Steps are being taken by NIMASA to replace foreign seafarers with qualified Nigerian seafarers in order to enhance administration and safety in the maritime industry. At the same time, the agency is getting ready to start the next stage of the NSDP, National Seafarers Development Programme, which will be the third phase. During his presentation at the 2024 celebration of World Seafarers’ Day in Lagos, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of NIMASA, announced that specific roles like Ratings and Officer of the Watch will no longer be open to foreign Seafarers.
He also mentioned that certain positions may be open to foreigners depending on their qualifications and skills. He detailed how the Agency is actively seeking ways to generate employment opportunities for seafarers in the area by working closely with governmental bodies such as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). His words emphasized the crucial role that seafarers play in the world of global trade. They face difficult circumstances to ensure that the majority of the world’s Trade successfully reaches its intended location.
They aim to equip seafarers with advanced certificates.
Their commitment is not only beneficial to the international Economy but also greatly impacts the prosperity of their homeland. Despite the significant obstacles that seafarers encounter – such as navigating war zones, avoiding pirates, and facing health hazards – they are aware that certain fundamental rights, like adequate Insurance and fair compensation, are not consistently provided. It is imperative for all parties involved – governments, ship-owners, and NIMASA – to come together and take action to address these challenges and make the Welfare of seafarers a top priority.
More so, their efforts in enhancing the skills of Nigerian Seafarers through the Agency’s human capacity building initiatives have led to the successful training and retraining of these individuals to meet the demands of the industry. By focusing on specific training programs and courses, they aim to equip seafarers with advanced certificates that will improve their chances of securing employment opportunities. The Agency has implemented a new strategy called the Cabotage Compliance Strategy on Manning to focus on employing Nigerian Seafarers in place of foreign Seafarers on Cabotage Vessels.
Trainees are actively participating in sea-time training on ocean vessels.
This initiative aims to replace foreign Seafarers Ratings and certain officers with qualified Nigerian Seafarers promptly. In order to address the need for trained seafarers, the Nigerian Seafarers’ Development program is currently in its third phase, with a goal of graduating 435 officers. Trainees are actively participating in sea-time training on ocean vessels to meet requirements. While securing placements for these skilled seafarers presents a challenge, efforts are being made to find solutions to this issue.
The Agency is actively seeking ways to generate employment opportunities for their seafarers, such as working in partnership with government entities like the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). In an effort to improve Nigeria’s maritime industry, the country took a significant step forward with the enactment of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003. While the act was intended to limit foreign involvement in domestic coastal trade, it also opened up numerous opportunities for international companies to participate.
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Additionally, the main goal of the Cabotage Act is to ensure that only Nigerian-owned vessels, operated by Nigerian citizens, have the right to transport goods and services within the coastal and inland waters of Nigeria. Promoting the involvement of native shipping companies in Coastal and Inland Trade by facilitating access to the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF). Its aim is to educate and raise awareness among potential Investors in the Cabotage Trade industry through various events such as seminars, conferences, and workshops. It also aims to manage a Vessel Registry specifically for Cabotage Trade to register vessels owned by local shipping companies participating in the country’s Cabotage trade.