By: Captain Talib Mohammed
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has strengthened its role in regional and international maritime capacity development following the admission of the first cohort of Marine Pilots from Mogadishu for specialized training at the Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies (IMSS).
The Marine Pilot Training Programme is being delivered within the framework of competency‑based maritime education and training, consistent with the principles of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, 1978, as amended. The programme emphasizes safety of navigation, ship handling in confined waters, local pilotage practices, bridge resource management, and risk mitigation in line with international best practice.
While officially welcoming the delegation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar reaffirmed the University’s status as a national anchor institution for Maritime Education and Training (MET) and its strategic ambition to evolve into the leading maritime university in the region. She underscored TUM’s commitment to quality assurance systems, institutional compliance, and continuous improvement—key pillars underpinning STCW‑compliant training institutions.
Highlighting academic and institutional readiness, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics, Research and Extension), Prof. Gichangi, noted that the Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies possesses the requisite instructional capacity, simulators, sea‑time facilitation, and qualified maritime lecturers to deliver highly specialized professional training beyond initial certification, in accordance with IMO Model Courses and best MET practices.
The Director of the Institute, Capt. Talib Mohammed, assured the trainees of world‑class instruction delivered by Master Mariners and subject‑matter experts with extensive pilotage and seagoing experience. The programme is led by Capt. Ali Abdille, Senior Lecturer at the IMSS and Course Leader for Marine Pilot Training, supported academically by Capt. Suleiman Bakari, Academic Leader—BSc Nautical Science, ensuring coherence between professional competence development and academic rigor.
In her closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to delivering maritime training that supports Flag State and Port State objectives, enhances navigational safety, and contributes to the global maritime safety regime as envisioned by the IMO. The programme marks a significant milestone in regional collaboration, skills transfer, and internationalization of maritime education under the blue economy and maritime industry framework.
