The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has achieved a significant milestone for both the University and the country following the successful completion of a three-month Marine Pilot Training Programme, becoming the first institution in the region to train and graduate Marine Pilots under a competency-based professional programme.
Delivered through the Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies (IMSS), the programme equipped the trainees with advanced competencies in ship handling, pilotage operations, bridge resource management, navigational safety and risk mitigation.
The training combined classroom instruction with simulation-based learning, field visits and practical excursions, including a tour of the Port of Mombasa and the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Centre, providing participants with practical exposure to real-world pilotage operations. The programme was coordinated by the Director of the Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies, Capt. Talib Mohammed.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar described the achievement as a proud milestone for both the University and the country. She noted that marine pilots play a critical role in ensuring the safe navigation of ships and observed that seamanship was among the disciplines upon which the institution was established, making the University's contribution to marine pilot training a natural progression of its maritime heritage. She encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, continually perfect their skills and exceed expectations as they advance in their careers, while always upholding the highest standards of safety.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics, Research and Extension), Prof. Gichangi, thanked the Mogadishu ALPort Management for the confidence they had placed in TUM, affirming that they had chosen the right institution for the training. He described the programme as an important milestone and the first Class III Marine Pilot training of its kind in the region. He encouraged the graduates to return for Class II and Class I training and to apply the knowledge and skills acquired for the benefit of the people of Somalia and the wider maritime sector.
On behalf of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Capt. Suleiman Bakari, Senior Marine Pilot, Chief Pilot at KPA and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at TUM, who attended the graduation ceremony alongside a KPA delegation, noted that maritime practitioners were actively involved in developing the Marine Pilot Training curriculum to ensure it reflected current operational realities and industry requirements. He reaffirmed KPA's commitment to continued collaboration with TUM in strengthening maritime education and professional training. The KPA delegation included Captain Habib Mahmud, Manager Pilotage, VTS and Port Inspectorate who represented the Harbour Master KPA, Capt. Gandhi, Senior Marine Pilot and Capt. Mohammed Mbarak, Senior Marine Pilot.
Also in attendance were Chief Pilot Capt. Abdulqadir from Mogadishu, Capt. Ali Abdille, Senior Lecturer at TUM who played a key role in the development and delivery of the programme, the University's Director of Quality Assurance, and other members of the University's senior management.
A representative of the graduating trainees expressed appreciation to TUM, the facilitators and industry partners for the warm welcome and the quality training received throughout the three-month programme.
Mr. Saadun of Alport Mogadishu also conveyed his sincere appreciation to the University for its hospitality and professionalism in delivering the programme.
The graduation marks another milestone in TUM's growing contribution to regional maritime capacity building and reinforces its position as a leading institution in Maritime Education and Training, supporting safe navigation, professional excellence and the advancement of the blue economy.
