Ten cadets from Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) are set to commence a six-month sea-time training programme under a strategic partnership between the Academy and global ship management company Danica Crewing Specialists.
The cadets were officially flagged off today during a ceremony held at Bandari Maritime Academy, an event graced by BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana and Danica Crewing Specialists Chief Executive Officer Henrik Jensen, alongside key stakeholders in maritime education and regulation.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Katana reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to addressing the long-standing challenge of sea-time placement for maritime students pursuing Marine Engineering and Nautical Science.
He noted that the collaboration with Danica is a major milestone in BMA’s efforts to produce competent, globally competitive seafarers by ensuring cadets acquire the mandatory practical sea-time required for certification and career progression.
“This partnership goes beyond training; it is about securing the future of our young maritime professionals. Sea-time remains a critical component of maritime training, and we are grateful to Danica for opening doors for our cadets to gain invaluable onboard experience on internationally trading vessels,” said Dr. Katana.
On his part, Henrik Jensen lauded Bandari Maritime Academy for its dedication to quality maritime education and expressed Danica’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of seafarers.
He emphasized that the cadets will be exposed to real-world ship operations, international safety standards, and professional shipboard culture, which are essential in shaping disciplined and skilled maritime officers.
Representing the Deputy Director, Maritime Education and Training, Chief Engineer Titus Kilonzi, Senior Principal Nautical Science Trainer Major (Rtd) Frankline Toniok encouraged the cadets to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity while at sea, reminding them that they are ambassadors of the Academy and the country.
Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Assistant Director, Maritime Labour Josephine Nthia, underscored the Authority’s support for structured sea-time training programmes, noting that such initiatives are vital in ensuring compliance with international maritime conventions, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).
On behalf of the cadets, Engine Cadet Franklin Kagechu and Deck Cadet Marion Madzo expressed their gratitude to Bandari Maritime Academy, Danica Crewing Specialists, and all partners involved for the opportunity.
They pledged to remain committed, hardworking, and disciplined as they embark on this crucial phase of their maritime careers.
The six-month sea-time training will see the cadets deployed on ocean-going vessels, where they will gain hands-on experience in ship operations, safety procedures, and maritime professionalism an essential step toward their certification and future employment in the global maritime industry.
