Hami, an Ethiopian national, is among the recent trainees undertaking the STCW Basic Safety Training Course at Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.
With two bachelor’s degrees—one in Hotel and Tourism Management and another in Business Management—Hami had long dreamed of pursuing a career at sea. Today, that dream is becoming a reality after enrolling at Bandari Maritime Academy.
Driven by his desire to work in the maritime industry, particularly aboard cruise ships, Hami travelled to Kenya to undertake the six-day STCW Basic Safety Training Course at the Academy.
The distance between Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, is approximately 1,054 kilometers (about 655 miles). However, the distance did not deter Hami from choosing Bandari Maritime Academy, which he considers one of the leading maritime training institutions in the East African region.
“I followed Bandari Maritime Academy closely through its social media platforms, and the way the Academy conducts its STCW Basic Safety Training convinced me that it was the best place for me to train,” Hami said.
According to Hami, his experience at the Academy has exceeded his expectations. He particularly commended the institution’s well-equipped training facilities and competent instructors.
“What I have experienced here is special. I must say that Kenya has invested in the infrastructure and facilities needed to support Bandari Maritime Academy in advancing its mandate and contributing to the growth of the Blue Economy,” he said.
Hami has encouraged Kenyan youth to take advantage of the opportunities available at Bandari Maritime Academy and acquire the skills and qualifications needed to pursue careers at sea.
He also urged prospective seafarers from other countries to consider Bandari Maritime Academy for their maritime training needs.
For Hami, the journey from Ethiopia to Mombasa is more than just a trip across borders—it is a step towards fulfilling his dream of building a career in the global maritime industry.
