By Philip Nwosu
Trainees of the inaugural Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping for Seafarers course have been enjoined to apply themselves fully to the course especially as the certifications they will earn would be internationally recognised and vital for professional advancement in the maritime sector.
Speaking during the inauguration of the course, the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra, Commodore Benjamin Onalo said: “This training not only enhances our internal capacity but also aligns with global standards in maritime safety, security, and seafaring professionalism.”
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He said that the training is an opportunity for Nigeria Navy personnel to acquire skills that will keep them competent and mission-ready in an increasingly complex maritime environment.
The STCW programme, it was learnt is part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Navy to build indigenous capacity, align with international maritime regulations, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s blue economy through human capital development.
He urged the trainees to apply themselves fully during the course, noting that the certifications they will earn are internationally recognised and vital for professional advancement in the maritime sector.
Commodore Onalo commended Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for his steadfast dedication to improving the welfare and professional development of naval personnel, adding that the dedication and commitment as a key driver behind the successful accreditation of the institution to offer STCW training.
The Commandant also expressed gratitude to the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Robert Obeya, for his strategic leadership and support, which played a pivotal role in facilitating the programme’s launch.
The commencement of the first-ever Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping for Seafarers (STCW) training by the NNS QUORRA, according to the Commandant, marks a significant milestone since its accreditation as a certified Maritime Training Institute in October 2024.
Daily Sun learnt that the maiden training course, which commenced on Tuesday, hosts 12 participants and is scheduled to run for two weeks. It includes: intensive professional instruction in critical areas such as Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Fighting and Prevention, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, Security Awareness for All Seafarers, and the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).
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