Expertise France, in collaboration with the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) and with financial support from the European Union, is organizing during April and May 2024 an intensive four-week coxswain training program for two fresh cohorts of 12 officers each, preparing to take on the role of guardians of the fisheries. With a focus on boat handling, engine maintenance, and maritime enforcement procedures, this training equips them to undertake patrols at sea and on lakes, and enforce fisheries regulations effectively.
Setting sail: the importance of a coxswain training
"To be a proficient coxswain, maturity and level-headedness are essential," says Mr. Said Joga Mwatela, Boat Manager at the Kenya Fisheries Service. "You will often find yourself heading onto the water when everyone else is heading off of it." Coxswains are among the key people during maritime operations. As leaders responsible for the safe navigation of boats, they must possess a comprehensive understanding of boat handling techniques, engine procedures, and maintenance protocols.
The four-weeks coxswain training program ensures that each officer is adept at steering their vessel through the unpredictable currents of the ocean, while also ensuring the smooth operation and upkeep of the boat's engines. The curriculum of the training is designed to provide a holistic understanding of maritime operations. From routine public patrols to intricate boarding procedures, officers are trained to handle diverse scenarios they may encounter at sea. This includes both individual skills, such as boarding techniques for officers, as well as leadership skills required for team leaders during boarding operations.
“This training came in handy to equip me with requisite skills as I will be constantly involved in boat operations”, tells John Barraza, one of the constables trained to become a coxswain. “Having completed the safety certificate at the Bandari Maritime Authority, this training is important for me as it will give me an opportunity to become a professional coxswain. I want to thank Go Blue for their effort in offering this training.”
Guardians of the waves: coxswains at the helm of Kenya's maritime security
Beyond teaching technical expertise, the coxswain training also encourages a sense of responsibility and stewardship among participants. Upon completion of the coxswain training program, these officers will be stationed along the Kenyan coast and various lakes (including Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha and Lake Turkana), ready to embark on their mission as guardians of the fisheries. Equipped with the knowledge and skills imparted during this rigorous training, they will play a crucial role in enforcing fisheries regulations, combating illegal fishing activities, and preserving the marine ecosystem for future generations.
