• Position Title: Assistant Ferry Master (8 Posts)
• Location: Various, Kenya (Likoni, Mtongwe, Shimoni, and other Ferry Services)
• Employment Type: Full-Time (Permanent)
• Number of Vacancies: 8
• Reporting To: Ferry Master / Marine Operations Manager
• Application Deadline: December 20, 2025
• Category/Department: Marine Operations / Ferry Services
• Salary: Estimated KES 80,000 – 130,000 Monthly (Note: This is an estimate based on 2025 market data from BrighterMonday Kenya and Glassdoor, where assistant ferry master roles in Kenyan ports average KES 75K–120K, adjusted for KPA’s requirement of Diploma Nautical Studies + 4 years experience, Master Port Operation COC, and Chapter Six compliance. Final salary determined by KPA. Use this range to guide expectations and strengthen negotiations during interviews.)

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Introduction

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), a state corporation responsible for managing and operating Kenya’s Seaports, Inland waterways and Ferry Services — including the Port of Mombasa, Lamu, Kisumu, Shimoni and Inland Container Depots in Nairobi and Naivasha, as well as other scheduled small ports like Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, Funzi and Vanga and other feeder ports in Nyanza — is recruiting 8 Assistant Ferry Masters for overall command of vessels, safety of crew/passengers/cargo, navigation, and emergency response.

As more than just a port authority but a trusted partner in progress dedicated to fuelling prosperity for the region and global market, KPA understands the maritime and shipping industry’s critical role in economic growth through bulk sea cargo movement, supporting marine operations (pilotage, mooring, navigation aids, tug services, bunkering, conservancy), stevedoring (cargo handling within vessels/quays/next transport), and cargo handling (stuffing, stripping, storage). These roles align with Kenya’s KES 200 billion maritime sector and Vision 2030’s trade hub ambitions, suiting certified, safety-focused professionals ready for high-stakes ferry command in a high-volume parastatal.

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About Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)

Kenya Ports Authority, established under the Constitution and headquartered in Mombasa with Nairobi offices, manages ports, inland waterways, and ferry services as the vital current powering economic growth, community connections, and opportunities through bulk sea cargo movement. Handling 30 million+ tons annually, KPA employs 5,000+ staff with KES 50 billion+ revenue (2024 est.), achieving 95% efficiency via modernization. Contributing to Kenya’s KES 200 billion maritime sector, KPA aligns with Vision 2030’s economic pillar.

KPA fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and national service, offering training, allowances, and career progression. For Assistant Ferry Masters, KPA provides structured duties, compliance support, and team integration, creating a workplace where your command drives safe passage in a diverse, inclusive environment.

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Job Specifications

i. Overall command of the vessel and in charge of the crew onboard.
ii. Safety of crew, passengers, and cargo onboard during carriage and vessel while underway, anchorage and secured at the ramp.
iii. Observing Navigation safety.
iv. Attending to maritime distress calls within reach.
v. Ascertaining the soundness of the ferry through pre sea checks before putting into service.
vi. Steering vessel during berthing/un-berthing or mooring/unmooring.
vii. Updating ships logbook and Maintaining Radio watch.
viii. Disseminating directions and instructions during emergencies.
ix. Disseminating relevant safety information, instructions and guidelines to ferry users onboard through the Public Address System.
x. Conducting familiarization on vessel operations and equipment to new crew.
xi. Attending emergencies as the lead person and conducting periodic emergency drills.
xii. Ensuring cleanliness of the vessel and preservation of marine environment.
xiii. In charge of ferry bunkering operations and Observing vessel traffic on the channel.
xiv. Coordinating ferry movement with other operators as team players in enhancing smooth traffic flow.

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Person Specifications

i. K.C.S.E certificate or its equivalent.
ii. Diploma in Nautical Studies or related field from a recognized University.
iii. Minimum four (4) years relevant working experience.
iv. Master Port Operation Certificate of Competency.
v. Certificate of Competency (COC) Master Mariner is an added advantage.
vi. Certificate in Customer relations training as added advantage.
vii. Certificate in Safety training.
viii. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Radio Certificate.
ix. Valid Medical certificate as prescribed by the Regulatory Agency (KMA).
x. Relevant Standard Training for Certification and Watch keeping (STCW).
xi. Fulfilling the requirements of chapter six of the Constitution of Kenya.

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Company Culture and Values

Kenya Ports Authority fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and national service, as more than just a port authority but a trusted partner in progress dedicated to fuelling prosperity for the region and global market. With 5,000+ staff, KPA promotes diversity through inclusive training and youth focus, encouraging collaboration via cross-departmental teams and stakeholder forums. Values of integrity, efficiency, and impact guide operations, with Assistant Ferry Masters central to safe navigation.

KPA supports growth with training and compliance assistance, creating a dynamic workplace. For Assistant Ferry Masters, this means commanding safe passage in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in maritime operations.

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How to Apply

Apply now for Assistant Ferry Master (8) positions at Kenya Ports Authority.

Submit via https://www.kpa.co.ke/Vacancies/Details/6 by December 20, 2025.

Include:

1. Application letter.
2. CV.
3. Copies of certificates.

KPA is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees.

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Tags

KPA Assistant Ferry Master Mombasa, Marine Navigation Safety Command, Ferry Bunkering Emergency Drills, Full-Time Diploma Nautical 4 Years, STCW GMDSS Chapter Six, Vision 2030 Maritime Passage

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Expert Tips for Success as Assistant Ferry Master at KPA: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for KPA’s Assistant Ferry Master (8), I prioritize applications that demonstrate vessel command, navigation safety, and emergency leadership in ferry operations. With a 70% rejection rate due to generic CVs or no STCW/GMDSS, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your Diploma Nautical Studies and 4 years experience. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Vessel Command Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek Masters who own command—50% of shortlists go to candidates with crew/safety metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Commanded 200 voyages with 98% safe passage”) grabs attention, proving your leadership.

CV Example:
“Commanded 200 ferry voyages as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 98% safe passage.”
Why: This showcases your leadership, aligning with KPA’s command needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Diploma Nautical holder, I led 150 crews with 95% compliance, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s in-charge needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I managed 50 onboard quarterly with 92% safety, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your command skills with metrics.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a safe passage/compliance metric. Include “Assistant Ferry Master” and “vessel command” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story. Attach a redacted voyage log. Follow up via kpa.co.ke portal emphasizing KPA’s onboard focus. Network via Kenya Ferry Masters on LinkedIn.

Tip 2: Highlight Navigation Safety with an Observation Example

Why It Works: Observing navigation safety is core—recruiters prioritize vigilant navigators. A specific example of observation (e.g., “Observed navigation in 300 crossings with 100% incident-free”) shows vigilance.

CV Example:
“Observed navigation in 300 crossings as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 100% incident-free.”
Why: This quantifies your vigilance, aligning with KPA’s safety needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As STCW certified, I monitored 200 channels with 95% hazard avoidance, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s observation needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I ensured 50 safe navigations quarterly with 92% compliance, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your vigilance with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Navigation Safety & Vigilant Observation” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s underway. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted navigation report.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Emergency Leadership with a Drill Example

Why It Works: Disseminating directions/leading emergencies/drills is leadership—recruiters prioritize crisis commanders. A specific example of leadership (e.g., “Led 50 emergency drills with 95% crew readiness”) shows command.

CV Example:
“Led 50 emergency drills as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 95% crew readiness.”
Why: This quantifies your command, aligning with KPA’s emergency needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As GMDSS holder, I disseminated instructions in 30 crises with 90% response, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s dissemination needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I attended 20 distress calls quarterly with 92% resolution, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your command with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Emergency Leadership & Drill Command” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s lead person. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted drill report.

Tip 4: Highlight Pre-Sea Checks with a Soundness Example

Why It Works: Ascertaining ferry soundness through pre-sea checks is safety—recruiters prioritize thorough inspectors. A specific example of checks (e.g., “Conducted 500 pre-sea checks with 99% soundness”) shows diligence.

CV Example:
“Conducted 500 pre-sea checks as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 99% soundness.”
Why: This quantifies your diligence, aligning with KPA’s checks needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I verified 200 ferries with 95% service-ready, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s ascertaining needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I performed 50 checks quarterly with 92% compliance, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your diligence with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Pre-Sea Checks & Ferry Soundness Diligence” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s before service. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted checklist.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Steering Proficiency with a Berthing Example

Why It Works: Steering during berthing/un-berthing/mooring is operational—recruiters prioritize skilled steerers. A specific example of steering (e.g., “Steered 300 berth operations with 98% precision”) shows skill.

CV Example:
“Steered 300 berth operations as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 98% precision.”
Why: This quantifies your skill, aligning with KPA’s steering needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As COC holder, I maneuvered 200 moorings with 95% smooth, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s berthing needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I executed 50 un-berthings quarterly with 92% safety, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your skill with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Steering Proficiency & Berthing Skill” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s mooring. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted berthing log.

Tip 6: Highlight Logbook & Radio Watch with a Update Example

Why It Works: Updating logbook/maintaining radio watch is compliance—recruiters prioritize accurate watchers. A specific example of update (e.g., “Updated 500 log entries with 100% radio watch”) shows responsibility.

CV Example:
“Updated 500 log entries as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 100% radio watch.”
Why: This quantifies your responsibility, aligning with KPA’s logbook needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As GMDSS certified, I maintained 200 watches with 95% vigilance, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s watch needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I logged 50 entries quarterly with 92% completeness, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your responsibility with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Logbook Update & Radio Watch Responsibility” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s ships logbook. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted log entry.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Safety Information Dissemination with a PA Example

Why It Works: Disseminating safety info via PA is passenger care—recruiters prioritize informative leaders. A specific example of dissemination (e.g., “Broadcast 300 safety messages with 95% understanding”) shows communication.

CV Example:
“Broadcast 300 safety messages via PA as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 95% understanding.”
Why: This quantifies your communication, aligning with KPA’s dissemination needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I informed 500 users with 90% compliance, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s guidelines needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I delivered 50 announcements quarterly with 92% awareness, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your communication with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Safety Information Dissemination & PA Communication” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s Public Address System. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted announcement script.

Tip 8: Highlight Crew Familiarization with a Training Example

Why It Works: Conducting familiarization for new crew is mentorship—recruiters prioritize onboard trainers. A specific example of familiarization (e.g., “Familiarized 100 new crew with 95% competency”) shows development.

CV Example:
“Familiarized 100 new crew as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 95% competency.”
Why: This quantifies your development, aligning with KPA’s familiarization needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I trained 50 crew on equipment with 90% readiness, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s operations needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I onboarded 30 crew quarterly with 92% knowledge, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your development with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Crew Familiarization & Onboard Training” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s vessel operations. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted familiarization checklist.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Bunkering & Traffic Coordination with a Flow Example

Why It Works: In charge of bunkering/observing traffic/coordinating movement is operational—recruiters prioritize flow managers. A specific example of coordination (e.g., “Coordinated 200 bunkering/traffic with 95% smooth flow”) shows teamwork.

CV Example:
“Coordinated 200 bunkering/traffic ops as Assistant Ferry Master candidate with 95% smooth flow.”
Why: This quantifies your teamwork, aligning with KPA’s coordination needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I managed 150 movements with 90% team play, preparing me for KPA’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s operators needs.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I observed 50 channels quarterly with 92% efficiency, aligning with KPA’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your teamwork with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Bunkering & Traffic Coordination Teamwork” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to KPA’s other operators. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted traffic log.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Maritime-Safety Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize Masters who convey maritime-safety passion and alignment with KPA’s prosperity mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to KPA’s goals (e.g., safe passage) makes you memorable.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Safety-driven Assistant Ferry Master candidate with Diploma Nautical, 98% safe voyages, passionate about KPA’s trusted progress at sea.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with KPA’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 95% command and crew care, I’m dedicated to KPA’s fuelling prosperity through safe ferries.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to KPA’s goals.

Interview Example:
“As Master, I commanded 92% safe crossings, ready to enrich lives with KPA’s maritime heartbeat.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to KPA’s needs, showing passion and readiness.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your ferry experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% safe”), and passion for KPA’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in neat professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, STCW. Reference safe passage. Follow up via kpa.co.ke portal emphasizing KPA’s prosperity vision.

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