In Kenya, call RMRCC Mombasa on +254 721 368313. Local short number: 110 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. Second 24-hour line: RMRCC Mombasa, +254 737 719414. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
The Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) Mombasa, run by the Kenya Maritime Authority, works 24/7. The ITU coast-station list shows it keeping a 24-hour watch on VHF channel 16 and DSC channel 70 (call sign 5ZM22, MMSI 006341000).
Kenya Maritime Authority · Kenya Maritime Authority · ITU List of Coast Stations (List IV), update June 2026 · ITU List of Coast Stations (List IV), update June 2026 ▾
kma.go.ke (2026-10-14): “KMA RMRCC coordinates life-saving response across Kenya maritime zones and inland waterways.”
The Kenya Meteorological Department publishes a Daily Marine Near Shore Forecast and a 7-day marine forecast for Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu counties (meteo.go.ke).
Kenya Meteorological Department ▾
meteo.go.ke (2026-10-14): “The Daily Marine Near Shore Forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) provides vital information on the weather and sea conditions for the Kenyan coastal regions, specifically Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu counties.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
Kenya's Small Vessel Safety Regulations require one approved lifejacket of the right size for each person on board (vessel categories A–D). On commercial small vessels, children under 12 must wear one on deck at all times while under way.
Kenya Law – The Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2012 · Kenya Law – The Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2012 ▾
new.kenyalaw.org (2026-10-14): “One lifejacket of appropriate size to be provided for each person on board.”
new.kenyalaw.org (2026-10-14): “every child under twelve years of age on deck at all times when the vessel is underway;”
A non-resident skipper's foreign government-issued certificate or licence for that type of boat counts as a Kenyan certificate for three months after arrival, if carried on board. Within those three months the skipper must get a Kenya Maritime Authority certificate of competence.
Kenya Law – The Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2012 · Kenya Law – The Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2012 ▾
new.kenyalaw.org (2026-10-14): “shall be deemed to hold a certificate of competence in terms of these regulations for a period of three months after arrival in Kenya, provided that he or she carries such certificate with him or her:”
new.kenyalaw.org (2026-10-14): “Provided that the person shall within the period of three months, apply for and obtain a certificate of competence from the Authority.”
Official warnings
Piracy and armed robbery off Somalia and in the Indian Ocean are still a significant threat; attacks can happen up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast. Sailing yachts should keep out of the former High-Risk Area and report to UKMTO.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remain a significant threat.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Pirate attacks can occur up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast. Sailing vessels should not enter the former High-Risk Area”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Report journey information regularly to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)”
In Kenya, call RMRCC Mombasa on +254 721 368313. Local short number: 110 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. Second 24-hour line: RMRCC Mombasa, +254 737 719414. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Kenya?+
The general emergency number in Kenya is 999. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for Kenya. In a sea emergency, call +254 721 368313.
Why a full number and not the short code 110?+
Short codes like 110 are routed by local phone networks and may not connect from a foreign SIM card while roaming. The full number +254 721 368313 reaches the same service from any phone.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Do I need a licence to skipper a boat in Kenya?+
A non-resident skipper's foreign government-issued certificate or licence for that type of boat counts as a Kenyan certificate for three months after arrival, if carried on board. Within those three months the skipper must get a Kenya Maritime Authority certificate of competence.
Are life jackets compulsory in Kenya?+
Kenya's Small Vessel Safety Regulations require one approved lifejacket of the right size for each person on board (vessel categories A–D). On commercial small vessels, children under 12 must wear one on deck at all times while under way.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Kenya?+
The Kenya Meteorological Department publishes a Daily Marine Near Shore Forecast and a 7-day marine forecast for Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu counties (meteo.go.ke).
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