The Principal Surveyor, Navigation & Hydrography is responsible for enforcing shipping safety, managing navigational aids, and overseeing hydrographic services to ensure maritime safety in Kenyan waters. The role involves a wide range of duties from investigating navigation dangers to disseminating meteorological data and collaborating with international bodies like the IMO and IHO.
Key Responsibilities
Enforce safety of shipping, including compliance with construction regulations, maintenance of safety standards, and safety of navigation rules.
Establish and maintain government-owned navigational aids under the Authority's control and ensure compliance with prescribed specifications.
Promulgate information regarding changes to navigational aids or situations affecting maritime safety.
Determine the application of Safety of Navigation provisions to warships, naval auxiliaries, and government-operated ships.
Investigate dangers to navigation and issue navigational warnings according to IMO/IHO World-Wide Navigational Warning Service standards.
Process applications for and grant exemptions or equivalents, reporting these to the IMO.
Collect and disseminate meteorological data, weather warnings, and publications suitable for shipping.
Equip selected ships with tested marine meteorological instruments and manage weather message transmissions.
Develop standardized procedures for meteorological services and establish Ship Routeing, Reporting Systems, and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in line with IMO requirements.
Establish Minimum Safe Manning for Kenyan ships and issue corresponding documentation.
Provide the legal and regulatory frameworks, policies, and strategies for safe navigation.
Enforce laws and regulations relating to safe navigation.
Oversee hydrographical surveys to develop, update, and correct nautical charts and publications.
Liaise with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for the issuance of charts, tide tables, and other nautical publications.
Manage hydrographic data collection and ensure the uniformity of nautical information.
Qualifications & Skills
Bachelor’s Degree in Nautical Science.
Master’s Degree in Nautical Science or Maritime Affairs.
Certificate of Competency – Marine Engineer Officer (STCW).
Certificate of Competency – Deck Officer (STCW).
Aids to Navigation Operations Training.
Certificate in Management.
Knowledge of Craft Library Science.
Experience Requirements
At least 3 years of experience at the level of Senior Officer.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the Kenya Maritime Authority recruitment portal at recruitment.kma.go.ke.
