Job Description
Mount Kenya University (MKU), through its Centre for Professional Development Services, invites applications from passionate, knowledgeable, and highly motivated maritime professionals for the position of Part-Time Trainer-Nautical Science based at the Malindi Maritime Academy. This opportunity is ideal for experienced seafarers and maritime educators who are committed to developing competent marine professionals capable of serving both regional and international shipping industries.
The Malindi Maritime Academy plays a strategic role in advancing maritime education and supporting Kenya's rapidly expanding blue economy. As global demand for skilled maritime personnel continues to rise, the academy is dedicated to providing world-class professional training that combines academic excellence with practical industry experience. The successful trainer will contribute significantly to preparing cadets with the technical competence, operational discipline, leadership qualities, and ethical standards expected within the international maritime sector.
The successful candidate will deliver engaging classroom instruction alongside practical simulation-based learning covering navigation, seamanship, ship operations, cargo management, voyage planning, maritime safety, meteorology, marine regulations, and navigational technology. The role requires an individual who understands modern maritime operations and can effectively translate real-world experience into practical learning outcomes that prepare students for professional certification and successful careers at sea.
As a part-time trainer, you will collaborate with fellow instructors, curriculum specialists, academic administrators, and industry stakeholders to ensure that all learning activities comply with internationally recognized maritime education standards. You will contribute to maintaining high-quality instructional delivery while supporting continuous curriculum enhancement in response to changing industry requirements, technological innovations, and regulatory developments.
The position offers an excellent opportunity to mentor aspiring maritime officers while helping strengthen Kenya's capacity to produce globally competitive seafarers. Trainers are expected to foster an inclusive learning environment that encourages professionalism, teamwork, safety consciousness, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Practical demonstrations, simulator exercises, case studies, and competency-based assessments will form an essential component of instructional delivery.
Candidates should possess strong communication skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to engage learners from diverse educational backgrounds. Experience in maritime operations, navigational watchkeeping, vessel management, or marine education will provide a distinct advantage. The successful applicant should demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high academic standards while promoting integrity, discipline, and continuous professional development among students.
Mount Kenya University values innovation, diversity, accountability, and excellence. Individuals joining the Malindi Maritime Academy become part of an institution committed to producing graduates equipped with internationally relevant maritime knowledge and practical competencies that contribute meaningfully to the shipping industry, marine safety, offshore operations, and sustainable blue economy initiatives throughout Africa and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality instruction in Nautical Science using modern learner-centered teaching methodologies.
- Teach navigation principles, marine operations, ship stability, cargo management, seamanship, meteorology, and maritime legislation.
- Conduct practical bridge simulator sessions to strengthen operational competence.
- Guide students through chart work, electronic navigation systems, voyage planning, and collision avoidance procedures.
- Develop comprehensive lesson plans aligned with approved institutional learning outcomes.
- Prepare practical demonstrations that reflect real operational maritime environments.
- Design assessments that accurately evaluate theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
- Mark assignments, examinations, projects, and competency assessments within established timelines.
- Provide timely, constructive, and professional academic feedback to learners.
- Mentor cadets on professional conduct, leadership, teamwork, and ethical maritime practices.
- Support students preparing for professional maritime certification examinations.
- Integrate current developments in navigation technology into classroom instruction.
- Promote compliance with international maritime conventions and professional standards.
- Ensure all instructional activities align with STCW competency requirements where applicable.
- Maintain accurate attendance registers, assessment records, and student performance reports.
- Identify learners requiring additional academic support and provide appropriate guidance.
- Participate in curriculum review and continuous programme improvement initiatives.
- Recommend instructional resources that enhance practical maritime education.
- Ensure practical exercises observe established health, safety, and environmental procedures.
- Demonstrate proper use of bridge simulation equipment and navigational instruments.
- Encourage analytical thinking and practical problem-solving during maritime scenarios.
- Facilitate interactive classroom discussions that promote learner participation.
- Collaborate with academic departments to coordinate teaching schedules effectively.
- Participate in departmental meetings and institutional academic activities.
- Contribute ideas that strengthen programme quality and graduate employability.
- Maintain professional relationships with maritime industry stakeholders whenever required.
- Support institutional quality assurance and academic compliance processes.
- Remain informed about emerging international maritime regulations and industry developments.
- Encourage students to maintain professional discipline throughout their training.
- Promote respect, inclusivity, integrity, and professionalism within the learning environment.
- Prepare instructional materials that accommodate different learning styles.
- Assist in organizing practical workshops and maritime skills demonstrations.
- Participate in professional development activities to maintain instructional excellence.
- Uphold the university's academic policies, institutional values, and professional code of conduct.
- Represent the academy professionally during official academic or industry engagements.
- Support initiatives that enhance maritime research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and institutional information.
- Perform additional academic responsibilities assigned within the scope of the position.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Nautical Science, Marine Navigation, or another closely related maritime discipline.
- Valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (STCW II/1), Chief Mate, Master Mariner, or an equivalent internationally recognized qualification.
- Demonstrated sea service experience in commercial maritime operations.
- Previous teaching, lecturing, or maritime training experience will be an added advantage.
- Sound understanding of international maritime conventions and industry regulations.
- Knowledge of IMO Model Courses and competency
- based maritime education.
- Strong practical understanding of navigation systems, voyage planning, and bridge resource management.
- Excellent classroom presentation and facilitation abilities.
- Ability to prepare structured lesson plans and competency
- based assessments.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
- Effective mentoring and student coaching abilities.
- High ethical standards and professional integrity.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary academic teams.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Good analytical and problem
- solving capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital teaching technologies.
- Ability to adapt instructional approaches to different learner needs.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and academic excellence.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who satisfy the stated qualifications and experience requirements are invited to submit their applications through the official Mount Kenya University online recruitment portal before 24 July 2026. Applicants should upload all required supporting documents, including an updated curriculum vitae, academic certificates, professional maritime certifications, valid Certificate of Competency (where applicable), testimonials, and any other relevant documentation requested during the online application process. Only shortlisted applicants whose qualifications closely match the requirements of the position will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Mount Kenya University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, fairness, merit-based recruitment, and inclusive employment practices. Qualified candidates from all eligible backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The University does not charge any application, processing, interview, or recruitment fee at any stage of the hiring process. Applicants are advised to disregard any requests for payment claiming to facilitate recruitment.