CHALLENGES FACED BY NIGERIA MARITIME STUDENTS

BY

DECK CADET DEINANAGHA ISRAEL ESEDE

Every human has his/her own challenges and trials on the quest towards achieving their goal. No exception to Seafarers and young maritime students/cadets around the globe that stand as the epitome of the universe in all diversified maritime countries within the globe.

The mother earth planet is dominated by almost 70 percent of water. So why can’t she be manned by large competent seafarers capable of improving their economic growth?  Africa is a large continent surrounded by great shipping countries with outstanding background and backbones of modern day shipping business and as well as power house of world commercial shipping businesses. But the continent is depreciating in terms of the commercial shipping business.

If Africa water ways is troubled, so also is Nigeria water ways and her dynamic young growing students, cadets/seafarers and other personnel who all are restless and voiceless. These young students and cadets are defenseless because there are no laid standards, vision and goal in the Nigerian Maritime Sector. Just as we all believe in a better tomorrow, so also these young sailors filled with energy, discipline and patriotism do belief.

These all are hampered by the challenges we face daily as a maritime student, cadet and seafarers in Nigeria Maritime Sectors/Institutions.

I Insecurity

The Africa water ways is not secured at the moment due to great influx of pirates infesting the water ways. Until piracy is reduced to the minimum, there would be fears for students/cadets aspiring to be officers to pursue or live the dream of becoming future seafarers. This is evident in our hardworking officers struggling to sail through pirate infested areas with inadequate security to tackle piracy. The presence of armed security personnel on ship must also be taken into account and how they could impact on the psycho-social well-being of young cadets and seafarers. Piracy can be tackled through significant international capacity building. Everyone is summoned to join the Anti-piracy movement in support of seafarers.

II Building Standard Maritime Training Institutions

Nigeria as a vast economy in the maritime sector, needs a standard maritime institution for her students/cadets to be groomed. There is need for specialized Maritime Training Institutions capable of competing with foreign maritime institutions. Maritime institution that can manage both local and international students. In that, the International Maritime Organization will recognize Nigeria more as one of the leading maritime countries, not just by having good sea ports. But a country that trains locals and foreign students with goals for the betterment of the maritime sector as a whole. We need that vision for the maritime sector with a distinguished maritime training institution. Maritime training centers should also be one of the priorities under these institutions. That will improve the standards of Basic Training Centers for cadets and seafarers to engage on mandatory trainings recognized by the IMO.

III Shortage of Marine Officers

There is theoretical shortage of marine officers in Nigeria and the global fleet. Measures should be implemented to alleviate the shortage problem by the maritime stakeholders. Programs that will bridge the gap and aim to making the maritime profession more attractive for management level of maritime officers who have accumulated a lot of experience. In the next decade, a moderate increase, in the number of ships in the world’s fleet is projected to increase. Even with the recent Nigeria economic crises, the demand for highly competent officers/ratings to man vessels around the world is still strong.

To build competent officers, there must be proper grooming of the students with discipline and care by attending to their needs.

Shipping companies are very crucial for the benefits of the seafarers and their family and ultimately for the success of the maritime industry by accommodating more seafarers and cadets.

IV Competency Issues

Competency and Standards are embodied in the STCW convention code, ensuring highly competent seafarers to man international vessels to reduce accidents prompted by human error. STCW convention is devoted to raising the profile of seafarers and improving as well their conditions.

The revised STCW emphasized about the seafarers common standards, trainings, requirements, certification, requirements with only one administration responsible to oversee, access and issue COC & endorsement.

Nigeria must not be complacent with the current global shipping market supply and demand scenario with the implementation of the STCW.

V Acquiring Nigeria Seaman’s Discharge Book

It is a mirage acquiring Nigeria Seaman’s Book as a Nigerian cadet aspiring to be maritime officers/ratings and other personnel. In as much as being a patriotic Nigeria, only the connected one’s can have the seaman’s book with ease. Most cadets have already spent a lot along with their steam trying to own a seaman’s book. We must change our management strategies towards creating a maritime force in Africa.

VI Focus More On Board Training of Cadets

Maritime stakeholders in Nigeria should join alliance in facilitating more sea time training for Nigerian cadets. Training to be more practiced oriented and enhanced by current technologies and simulators with competency to be assessed against the industry’s standards. This will provide more consistency in building future competent officers that will ensure safe, secure, clean and efficient ship operations of life at sea, whereas preventing maritime accidents. This will promote maritime  profession, making the Nigeria seafarers in demand by shipping companies for the right reasons.