo ship, serving as Chief Mate aboard one of Farus Shipping’s vessels. This sea service marks a critical step in his journey toward attaining the prestigious Master Mariner’s license, the highest professional qualification a ship captain can hold.
Maj. (Rtd) Toniok, says the journey is more than just a career requirement, it is a calling.
“As Chief Mate, my role is demanding but rewarding, I am responsible for ensuring operational safety, preparing cargo plans, maintaining ship stability, implementing the Safety Management System, and overseeing navigation and watchkeeping. As the second-in-command, I also support the Master in running the ship from operations to administration. Every day is a test of skill, leadership, and resilience.” Maj. (Rtd) Toniok explained.
This hands-on experience is a mandatory requirement under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, which sets global benchmarks for Maritime safety and competence. It ensures that senior officers like Maj. (Rtd) Toniok gain real-world exposure to navigation challenges, crew leadership, emergency response, and operational decision-making, all of which are vital before taking full command as Master.
Behind this personal milestone is a bigger story the vision of Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) under the leadership of BMA CEO Dr. Eric Katana, where it is giving its trainers the opportunity to build their professional credentials through real-world sea service, BMA is investing in its greatest strength: its people.
This strategic move means that when Maj. (Rtd) Toniok returns, he will bring back not just technical expertise but lived experience, the kind that cannot be taught from textbooks alone. His stories, lessons, and mentorship will ripple through classrooms and simulators, inspiring the next generation of Kenyan seafarers to aim higher.
“I am deeply grateful to the Academy for making this possible. The successful completion of this sea service will make me eligible for Master Mariner’s training and assessment. I know the journey isn’t easy, but I trust through God’s grace, I will conquer it. I urge my fellow seafarers to believe in themselves. Some hurdles may seem impossible at first, but the moment you take that first step, mountains flatten and valleys fill up.” Maj. (Rtd) Toniok added.
For Kenya’s maritime industry, this is more than just one man’s accomplishment. It is a symbol of how BMA is elevating maritime education to global standards and contributing to the nation’s Blue Economy goals.
