The Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies (IMSS) at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) successfully convened a workshop in Kilifi to develop Marine Pilot Training Class III course materials and instructor guides. This milestone initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to strengthening maritime education and advancing the Blue Economy agenda.

"This workshop marks a significant step in building Kenya’s capacity to train competent marine pilots who meet international standards. By engaging stakeholders across academia, industry, and government, IMSS is ensuring that our training programs are both globally compliant and regionally relevant.” — Capt. Talib Ibrahim, Director, IMSS

The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Extension who is also the Medical Officer of the Institute highlighted the University’s vision and positioning of TUM as the Maritime University of choice.  The curriculum development spearheaded by the Chairperson of the TUM IMSS Maritime Research, Innovation and Liaison Committee (MaRIL), Captain Suleiman Bakari, incorporates IMO Resolution A.960, STCW, SOLAS, ISM, ISPS, and MARPOL standards into the training. The Curriculum standardized as Marine Pilot Class III is tailored Mogadishu’s port operations. 

The Marine Pilot Class III course is delivered under the leadership of Capt. Ali Abdille – Senior Lecturer TUM IMSS, a seasoned Master Mariner, former Senior Marine Pilot and immediate former Harbour Master KPA

The Director Quality Assurance Dr. Sylvia Mutua lauded the initiative to enhance competence-based training and assessment in the maritime programs specifically with the development of the Instructor Guides, structured teaching resources including lesson plans, simulation scenarios, and assessment rubrics.

This workshop marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s maritime education journey, positioning IMSS as a regional centre of excellence for pilotage training.