Seafarers seek better working condition from Govt.

Tayo Afolabi      |

Seafarers in the country have appealed to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to provide friendly working terms for shipping business to thrive in the country. 

The group under the aegis of Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) dropped the hint in Lagos yesterday, as it is preparing for the seafarers’ day coming up on 25th of June, 2018, scheduled to hold in Warri, Delta State.

The National President of the association, Engr. Alalade Mathew commended the Apex maritime regulatory agency for giving Nigerian seafarers the opportunity to work on board ships.

He maintained that the implementation level of Cabotage has hit about seventy percent adding that “Our people are telling us that NIMASA is calling them and they are getting jobs on board.

He however called on the agency as the representative of the government to improve on the welfare of the seafarers so as not to be frustrated in the course of doing their jobs.

He said, “In terms of Cabotage, obviously, NIMASA is doing well now. About 70% of our people are now getting on board vessels because we are getting feedback from our people. 

“But NIMASA should do more to improve the welfare of the seafarers because of the stress they face at sea which can lead to trauma for them.

Speaking further, Alalade stated that the association would intimate government of the plight of the members so that their welfare could be improved upon.

On the forthcoming world seafarers celebration, the National President said “Seafarers’ day is coming up on the 25th of this month and we want to talk about wellbeing of our seafarers, their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

He also accused Manning Agents of not remitting the dues of members they take on board to the purse of the association, adding that when the seafarers have problems, the Manning Agents cannot defend them before the ship owners. 

“We want NIMASA to be up and doing especially the Manning Agents, they are not remitting our members’ dues to us, they are not able to defend our members’ rights before ship owners, we are the ones that can defend their rights,” he insisted.

© 2018, maritimemag. All rights reserved.