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By Harold Ayodo
Students interested in acquiring a degree in marine science will soon have the option of studying locally.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat) and the Kenya Marine Authority have developed curricula for Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Bachelor of Nautical Science, which the university expects to start soon.
Tutorial fellows
"The new programmes are under review to ensure the teaching, instructions and facilities meet the demands of the international job market," says Vice-Chancellor Mabel Imbuga.
KMA recently projected a shortage of 45,000 marine operation officers and 400,000 seafarers by 2012.
And local universities took note.
Nautical Science entails training of navigators of ships and could be a step to a career as a ships master or captain. Marine Engineering involves the design, construction, installation, operation and support of the systems and equipment, which propel and control marine vessels.
The VC says the professional courses would improve management of ports and other maritime facilities as well as reduce accidents in the seas.
"Marine science graduates would assist formulation, administration and enforcement of maritime laws and regulations," Prof Imbuga says.
The VC says the Faculty of Engineering at the institution has completed preparation of the marine engineering degree course syllabus.
Marine engineers need hands on experience in electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemistry and control engineering.
Others areas include naval architecture, ship design, process engineering, gas turbines and nuclear technology on military vessels.
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