Kenya
- Who issues it
- Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), or an agency designated by KMA for small-vessel certification.
- Minimum age
- 16 years
- Buoyage
- IALA region A
Do you need a licence?
Yes, a certified skipper must operate or constantly guide a sailboat from 9 metres or a motorboat over 15 hp, at sea and inland.
You don't need one for:
- a sailboat below 9 metres
- a motorboat up to 15 hp
- a qualifying tender
The rule applies to pleasure boats under 100 GT. Certificates start at 16, with supervised-use exceptions.
Certificate of competence (pleasure vessel)
From 16- What it lets you do
- You can use pleasure boats under 100 GT, provided the boat type, power, propulsion and operating area match your certificate and its endorsements.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Professional deck titles
Rating forming part of a navigational watch
STCW II/4- What it lets you do
- You can support the navigational watch on seagoing ships of 500 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Able seafarer deck
STCW II/5- What it lets you do
- You can work as a qualified deck rating on seagoing ships of 500 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages
STCW II/3- What it lets you do
- You can take charge of the bridge watch on seagoing ships under 500 GT on near-coastal voyages.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more
STCW II/1- What it lets you do
- You can take charge of the bridge watch on seagoing ships of 500 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages
STCW II/3- What it lets you do
- You can command seagoing ships under 500 GT on near-coastal voyages.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Master and chief mate on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- Separate master and chief mate certificates cover ships from 500 GT to under 3,000 GT and ships of 3,000 GT or more.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Radio certificates
GMDSS restricted operator's certificate
ROC- What it lets you do
- You can carry out GMDSS distress and safety radio duties on ships operating only in sea area A1.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
GMDSS general operator's certificate
GOC- What it lets you do
- You can carry out GMDSS radio duties on ships in sea areas A2, A3 and A4.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Ready to study for it?
The Academy is free with an account: lessons for every topic, timed mocks marked like the real exam, and your progress saved.
Official sources: Kenya Law — Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2012, regulations 2–3, 14, 16, 18, 30 and 37 · Kenya Law — Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations, regulations 25–34 · Kenya Law — Merchant Shipping (Radiocommunications) Regulations, regulations 2 and 19 · National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — Sailing Directions (Planning Guide), Publication 160: Kenya, Buoyage System