The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the Day of the Seafarer with the Director General, Dakuku Peterside stating that there can be no maritime sector without the seafarers.
Speaking during a joint visit to the Apapa port in Lagos with members of the National Seafarers Welfare Board (NSWB), Peterside said seafarers are indispensable in realizing a virile maritime sector globally.
“Let me assure you of our commitment to a better condition of living for the seafarers and our resolve to continue to engage in human capacity development, so that you can also compete favourably with your counterparts internationally. Your challenges are our challenges just as your successes are our successes; we are together in the Voyage of steering the ship of the Nigerian maritime sector to greater heights in line with global best practices,” he said.
The DG who was represented by the Head, Corporate Communications of the agency, Isichei Osamgbi also called on stakeholders and maritime labour employers to ensure that the welfare of seafarers is topmost in their priority.
This year’s event with its theme “Seafarers Matter” is aimed at demonstrating the importance of seafaring to the growth and development of the maritime sector globally and to mark the day in Nigeria.
NIMASA and NSWB representatives visited seafarers onboard some vessels including the MV Baltic Panther, Africa Glory, Golden Eagle and Asia Pearl VII.
Day of the Seafarer (DotS) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the globe to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.
The resolution encourages governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it profoundly.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) set aside June 25 every year to commemorate the day.
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