Merchant Navy charges NIMASA on timely release of CoCs after examinations,; commends agency’s efforts
Merchant Navy charges NIMASA on timely release of CoCs after examinations,; commends agency's efforts
The National President of Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (nmno&wtssa) High Chief Bob Joseph Yousuo has commended the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their efforts at enhancing the welfare of Nigeria seafarers.
The Merchant Navy boss gave the commendation at the inaugural meeting of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) held in Lagos at the weekend.
In a release signed by Comrade (Elder) Aleakhue John Okpono, Secretary General, Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, the body of seafarers applauded the NIMASA DG and his team for their good work.
While applauding the agency, High Chief Yousou, who doubles as the ITF Africa Fair Play Committee Chairman, tasked them to intensify their efforts in the commencement of discussions, completion, and signing of the NJIC agreement.
He also charged the agency to monitor shipping companies for compliance, ensuring that all companies have individual Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) with their respective unions as well as ensuring that CBAs form part of the checklists before NIMASA renews shipping company licenses.
According to him, timely release of Certificates of Competency (COCs) after examinations is necessary saying, delays have caused undue hardship for seafarers.
He also enjoined the maritime agency on prompt payment of seafarers’ wages, urging NIMASA to prevail on shipping companies to prioritize timely remuneration, provision of sea time for cadets, even working out modalities for shipping companies to absorb cadets for their sea training experience.
The Union also appealed to NIMASA for the training of Nigerian officers in some advanced courses as cost implications are very high.
The Association urged NIMASA, as the regulatory agency, to ensure these directives are implemented to enhance the welfare and livelihood of Nigerian seafarers.
