The maritime sector in the country is being adversely affected by a scarcity of ships, as expressed by seafarers. This concern was raised during the recent graduation ceremony of 87 students who had completed free basic mandatory cadet training. The training program was organized by the Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology in Lagos.
Captain William Ogunshakin, the President of the Alumni Association of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, highlighted the Scarcity of Ships Hampers Maritime Sector available for cadet training as one of the major challenges faced by the maritime sector. He emphasized the pressing question of where these newly graduated cadets would serve, given the shortage of ships.
Ogunshakin pointed out that various entities, including the Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), were training cadets, but the absence of ships hindered their practical training. He questioned the efficacy of training individuals for careers in shipping when there are insufficient ships for them to gain hands-on experience.
Ogunshakin recommended that the government establish national carriers to ensure an adequate supply of ships for cadet training. He proposed that the Cabotage Vessels Financing Fund, which had been reserved for this purpose, be utilized to purchase ships. Ogunshakin expressed concern that if the fund remained idle, it could be susceptible to misuse or loss.
The President of the Alumni Association of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology further advocated for increased availability of ships for Nigerian seafarers. He emphasized the importance of engaging cadets trained both domestically and internationally.
Ogunshakin refuted claims that Nigerians were incompetent, asserting that the Scarcity of Ships Hampers Maritime Sector issue lay with the malfunctioning of the existing system. He stressed that the certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony was a symbolic gesture honoring the alumni, and it signified the importance of possessing such a certificate to partake in fishing activities and board ships.
In agreement with Ogunshakin, Captain Segun Akanbi remarked that Nigeria currently has more cadets than available ships. He acknowledged the considerable number of cadets being produced by the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and other maritime institutions in the country. This further underscores the urgency of addressing the ship shortage in order to accommodate the growing number of qualified seafarers. The maritime sector in the country is grappling with the scarcity of ships, leading to challenges in providing practical training opportunities for cadets. The lack of vessels hinders the potential employment of these cadets upon graduation.
To address this issue, it is suggested that the government establish national carriers and utilize existing funds to acquire ships. By increasing the availability of ships, both locally trained and internationally trained cadets can be effectively engaged in the maritime sector, ensuring a competent and skilled workforce to drive the industry forward.
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