Diploma in Nautical Science
The Diploma in Nautical Science is a KNEC-examined programme offered at Bandari Maritime Academy, Kenya's premier centre for maritime education, that trains cadets in the navigation and management of ocean-going vessels.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 85,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 255,000 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3 years, full-time, with 6 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
Students study maritime law, applied mathematics, applied science and physics, oceanography, human resource management, and navigation, building the technical and regulatory knowledge required for a career at sea. Skills RequiredMarine NavigationMaritime LawOceanographyCargo and Vessel ManagementApplied Mathematics and PhysicsKey SubjectsCommunication SkillsMaritime LawsApplied MathematicsApplied ScienceApplied PhysicsApplied ChemistryHuman Resource ManagementOceanographyCertificationsStandards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) CertificationKenya Maritime Authority (KMA) recognitionSpecializationsDeck Officer TrackFocus on navigation and vessel command progression from cadet to officer ranks. Maritime Safety and RegulationFocus on maritime law and safety compliance for vessel operations. Skills RequiredApplied Mathematics and PhysicsCargo and Vessel ManagementMarine NavigationMaritime LawOceanographyKey SubjectsCommunication SkillsMaritime LawsApplied MathematicsApplied ScienceApplied PhysicsApplied ChemistryHuman Resource ManagementOceanographySpecializationsDeck Officer TrackFocus on navigation and vessel command progression from cadet to officer ranks. Maritime Safety and RegulationFocus on maritime law and safety compliance for vessel operations.
Kenya's participation in the Blue Economy and its role as a regional maritime hub, anchored by the Port of Mombasa, sustains demand for trained seafarers to serve on Kenyan and international vessels.
Training combines classroom instruction with simulation technology and, for advanced training, onboard sea experience, reflecting Bandari Maritime Academy's status as a Regional Centre of Excellence for the Blue Economy.
Graduates become cadets, progressing after further experience and examinations to 2nd Officer and eventually Chief Officer positions on ocean-going vessels.
The programme suits students who want an internationally oriented seafaring career and are prepared for extended periods working at sea.
What you study
8 subjects- Communication Skills
- Maritime Laws
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Science
- Applied Physics
- Applied Chemistry
- Human Resource Management
- Oceanography
Modules
10 in the programmeSeamanship
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Ship operations and seamanship as applied to nautical science principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Navigation
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Marine navigation techniques as applied to nautical science principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Maritime Laws
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Legal framework governing maritime operations and vessel conduct for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Applied Mathematics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Mathematical principles applied to navigation and vessel operations for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Stability and Construction
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Ship stability and construction covering materials, techniques, safety procedures, and quality standards for construction projects.
Oceanography
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Study of ocean conditions relevant to safe navigation for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Applied Physics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Physics principles applied to vessel stability and navigation for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Cargo Operations
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Cargo handling and stowage as applied to nautical science principles, practices, and professional competency requirements.
Human Resource Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Crew management principles relevant to vessel operations for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Sea Training / Attachment
Year 3Semester 26 creditsCore
Supervised onboard sea experience and practical navigation training for professional practice and competency development in the field.
Specialisations
Deck Officer Track
Focus on navigation and vessel command progression from cadet to officer ranks, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Maritime Safety and Regulation
Focus on maritime law and safety compliance for vessel operations, with emphasis on practical application in Kenyan industry contexts and compliance with relevant national standards and regulatory requirements.
Cargo Operations
Focus on ship cargo handling, stowage planning, cargo care, and cargo documentation for merchant vessel operations within international maritime conventions.
Ship Navigation
Focus on celestial and electronic navigation, passage planning, bridge watchkeeping, and collision avoidance within international maritime navigation standards.
A day as a student
Days combine classroom instruction in navigation, maritime law, and oceanography with simulation-based training using advanced maritime simulation technology, working toward eventual onboard sea experience.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Internationally transferable qualification opening careers on global shipping vessels. | Career requires extended periods away from home working at sea. |
| Access to advanced simulation technology and Regional Centre of Excellence status supports high training quality. | Progression to senior officer ranks takes years of additional sea experience and examinations. |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 332 engineering coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
TUM 85K/yr (tum.ac.ke), TVET 67,189/yr (NENAP). Private unverified.
Students can access HELB loans through Bandari Maritime Academy's HELB regional office channels, supporting maritime education training costs.
Funding options
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
Loan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited diploma programmes.
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Bursaries for needy students from their respective counties.
Scholarships
2 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 20,000Kenyan
Bursaries for needy students from their respective counties.
HELB TVET/Diploma Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students enrolled in accredited diploma programmes.
Scholarships you could apply for
1 usable where it is taught- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C and above, Division III at O-Level, or a six-month-plus certificate from a reputable institution, per some providers.
When it next starts
Taught at 4 institutionsIncluding Railway Training Institute, Kisumu Polytechnic, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
Including Railway Training Institute, Kisumu Polytechnic, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
Including Railway Training Institute, Kisumu Polytechnic, Kenya Coast Polytechnic.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Coursework30% of the mark
Tests across navigation, law, and science units.
Simulation and Sea Training Assessments
Coursework30% of the mark
Practical navigation and onboard training assessments.
Final Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-programme written examinations.
Accreditation
Kenya Maritime Authority
Maritime training regulatory recognitionRequired
Bandari Maritime Academy is an approved Maritime Education and Training (MET) institution recognised by KMA.
KNEC-examined diploma offered at Bandari Maritime Academy, Kenya's Regional Centre of Excellence for maritime skills under the Blue Economy agenda.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesNavigation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 120,000
Navigates merchant vessels, maintains bridge watch, and ensures safe passage of ships in accordance with international maritime conventions.
Deck Cadet
Moderate demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level seafaring role gaining supervised experience aboard a vessel.
2nd Officer (after further examination)
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 150,000
Mid-level deck officer role achieved after further sea experience and examinations.
Port/Maritime Logistics Officer (Shore-based)
Moderate demandKsh 32,000 to Ksh 55,000
Applies maritime knowledge in a shore-based logistics or port operations role.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates become cadets, progressing to 2nd Officer and Chief Officer positions on ocean-going vessels after further experience and examinations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Overhead Transmission TechnicianEngineering10Low exposure
- Desalination Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- District Cooling EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- HighVoltage Substation EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Hydrogen Systems EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Microgrid Control EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Subsea Cable EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
- Traction Power EngineerEngineering14Low exposure
Tools you will learn
ECDIS
Navigation systemPrimary
Electronic Chart Display and Information System for maritime navigation and voyage planning.
Radar and ARPA
Navigation equipmentPrimary
Marine radar with Automatic Radar Plotting Aid for collision avoidance and navigation safety.
GMDSS Equipment
Communication system
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System equipment for ship-to-shore emergency communication.
Ship Simulator
Training equipment
Bridge simulator for ship handling, navigation training, and manoeuvring practice.
Microsoft Office
Productivity
Voyage reports, cargo documentation, safety records, and ship administration.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Nautical science graduates work only within Kenya.
Kenyan-trained seafarers can work internationally on global shipping vessels, subject to international maritime certification.
The career doesn't require ongoing study.
Progression from cadet to 2nd Officer and Chief Officer requires further sea experience and passing additional examinations.