Job Description
Mount Kenya University invites applications from experienced maritime professionals for the position of Part-Time Trainer – ECDIS, ARPA and RADAR at the Malindi Maritime Academy. This opportunity is ideal for competent navigation specialists who are passionate about sharing their industry knowledge while contributing to the development of highly skilled seafarers capable of serving in today's technologically advanced maritime environment.
The successful trainer will deliver high-quality instruction covering Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), and Marine RADAR operations. The role combines classroom teaching with practical simulator-based instruction to ensure trainees acquire both theoretical understanding and operational competence required for modern bridge operations. The trainer will work closely with students pursuing maritime certification and professional advancement, helping them understand navigational technologies, collision avoidance techniques, voyage planning, bridge resource management, and safe decision-making during routine and emergency situations.
This appointment requires an individual who appreciates international maritime standards and remains committed to maintaining instructional excellence. The successful candidate will develop engaging learning experiences that encourage analytical thinking, professional discipline, and practical application of navigational systems within real-world operational environments. Training sessions should promote confidence, accuracy, compliance with maritime regulations, and effective use of electronic navigation equipment under varying operational conditions.
Working collaboratively with fellow trainers, technical personnel, and academic coordinators, the Part-Time Trainer will contribute towards curriculum enhancement, instructional innovation, and continuous improvement of maritime education programs. The position also involves reviewing teaching materials, updating simulator exercises to reflect emerging technologies, participating in quality assurance initiatives, and ensuring all instructional activities support internationally recognized competency standards.
The trainer will foster a positive learning environment where students actively participate in discussions, practical exercises, simulations, and performance evaluations. Strong emphasis will be placed on safety awareness, professionalism, environmental responsibility, and ethical conduct throughout every stage of training. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication abilities, learner-centered teaching techniques, and the capacity to mentor trainees from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
This flexible part-time opportunity enables experienced marine professionals to continue contributing to the maritime sector while inspiring the next generation of officers and navigators. Individuals with extensive practical experience, current industry knowledge, and enthusiasm for education are encouraged to apply and become part of an institution dedicated to strengthening maritime capacity across Kenya and the wider region.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive classroom instruction covering ECDIS principles, ARPA operations, marine RADAR systems, and electronic navigation technologies.
- Facilitate practical simulator sessions that replicate realistic bridge operations under varying environmental and operational conditions.
- Prepare structured lesson plans that support progressive learning and measurable competency development.
- Develop training resources, presentations, demonstration materials, and instructional guides suitable for professional maritime education.
- Conduct practical demonstrations illustrating safe operation of navigation equipment and integrated bridge systems.
- Assess trainee understanding through assignments, practical exercises, quizzes, simulations, and competency-based evaluations.
- Provide constructive feedback that supports continuous learning and professional improvement.
- Guide students in interpreting electronic charts, voyage planning procedures, route monitoring, and navigational safety practices.
- Teach collision avoidance principles using ARPA tracking functions and RADAR interpretation techniques.
- Demonstrate proper bridge resource management practices during routine and emergency navigational scenarios.
- Promote compliance with internationally recognized maritime conventions and professional operational standards.
- Integrate safety management principles into all instructional activities and simulator exercises.
- Encourage critical thinking, effective decision-making, and professional judgement during navigation exercises.
- Monitor student attendance, learning progress, assessment outcomes, and practical competency achievements.
- Maintain accurate academic records in accordance with institutional requirements.
- Participate in curriculum reviews to ensure training content reflects technological developments within the maritime industry.
- Recommend improvements to simulator exercises, instructional methodologies, and assessment approaches.
- Collaborate with fellow trainers to coordinate teaching schedules and practical learning activities.
- Support maintenance, testing, and effective utilization of navigation simulators and associated training equipment.
- Report technical issues affecting instructional delivery promptly to the appropriate personnel.
- Participate actively in departmental meetings, professional workshops, and academic quality improvement initiatives.
- Promote a culture of professionalism, integrity, discipline, teamwork, and respect among trainees.
- Mentor learners pursuing professional certification and career advancement within the maritime sector.
- Ensure all learning activities are conducted within approved health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
- Keep abreast of emerging navigation technologies, maritime regulations, and industry best practices.
- Contribute ideas that strengthen the academy's reputation for excellence in maritime education.
- Support institutional initiatives aimed at expanding professional maritime training opportunities.
- Represent the academy professionally during academic engagements and stakeholder interactions.
- Perform any other training-related responsibilities assigned within the scope of the position.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Nautical Science, Marine Navigation, or a closely related maritime discipline.
- Valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (STCW II/1) or a higher certification.
- Current ECDIS certification from a recognized maritime training institution.
- Practical competence in ARPA, Marine RADAR, electronic navigation systems, and bridge operations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of IMO conventions, STCW requirements, and international maritime safety regulations.
- Strong instructional, mentoring, coaching, and learner engagement skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse learners.
- Strong classroom management and assessment capabilities.
- Experience using maritime navigation simulators.
- High level of professional integrity and ethical conduct.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills.
- Strong analytical and problem
- solving abilities.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary academic teams.
- Computer literacy with proficiency in modern learning technologies.
- Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Commitment to maintaining high academic and professional standards.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the official Mount Kenya University online recruitment portal before 4 July 2026. Applications should include an updated curriculum vitae, certified academic and professional certificates, relevant maritime competency documents, and any additional supporting credentials required for the position. Only applicants who fully satisfy the stated qualifications and experience requirements will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Mount Kenya University is an equal opportunity employer committed to merit-based recruitment, diversity, fairness, and inclusion. The University does not charge any application, processing, or recruitment fee at any stage of the hiring process. Applicants are advised to disregard any requests for payment claiming to facilitate employment.