NIMASA to partner navy on professionalism

TNigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) has disclosed that it would assist in the accreditation of professional courses offered by the Nigerian Navy.

The agency said it would also facilitate the attainment of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch- keeping for Seafarers ( STCW) status for the Nigerian Navy’s training institutes.

The Director- General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said this on Tuesday in Lagos, when the Flag Officer Commanding ( FOC) of the Naval Training Command, Rear- Admiral Kamarudeen Lawal, visited the agency’s headquarters.

Jamoh spoke in response to requests by Lawal, who believed collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA was not only required for the success of the country’s maritime goals but also inevitable.

The Director- General said: “NIMASA is for anything that would enhance safety and security in our waters and promote shipping. This is in line with our mandate. We would support and advance courses and causes geared towards maximising our maritime potential.

“Our maritime training institutions and courses have their basis in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers ( STCW). We would help the Nigerian Navy obtain the STCW status for its training bodies, and facilitate the accreditation of its programmes on purpose to advance our common goal of maritime safety and security.”