The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association has accused the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) of tardiness over issuance of the all-important ‘discharge book’ to seafarers.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC)-affiliate group also accused the apex maritime regulatory agency of jettisoning its responsibilities.
Speaking with Shipping Position Daily in Lagos exclusively recently, President of the union; Comrade Matthew Alalade lamented that the agency has failed to give out discharge book to seafarers since the appointment of Dr Dakuku Peterside as the Director General.
A "Discharge Book” is a record for seafarers containing detail records of their sea time; it is issued and signed by NIMASA.
However, the union maintained that the non-issuance of the book has caused a major setback for seafarers in their activities, adding that a department in the agency has failed to live up to its responsibilities.
Alalade added that, "when you don't have a discharge book, it affects your international passport to go on board ships and it is one of the requisite to board ships"
When contacted spokesman of NIMASA; Hajia Lami Tumaka said it was incorrect to accuse the DG of the agency of not paying attention to issue concerning sea farers. “Dr. Peterside has committed himself fully to turning the fortunes of the Nigerian maritime industry and repositioning NIMASA which result is already evident. So if this statement alleged to have been issued by the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, an association the DG holds in very high esteem is true, then it is unfortunate”.
She expressed shock that the association could accuse the DG of insensitivity to seafarers and ‘discharge book’. “The DG has privately granted audience to the association's leaders and even met and interacted with its officials at several fora where the discharge book and other issues affecting the maritime industry were discussed”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the present Management has commenced the production of discharge books which had been exhausted. The Agency understands the importance of this security document in the work of seafarers and is making sure the stock is replenished soon”, she assured.
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