Lokoja-Based Maritime Institute Acquires Boats For Training Cadets.

In response to the yearnings of maritime industry stakeholders for replacement of ageing seafarers and provision of world-class training for young seafarers  in Nigeria, the International School of Merchant Seamen in Lokoja in Kogi state  has vowed to take the bull by the horns even as it has acquired two training boats for practical training of its cadets.

In response to the yearnings of maritime industry stakeholders for replacement of ageing seafarers and provision of world-class training for young seafarers  in Nigeria, the International School of Merchant Seamen in Lokoja in Kogi state  has vowed to take the bull by the horns even as it has acquired two training boats for practical training of its cadets.
The proprietor and Rector of the International School of Merchant Seamen, Captain Dickson Ebiye who spoke exclusively with Shipping Position Weekly in Lagos last week explained that the institution decided to acquire the two training boats in order to meet the challenge of the dearth of qualified seafarers in Nigeria which according to him most maritime academies in the country have refused to meet.
According to Captain Dickson who is also a master mariner, plans are already underway to make the institution the first private maritime university in the country and that the school has already acquire acres of land coupled with sophisticated training infrastructures on ground to take the school to the next level.
He revealed that the school is currently affiliated to some international maritime institutions in Africa and in Europe and that scholarship schemes have also been instituted, this according to him will be awarded to cadets of the institution who can distinguish themselves in their various fields. He added that over 18 students from Ghana are currently studying different courses at the institution.
Captain Ebiye also said that the purpose of acquisition the boat is to expose cadets to sea time as this is currently one of the major challenges of Nigerian seafarers and other Maritime academies in the country that have got vast theoretical knowledge of various courses, lack the practical knowledge of what is obtainable.
 “With this development, the International School of Merchant Seamen will teach students the necessary things they need to know about what a vessel is all about, know bits and pieces of the various parts of a vessel like the engine room and the cabin, so these are the challenges the maritime students are facing over the years as they don’t have the technical know- how of a boat or ship, they will acquire on-board practical experience here”, he assured.
Captain Ebiye acknowledged supports and financial assistance that has been enjoyed by the institution from various religious leaders, especially in the North, for their contribution towards the growth and development of the institution; he promised that the school is poise to be the best private maritime institution in Nigeria.