Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) received a sophisticated Damage Control Unit (DCU) donated by the British and Danish Governments on Thursday, March 2.
The new system was assigned to Kenya Navy to help the country bolster its defence against maritime security threats.
According to KDF, the new Damage Control Unit (DCU) will also be used to train sailors, Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) personnel and other maritime agencies.
The system would allow them to get relevant knowledge in preventing and managing damages during sea operations.
It will also complement other training aid facilities and Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC) programs, such as the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Firefighting Unit, Printing Press and specialized local and overseas courses.
Speaking after receiving the sophisticated Damage Control Unit, Kenya Navy Commander, Jimson Mutai, insisted that it would help KDF meet the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and the International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS).
“Our naval cooperation and partnership at the KNTC date back to 2018 when we launched the Full Mission Bridge Simulator. The facility has greatly improved the training of our personnel significantly cutting down on the cost of training. In June 2021, your support enabled us to launch the Firefighting Unit which set KN’s trajectory towards offering STCW certificates,” Mutai stated.
“The safety of personnel in any working environment is important. All seafarers must undertake Basic Safety Training. The DCU will enhance sailors’ abilities to manage damages onboard vessels in the event such unfortunate incidences occur,” he added.
At the same time, Mutai promised both UK and Danish Governments to use the Damage Control Unit to train professionals and proficient sailors capable of defending the country against maritime security threats.
Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC) hopes to become a maritime centre of excellence, after the training.
Mutai also reiterated the partners’ unwavering support in training Kenya Navy personnel in the ongoing Basic Marine Commandos Course, Advanced Diving Course and Simulator Instructors Course.
The Danish Defence Attaché Colonel Jens Lindvig noted that the system was key to helping Kenya develop its Blue Economy agenda.
