shippingposition
  • Home
  • News
  • Editorial
    • Vox Pop
  • Maritime safety
  • Oil and Gas
  • Personality
  • Health
No Result
View All Result
shippingposition

Home » “There is Market for 27,000 Seafarers Globally”, “Govt Should Hands-off MAN, Oron” — Master Mariners

“There is Market for 27,000 Seafarers Globally”, “Govt Should Hands-off MAN, Oron” — Master Mariners

by Joshua
December 1, 2008
in Uncategorized

Even though they harped on the fact that they are already ageing, gradually dropping anchor and eagerly desires to see a new crop of master mariners take command, they still exchanged banters like teenagers in search of future and fun that sunny Thursday afternoon. This media interaction held less than 48 hours before their general meeting which ushered- in a new set of executives. They are members of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners. Led by the (now) immediate past president, Captain Adewale Ishola, virtually all those who were in attendance bared their minds on the sundry issues that came up. Shipping Position Weekly was their as the Captains prophetically expressed the wish that one day, a professional would take charge of affairs of the nation’s maritime sector. How prophetic indeed.

Are you by any means suggesting that government should float another shipping line?
It was not only NNSL that was training, we had a lot of private companies that were training cadets and we will say that at that particular time a lot were trained. But of course, the death of shipping lines is not only in Nigeria, it cut across the whole of West Africa; all the national lines went aground. Now you are asking: what do we do? Do you ask government to provide another shipping line, just for training; don’t forget that we had a training school within the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) that carried about 30 cadets. But, the main problem now is to say: let us have a shipping company, it must be productive, it can not be for the purpose of just putting cadets; it must be totally commercial. If we say let’s float a shipping company just for training, we have to look at the commercial aspect of it. Can we ask the government to run a shipping company now when the competition for the cargo is so stiff? Yes, we can raise a shipping company, but we will raise a shipping company that has that cargo to load and the best cargo that we can say let the shipping company have should be oil and gas. That is why the Cabotage law is there, the cargo is ours, let us give it to the indigenous companies to carry; then they will train cadets.

What is the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners doing to address the situation?
The Cabotage law is there and we still have lots of vessels operating in Nigeria. What we can do is to take advantage of the Cabotage law and ensure that most of the trainees coming from our Nautical colleges and schools of oceanography are put on vessels or even rigs. If we tap on that, we can have the different types of training, we have anchor handling vessels, supply vessels, we have some coastal tankers and more. This type of process exists in other parts of the world like Malaysia, so we are not  really re-inventing the wheel, we just want to make sure that we provide means of training for cadets that leave our nautical colleges and we also find a means of finding replacement for ourselves.

How do we get around this and solve the problem?
Look at the government of Iran; they trade on the type of cargo that they know they control. If Nigeria has 30 tankers today, definitely that is a source of training. If we say, okay, let us go to container vessels, it will take us 35 years to enter the market because we have big guys that can offer the logistics, not only about big ships moving up and down, but also, the logistics to drop it at your door step, they have it and you will go for them. Cabotage can provide the base for training; it’s really a base for training. But, since it came up, the actual thing has been: I will give you waiver because I don’t have a captain from Nigeria. But, the argument should have been: as I am giving you that waiver, tell me how many you can train in one year. That has not followed Cabotage, its just waiver, waiver and waiver.
You have been talking about training of more manpower, but we know that a lot of seafarers are unemployed
Nigeria is not training for local market, we are training for international market, the jobs are there and about 27,000 officers will be needed by the year 2015 in the international market, so the job is there.

As master mariners, what are you doing to get our cadets on board for the requisite sea training?
The first thing is to ensure that they get a sound basic training. We have the Maritime Academy, Oron and a lot of master mariners have been pushing that that institution becomes an outstanding one; that whatever certificate that is issued is acceptable internationally. But, I tell you, all around the world the government has no hand in the running of nautical academies, government’s participation in nautical schools is no longer there; the people that really run nautical schools in terms of donations in terms of equipment and in terms of lecturers are the end users – the shipyard, the ship owners – they are the ones. But any school that is run by the government is going to go through the same bureaucracy of government. And again, there is a great deal of difference between universities in Nigeria and maritime academies. A maritime academy is on international level; if you don’t perform, they won’t take your cadets, if the school is not up to standard, they don’t take your products. That is the problem.

What are you doing about Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron?
Master mariners have once been out to train the younger ones, we had a lot of master mariners lecturing at the Maritime Academy, Oron, but because of government interference, they have all gone to the oil companies. We can count more than 10, we wanted to assist, because as a master mariner the only thing you can do is to assist the young ones that are coming up, we went there to lecture, but the conditions there were not favourable. Government interference does not allow that college to move, it’s not a question of “oh it’s an academy, it must be run this way”,  you have to run it based on international requirements.

What is your association doing about using professionals in the management of the maritime industry?
Master mariners are not politicians; unfortunately. A master mariner is that character who finishes his job and goes to bed by eight o’clock. They don’t know how to lobby. We’ve approached some ministers that they were excellent; those that were looking for value, we went as a body, we go out to see what is happening in the world, this is were we all grow up, this is what we want, okay if its what you want this is this, this is that, we assist. But of course, we can’t talk as a politician there is a lot against you in terms of how to do it. Because, to move a ship from here to Port Harcourt, you don’t need a politician to say, please, when I get there open the gate for me, you do it professionally.  We have tried to assist but well, are the people ready to listen? We put a lot of suggestions to the ministry about how things should be. I will give you an example. There was an issue that the association took up. I am sure that you heard about the crane of Maersk Line that went into water sometime ago, the association took it up, because we don’t hear that sort of thing in Nigeria and if it does happen as an accident, there are procedures. The association wrote the ministry and the ministry took action. We try to get to those that will listen. Now the President says professionalism and now we are coming up again. If the association can assist, fair enough. But, the fact is that we are not quiet, we are pushing.

(To be concluded)

 


Related Posts

Despite ₦5.17trn Surplus, Dollar Dominates Nigeria-China Trade As Naira-Yuan Swap Struggles

Despite ₦5.17trn Surplus, Dollar Dominates Nigeria-China Trade As Naira-Yuan Swap Struggles

June 30, 2025
Meningitis: Death Toll In Kebbi Hits 56 – Govt 

Meningitis: Death Toll In Kebbi Hits 56 – Govt 

March 24, 2025
Navy Rescues 8 Police Officers,1 Civilian From Boat Accident In Bayelsa

Navy Rescues 8 Police Officers,1 Civilian From Boat Accident In Bayelsa

January 8, 2025
PHOTO NEWS: SIFAX Thanksgiving and Night of Praise 2.0

PHOTO NEWS: SIFAX Group Thanksgiving and Night of Praise 2.0

December 18, 2024

Discussion about this post

Latest News

BREAKING: Oyetola Inaugurates NIMASA Governing Board, Charges Members on Strategic Oversight

BREAKING: Oyetola Inaugurates NIMASA Governing Board, Charges Members on Strategic Oversight

July 2, 2025

Apapa Customs Boss Breaks Bottlenecks: ANLCA Chairman Hails Reduction of Checkpoints, Demands More Reforms

Succession Planning: Shippers’ Council Launches Training Programme for Mid-Level Officers

SEREC Outlines Key Benefits, Strategic Advice for CGC Adeniyi on His Appointment as WCO Council Chair

MWUN, Melsmore Marine Meet To Resolve Workers’ Welfare Issues

WCO: Nimrod Expresses Confidence In Adeniyi`S  Ability

Vessels Expected At Lagos Ports As At 2nd July, 2025

BREAKING: Apapa Customs Rakes in N1.3 Trillion Revenue in First Half of 2025

Oyetola Inaugurates NPA Governing Board, Calls for Reform-Driven Leadership

Industry Conflict Resolution: Nigeria Saved N6bn In 2024 – NSC 

Merchant Navy Felicitates Maritime Workers Union On Successful Branch Elections

CRFFN Rallies Freight Forwarders for Digital Transformation, Targets AfCFTA Market Opportunities

kindly like our Facebook page

Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert
Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert

June 30, 2025

Mrs Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Desk Officer, Osun Primary Healthcare Board, says contraceptive pills cannot cause...

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: The Liver The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper abdomen, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. It’s the largest solid organ in the body and is responsible for filtering blood, maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating clotting, and synthesizing essential proteins. The liver also stores energy, removes toxins, and produces bile, which aids in digestion Liver functions: · Metabolism and Detoxification: The liver processes nutrients from the blood, breaks down and balances them, and creates essential substances for the body. It detoxifies harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, converting them into less toxic forms for excretion. The liver plays a role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It stores glycogen (a form of glucose) and vitamins, releasing them when the body needs them. · Digestion: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to help digest fats. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. · Blood Regulation: The liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose. It synthesizes clotting factors, which are essential for blood clotting. It removes old red blood cells and processes bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. · Other Functions: The liver plays a role in immunity, helping to fight off infections. It produces proteins that are involved in the immune response. The liver also stores iron and other essential minerals. Frequently Asked Questions About The Liver · What are the first signs of a bad liver? The initial signs of liver problems can be vague and subtle, often including fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. As the liver’s condition worsens, more specific symptoms may emerge, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, can also indicate liver issues. · Where do you feel liver pain? Liver pain is typically felt in the upper right abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. It can manifest as a dull, throbbing pain, a stabbing sensation, or a general feeling of discomfort in that area. In some cases, liver pain might be felt as an ache in the right shoulder or back. · What does liver pain feel like? How liver pain feels can vary from person to person, depending on the cause. However, most people often develop one or more of the following symptoms: Dull, persistent aches in the upper abdomen A feeling of fullness or bloating Sharp, stabbing pains that come and go Tenderness when the upper abdomen is touched · What is the best way to cleanse your liver? If you haven’t been working out, start indulging in a regular exercise regime to allow the toxins to come out of your body. Yoga, going running, hitting the gym, or a simple sauna session can also prove effective. If you want a natural liver cleanse, sweating is the way to go. · How to know if the liver is swollen? What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver? You likely won’t notice an enlarged liver on your own. In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly or an ache in your upper right abdomen. · What is the best drink to flush your liver? Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants

June 16, 2025
ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

June 16, 2025
Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

June 1, 2025
20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

June 1, 2025
Health Facts You Didn’t Know

How Your Habit Affects Fertility

May 19, 2025
Fruits For Raining Season

Fruits For Raining Season

May 19, 2025
See Mental Illness Like Other Treatable Diseases – Says Suicide Survivor

Health Facts You Didn’t Know

May 19, 2025
Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

April 28, 2025
Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

April 28, 2025

© 2021 Shippingposition

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Coast To Coast
  • Oil and Gas
  • Maritime Education
  • The Terminals
  • Maritime safety

© 2021 Shippingposition