Seafarers Knock NIMASA Over Delays in Revalidation of Certificates of Competency

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Nigerian seafarers have berated the apex regulatory agency; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over what they described as delays in revalidation of their Certificates of Competency (COC)

Speaking on behalf of the concerned seafarers, Capt Segun Akanbi told DAILY TREND NEWS that the COC revalidation is not ready after months of submission, thereby placing livelihood of many seafarers on hold.

According to him, the NIMASA seafarers medical certificates is one of the cause of the delay.

Apart from this, the seafarers raise alarm that employers are now rejecting NIMASA approved medical certificates from some certain hospitals. The NIMASA authorities have allegedly been informed but no action is being taken.

Capt Alanbi who is spokesman for Maritime Professionals Forum (MARPRO) told our correspondent that “The COC for revalidation is not ready for pick up after months of submission.
Chief mate and Masters COC hard cover is not ready, even though result have been out since November 2021

“Some Clients and companies now reject NIMASA approved medical certificate from some certain hospitals, yet NIMASA had nothing to say.

“Most of the hospitals claimed they don’t have the NIMASA Seafarers medical Certificate. While they issue a letter to that effect.

“Most companies are not accepting the Interim license issued by NIMASA. This means that your source of livelihood is taken from you for the period of your license revalidation.

“Imagine being out of Job for 6-months because you submitted your hard copy to NIMASA for revalidation?” he lamented

Capt Akanbi said that the the revalidation date has to come on the hard cover, hence the need for seafarers to submit their original certificates.

According to him, exams were done 18th – 21st August 2021. Result slips were out since 15th November, 2021, however Hard Cover is not available.