Seafarers Union Advocates for Lower Training Fees to Boost Maritime Sector

MOMBASA, Kenya — The Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) has called on the government to lower the costs associated with The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) training to make it more accessible for young Kenyans interested in maritime careers. The union highlighted that the high cost of this mandatory maritime course, currently priced at Sh35,000 for a ten-day training at the Bandari Maritime Academy, is prohibitive for many youths, effectively barring them from securing employment on international vessels.

According to Kenya News Agency, Atie Swaleh, during a consultative meeting with seafarers in Mombasa, reducing the training fees to Sh20,000 would significantly increase job opportunities for Kenyan seafarers on foreign ships. Swaleh also addressed the need for the harmonization of seafarers’ salaries to protect them from exploitation by foreign vessel operators, who often pay Kenyan seafarers less than their counterparts from other countries.

The call for fee reduction and wage standardization comes after years of leadership disputes within the union, which had impacted its operations. With a renewed commitment to collaboration with the government, the new leadership aims to secure benefits for its members from government interventions in the blue economy.

SUK Chairman Mwalimu Chii emphasized the importance of unity among seafarers to realize their career ambitions and noted that ship companies are increasingly seeking nominations of personnel from the union. Chii also advocated for mentorship, encouraging senior seafarers to guide the younger generation.

In support of this initiative, Kenya Coast Blue Economy (KECOBE) Chairman Mbwana Abdalla announced the establishment of the Coast Blue Economy Training Institute (COBETI) in Old Town, which will offer maritime courses to young individuals. The institute aims to address the impending gap created by the aging workforce in the maritime sector, ensuring that the youth obtain necessary certifications for employment on vessels.

The efforts by SUK and KECOBE represent a significant step towards enhancing the maritime sector’s attractiveness and accessibility to the youth, ensuring a vibrant future for Kenya’s blue economy.