Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) is strengthening Kenya’s maritime education and training capacity by constructing the Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre, a flagship project that supports the country’s ambition to become a leading maritime and Blue Economy hub in Africa.
The Centre will provide internationally recognized training in maritime safety, survival, firefighting, emergency response, rescue operations, and other competencies required of seafarers. Once completed, it will be among the most advanced facilities of its kind in the region, equipped with modern simulation technologies and infrastructure aligned with global maritime standards.
As Kenya seeks to maximize opportunities within the Blue Economy, investment in maritime human capital remains critical. The facility will ensure Kenyan seafarers receive training and certification that meets the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.
“The Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre is not just an infrastructure project; it is an investment in Kenya’s future. It will empower thousands of young Kenyans with globally competitive maritime skills and create pathways to employment across the international shipping industry,” says BMA CEO Dr. Erick Katana.
The Centre will feature survival-at-sea training pools, firefighting simulation units, emergency evacuation facilities, rescue boat operation areas, and specialized equipment designed to replicate real-life maritime emergencies. These facilities will provide practical experience and prepare trainees to respond effectively to challenges at sea.
The project is expected to expand employment opportunities for Kenyan youth by producing internationally certified maritime professionals qualified to work on merchant vessels, cruise ships, offshore installations, and maritime support services worldwide.
“Kenya possesses immense human capital potential. By providing internationally accredited maritime training locally, we are opening doors for our youth to access rewarding careers in the global maritime labour market,” Dr. Katana notes.
Beyond employment, the Centre will strengthen maritime safety standards, improve emergency preparedness, and support the growth of key Blue Economy sectors, including maritime transport, fisheries, tourism, logistics, and offshore energy.
“The Blue Economy cannot thrive without competent and safety-conscious professionals. This Centre will play a pivotal role in developing the workforce needed to drive sustainable growth across maritime industries,” says Dr. Katana.
The facility will also significantly reduce the need for Kenyan trainees to travel abroad for specialized survival and safety training. This will lower training costs, improve accessibility, and allow more aspiring seafarers to obtain the certifications required for international deployment.
Furthermore, the facility is also expected to attract trainees from across East and Central Africa, positioning Kenya as a regional Centre of excellence for maritime education and professional certification.
