Job Description
Mount Kenya University (MKU), through its Malindi Maritime Academy under the Centre for Professional Development Services, is inviting applications from highly motivated and experienced maritime professionals for the position of Part-Time Trainer – Coxswain. This opportunity is designed for individuals who possess practical maritime expertise and a passion for developing competent seafarers capable of meeting both national and international maritime standards. The successful candidate will contribute to delivering practical and competency-based maritime instruction that equips learners with the technical skills, safety awareness, and professional discipline required for careers within the growing blue economy.
The Malindi Maritime Academy is dedicated to advancing maritime education by combining modern instructional methods with extensive hands-on practical training. As a Part-Time Trainer – Coxswain, you will participate in delivering practical vessel operations, navigational exercises, marine safety instruction, emergency response training, and seamanship activities while supporting students throughout their learning journey. The position requires an individual who demonstrates excellent judgment, professionalism, leadership, and a strong commitment to maintaining safe operational environments during all practical training sessions.
Working closely with academic staff and maritime instructors, the successful candidate will assist in organizing practical demonstrations, supervising vessel movements, maintaining operational readiness of training equipment, and ensuring compliance with established maritime safety procedures. The trainer will also mentor students by promoting responsible seamanship, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and adherence to maritime regulations. Practical instruction will emphasize real-world operational scenarios, preparing trainees for employment within commercial shipping, fisheries, offshore operations, marine tourism, port services, and other maritime sectors.
The role demands exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and a proactive approach to identifying operational risks before they develop into safety concerns. Candidates should be comfortable working in dynamic outdoor environments and possess the ability to transfer practical knowledge to learners with varying levels of experience. Continuous improvement, professionalism, and dedication to learner success are fundamental expectations for this position.
Mount Kenya University values integrity, innovation, diversity, inclusivity, and academic excellence. The university provides an environment where experienced professionals can make a meaningful contribution to maritime education while supporting the development of Kenya's skilled workforce within the blue economy. This part-time opportunity offers flexibility for qualified maritime practitioners who wish to combine professional experience with teaching responsibilities and contribute to shaping future maritime professionals.
Applicants who possess relevant qualifications, demonstrated sea service experience, and a genuine passion for maritime training are encouraged to submit their applications. Joining the MKU Maritime Academy provides an opportunity to become part of an institution committed to producing competent graduates capable of serving the regional and global maritime industry with professionalism, technical excellence, and unwavering commitment to safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver practical instruction in coxswain operations using approved maritime training methodologies.
- Guide trainees during vessel navigation exercises in accordance with recognized maritime safety standards.
- Supervise practical learning sessions to ensure safe participation by all students.
- Demonstrate proper vessel handling techniques under varying operating conditions.
- Assist trainers in organizing practical maritime demonstrations and simulation exercises.
- Conduct pre-departure safety inspections before every practical training exercise.
- Ensure vessels remain fully operational and prepared for instructional activities.
- Monitor weather conditions and assess operational risks before launching training exercises.
- Perform routine inspections of engines, navigation equipment, communication devices, and safety systems.
- Identify technical faults affecting vessels or equipment and promptly report maintenance requirements.
- Coordinate minor maintenance activities to ensure uninterrupted training schedules.
- Maintain cleanliness and operational readiness of training vessels and supporting equipment.
- Verify that lifesaving appliances, firefighting equipment, and personal protective equipment remain available, functional, and compliant with safety requirements.
- Demonstrate emergency response procedures including evacuation, fire suppression, rescue operations, and man-overboard recovery techniques.
- Lead practical safety drills while reinforcing compliance with established maritime procedures.
- Promote safe boating practices and environmental conservation during all instructional activities.
- Mentor learners on professional conduct, teamwork, communication, and responsible seamanship.
- Encourage discipline, punctuality, accountability, and ethical behavior among trainees.
- Support competency-based assessment activities by observing learner performance objectively.
- Maintain accurate training records, equipment inspection logs, attendance registers, and operational documentation.
- Assist academic staff in preparing practical learning materials and instructional resources.
- Ensure compliance with institutional regulations governing maritime practical training.
- Report incidents, hazards, equipment failures, and safety observations through appropriate reporting channels.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives designed to strengthen maritime training quality.
- Support implementation of occupational health and safety procedures across all training environments.
- Communicate effectively with instructors, students, technicians, and academy management.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding institutional information and student records.
- Demonstrate professionalism when representing the academy during training activities.
- Stay informed about current maritime regulations, industry developments, and emerging best practices.
- Participate in departmental meetings, planning sessions, and professional development activities whenever required.
- Foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages student confidence and practical competence.
- Perform additional maritime training responsibilities reasonably assigned within the scope of the position while maintaining the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, and instructional quality.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Coxswain I Certificate from a recognized maritime training institution.
- Minimum of 2
- 3 years of verified sea service.
- Previous teaching, coaching, mentoring, or maritime training experience is highly desirable.
- Sound knowledge of vessel handling and navigation principles.
- Strong understanding of maritime safety regulations and operational procedures.
- Practical experience with marine firefighting and lifesaving equipment.
- Knowledge of emergency preparedness and incident response.
- Ability to diagnose and report technical vessel faults.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and learner engagement abilities.
- Ability to supervise practical field exercises safely.
- Strong record
- keeping and documentation skills.
- Good organizational and planning abilities.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Physical fitness suitable for marine operational environments.
- Strong problem
- solving and decision
- making skills.
- Computer literacy for basic reporting and administrative tasks.
- Commitment to promoting a positive learning culture.
How to Apply
Interested and suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications through the official Mount Kenya University online recruitment portal before 24 July 2026. Applicants should upload a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, applicable maritime certifications, national identification documents, and any other supporting documentation requested during the application process. Only applicants who satisfy the stated qualifications and experience requirements will be shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in interviews, technical assessments, practical demonstrations, or document verification. Mount Kenya University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, fairness, and merit-based recruitment. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, age, disability, or background. The University does not charge any application, interview, recruitment, or placement fee at any stage of the hiring process. Applicants should disregard any requests for payment claiming to facilitate recruitment. Applications received after the stated closing date or submitted through unauthorized channels may not be considered. Early applications are encouraged to allow sufficient time for review before the recruitment deadline.