Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) is strengthening maritime education and vocational training with advanced simulation technologies to equip Kenyan youth with practical skills for careers in the shipping industry and the wider blue economy. The Mombasa-based institution is upgrading its training facilities with modern equipment designed to improve practical learning, enhance safety and align its programmes with international maritime standards and evolving labour market demands.
BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr Eric Katana says the academy is committed to developing a highly skilled and competitive maritime workforce as the industry increasingly embraces digitalisation, automation and sustainable practices. Through its pre-sea training programmes and specialised courses, the academy aims to bridge Kenya’s maritime skills gap while preparing graduates for local and international employment opportunities.
Augmented Reality Welding Simulator Enhances Practical Training
One of the academy’s latest investments is the Soldamatic Welding Simulator, an advanced training system that uses augmented reality (AR) to provide trainees with a realistic welding experience without requiring actual metal, welding gas, or other consumables. The technology combines physical welding tools with specialised software and an augmented reality helmet to simulate welding arcs, molten weld pools, sparks and other elements of a real welding environment.
The system monitors critical welding techniques, including torch angle, travel speed and distance from the workpiece. It provides real-time feedback, performance scores and reports, enabling instructors to identify weaknesses and offer targeted guidance. The simulator allows cadets to practise repeatedly in a controlled environment before handling actual welding equipment, helping improve accuracy, hand-eye coordination and confidence while reducing training costs and exposure to workplace hazards.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Dr Katana said the investment would strengthen the practical component of maritime training by allowing cadets to master procedures and develop confidence before undertaking real welding tasks. He added that BMA would continue investing in modern technologies to improve training quality and prepare graduates for the demands of the maritime industry.
Bridge and Cargo Crane Simulators to Strengthen Maritime Competencies
Beyond welding, the academy is expanding its simulation-based training through a full-mission bridge simulator and a gantry cargo crane simulator. The full-mission bridge simulator is designed to support the training of deck officers, nautical science students and other maritime professionals. It provides a simulated ship-navigation environment in which trainees can practise decision-making, navigation procedures and responses to operational challenges.
The gantry cargo crane simulator, meanwhile, is intended to strengthen practical competencies in cargo-handling operations, an important component of port and shipping activities. According to Dr Katana, the technologies will expose cadets to training experiences comparable to those available in advanced maritime learning institutions.
Simulation training is increasingly important in preparing maritime professionals to manage operational risks, security concerns, environmental responsibilities and technological changes across the sector.
South Korea Donates Training Vessel to Support Sea-Time Experience
BMA is also awaiting the delivery of a training vessel donated by the Republic of South Korea, which is expected to provide cadets and seafarers with practical shipboard experience and essential sea-time training. The vessel will be delivered through Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) and is equipped to support practical training across key maritime disciplines.
The donation underscores cooperation between Kenya and South Korea in maritime education, training and capacity development. Access to a training vessel would complement classroom instruction and simulation exercises by giving trainees opportunities to experience real shipboard operations, helping them bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and workplace requirements.
Maritime Training and the Growth of Kenya’s Blue Economy
Established in 2018 after the transformation of Bandari College, which was founded by the Kenya Ports Authority in 1980, BMA is a specialised institution offering maritime education and training. Its programmes include marine engineering, nautical science, seafarer training, safety and other courses relevant to working aboard marine vessels.
The academy’s investments come as Kenya seeks to strengthen the blue economy, which encompasses sustainable economic activities linked to oceans, seas and other aquatic resources. These include maritime transport and logistics, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism and biotechnology. A skilled maritime workforce is essential to supporting shipping, port operations, vessel maintenance and other ocean-based industries. However, access to specialised training and practical experience remains important in preparing young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
By incorporating advanced simulators and expanding practical training opportunities, BMA is seeking to produce graduates with technical competencies that respond to industry needs.
For young Kenyans considering careers in the maritime sector, the developments highlight the growing importance of technical education, hands-on experience and specialised skills in accessing opportunities within the blue economy. The academy says it will continue embracing modern training solutions to prepare graduates for emerging maritime careers in Kenya and beyond.