The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has established a Maritime Safety Centre (MSC) as part of efforts aimed at improving the marine services it offers ports users.
Managing Director, Malam Habib Abdullahi, yesterday visited the site where the centre would be located at the NPA dockyard premises in Apapa, Lagos.
Abdullahi said during the visit that work would shortly commence with the first phase to install a full bridge navigation simulator. He said once the simulator becomes operational, work would continue with the phased development of the centre to other aspects which includes continuous training of NPA marine officers.
He said the navigation simulator will allow NPA pilots and tug-masters to gain regular refresher training in line with requirements of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The navigation simulator facility will also serve NPA in allowing the pilots to plan and practice calls to Nigeria by the current trend of larger ships.
A press statement signed by the NPA’s Principal Manager, Public Affairs, Mallam Isa Suwaid stated that NPA pilots used navigation simulation to develop their plan and to practice manoeuvres for large ships visiting the nation’s seaports.
“The project is being anchored by the Business Development and Joint Venture Division of the Authority in conjunction with the Authority’s joint venture partners,” he stated.
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