Expert warns certificate forgery will undermine marine diving in Nigeria

Abiola Seun

The Chief Inspector of Diving in  Nigeria, Mr. Julius Ugwala, has warned that forgery of diving ticket, medical fitness certificates will continue to rock the association if members refuse to unite to tackle it.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, he warned that if the issues are not addressed, the crimes will undermine Nigerian divers and bring the profession in Nigeria to disrepute, destroy the Association that has existed for over 30 years.

He however cautioned against the fractionalisation of the National Association of Professional Divers (NAPROD) which he claimed was fuelled by self interest at a time the group should unite to move the diving sector forward.

Ugwala  decried the situation where people who have nothing to contribute to the professional advancement  become bearers of false information with intent to malign those consciously working the advancement of NAPROD.

He called for actions that would further emancipate divers, giving them their due as they support the well-purposed work of the Diving Governing Board.

He urged NAPROD to insist on professionalism, as Nigerian divers should not be a laughing stock before International Oil Companies and international Diving community.

Speaking further on the ripples within NAPROD, the CID stated that he is optimistic that the group would overcome this challenging time.

“My colleagues and I have talked about the situation. I am an incurable optimist about several things and particularly NAPROD”, he said.

The CID stressed the need to engage divers in trainings so as to equip them with the requisite knowledge,especially as it pertains to the diving regulations and behavioural ethics.

He said that if the issues are not addressed, crimes like forgery of diving ticket, medical fitness certificates will continue to undermine Nigerian divers and bring the profession in Nigeria to disrepute.

Ugwala added that any diver who would not rise above sentiments to pursue ethical demands of the job should not occupy a position of trust, especially at this time of sectional agitations.

“If we all come together, it will take us a very short time to chase out the bad eggs from NAPROD and restore peace and harmony in the association”, he said.