The Tinapa; Cross Rivers-based maritime training institution; Matral Maritime Training Centre (MMTC) yesterday organised a training programme in conjunction with Nigerian Institute Industrial Security (NIIS) for would-be Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO) on maritime security with a view on how to reducing insecurity at ports and on ships at ports.
The Tinapa; Cross Rivers-based maritime training institution; Matral Maritime Training Centre (MMTC) yesterday organised a training programme in conjunction with Nigerian Institute Industrial Security (NIIS) for would-be Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO) on maritime security with a view on how to reducing insecurity at ports and on ships at ports.
Speaking to Shipping Position Daily on the sideline of the programme in Lagos yesterday, the programme’s resource person from Matral Maritime Training Centre; Captain Abiodun Solomon Omoteso said that the training was in accordance with the standards as set by the flag state administration which is the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Capt Omoteso explained that for any personnel to engage in security within the maritime sector in line with international standard, he must undergo the maritime security training.
He noted that in the same manner in which NIMASA is compliant with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations as stipulated in the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS), so also security officials are expected to comply with the agency’s directives.
The foremost master mariner said that security at sea is paramount, because ship needs to be protected to facilitate international trade.
He added that the maritime sector is perceived to be vulnerable therefore protection at sea is very important.
The resource person also stated that maritime business is dependent on security of the trade corridor, crime at sea can be reduced through anti-terrorism security measures, even as he added that the International Ships and Ports facility Security (ISPS) Code must be adhered to.
He also said that threat at sea can only be reduced through constant training of personnel engaged in the provision of security in line with the dictates of the ISPS Code.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Institute for Industrial Security; Mr Wilson Esangbedo said that the training was for the benefit of it members because unemployment is a major issue that permeates its membership.
He said that the collaboration of both Matral Maritime Training Centre and the Institute was in aimed at helping members to secure accreditation with NIMASA.
Esangbedo said that more than 30 members have been trained in two batches and more are on the institute's list for the training programme.
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