Charting a Course Through Troubled Waters: Dialogue Matters

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The recent student protests at Bandari Maritime Academy represent more than just a temporary disruption to academic proceedings.

They signal an opportunity for fundamental transformation in how maritime education institutions navigate conflict in an industry where communication and crisis management are not just academic concepts, but professional life skills.

Conflict Resolution

In the maritime world, when vessels face a collision course, international regulations demand clear communication protocols and decisive action.

Similarly, when institutional objectives and student expectations diverge, a structured approach to dialogue becomes not just beneficial but essential.

The current situation at Bandari presents a teachable moment. Just as maritime professionals must master crisis management at sea, the academy must now demonstrate these same principles on shore.

The implementation of a comprehensive dialogue and conflict resolution plan isn’t merely administrative damage control—it’s living proof of the academy’s commitment to the very values it aims to instill in future maritime leaders.

Beyond Quick Fixes

Quick fixes and temporary concessions might calm immediate tensions, but they fail to address underlying currents. A sustained dialogue framework offers something more valuable for institutional resilience.

Many maritime institutions globally have learned this lesson the hard way. Those that implemented robust conflict resolution mechanisms after student unrest have reported significant improvements in student satisfaction, staff retention, and overall institutional reputation. 

Conversely, academies that relied on authority alone to quell dissent often faced recurring disruptions that damaged their standing within the industry.

Building Trust

In an industry where trust is paramount—where crews must rely implicitly on each other’s competence and judgment—the academy must model transparent governance.

When students raise concerns about curriculum relevance, facility adequacy, or administrative policies, these should be treated not as challenges to authority but as opportunities for collaborative improvement.

A formalized dialogue process signals to all stakeholders that Bandari values truth-telling and constructive criticism—qualities that save lives at sea.

It demonstrates that the administration understands that those closest to the learning experience often have valuable insights into how that experience might be improved.

Economic Imperative

Beyond the philosophical arguments lies a practical reality, maritime education disruptions carry significant economic costs.

Each day of protests represents lost training time that impacts certification timelines, delays workforce entry, and potentially damages the academy’s relationships with industry partners.

A structured conflict resolution framework represents an investment in operational continuity. 

By establishing clear channels for addressing grievances before they escalate to protests, the academy protects its core educational mission while demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

International Standards

International maritime governing bodies increasingly recognize effective stakeholder engagement as a quality marker for training institutions.

Bandari’s approach to this current conflict will influence how it is perceived by these regulatory bodies, potential students, and industry employers.

The most successful resolution frameworks blend international best practices with locally appropriate implementation strategies.

They recognize cultural contexts while maintaining universal principles of fairness, inclusion, and transparency.

Structured Return

Any meaningful resolution must include a well-designed return to class program.

Such a program is not merely about resuming lectures—it represents a critical transition phase that acknowledges both the legitimate concerns raised and the essential need to continue maritime education.

An effective return to class strategy should include phased academic recovery, with flexible assessment accommodations and targeted support mechanisms.

It should offer clear remediation pathways for missed practical training—particularly crucial in a field where hands-on experience directly impacts professional competency.

Most importantly, it must integrate ongoing dialogue mechanisms that allow students to simultaneously resume their studies while seeing tangible progress on their concerns.

Several maritime academies internationally have developed such programs following periods of disruption. 

The most successful examples share common elements: transparent academic accommodation policies, support services for transitioning students, and regular communication about both academic recovery and reform implementation.

The Path Forward

As Bandari navigates these challenging waters, it has an opportunity to emerge as a regional leader in institutional governance. 

By implementing a comprehensive dialogue and conflict resolution plan that includes neutral facilitation, systematic issue mapping, collaborative solution development, and transparent implementation tracking—combined with a thoughtful return to class program—the academy can transform this moment of tension into a foundation for sustained excellence.

The maritime profession demands individuals who can maintain composure in crisis, communicate effectively across differences, and find solutions under pressure.

By modeling these same qualities in its institutional response to student protests, BMA will not just resolve the current situation—it will better fulfill its fundamental mission of preparing students for the complex realities of maritime careers.

The seas ahead may be choppy, but with the right navigational tools, Bandari can chart a course toward calmer waters and a stronger institutional future.

Andrew Mwangura is a maritime education consultant with experience in institutional governance and conflict resolution.