Gender Balance: Maritime Sector Needs More Female as Industry Celebrates Seafarers Day

Gender Balance: Maritime Sector Needs More Female as Industry Celebrates Seafarers Day

The total percentage of female seafarers working in the maritime industry is just 2% according to figures released by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This equates to approximately 24,000 women seafarers out of a total global workforce of 1.89 million. Statistics such as this underline that diversity in the maritime industry remains a major problem.

The total percentage of female seafarers working in the maritime industry is just 2% according to figures released by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This equates to approximately 24,000 women seafarers out of a total global workforce of 1.89 million.

Statistics such as this underline that diversity in the maritime industry remains a major problem. The factors are not farfetched, most cultures perceive seafaring as a profession dominated by men. Female seafarers are also not likely to work on a vessel that has discriminated against them by failing to make allowances for women seafarers.

So, what are the remedies to encourage more female seafarers into the profession? It is common knowledge that aspiring female seafarers have been unable to complete their training due to companies being reluctant to take them on board or make the necessary alterations on their vessels to accommodate them. This includes providing training for existing workers, with many women seafarers often facing regular scepticism from colleagues.

This, and other challenges facing Seafarers generally as well as policies of government on the maritime industry came into focus when the Day of the Seafarers was celebrated in Lagos. It was also a day to remember departed Seafarers as unsung heroes and give recognition to those who have distinguished themselves.

Maritime Industry Shows Appreciation to Seafarers

DG NIMASA, Senator Eshinlokun, Hon Khadijat Bukar and other Dignitaries at the occasion

The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to appreciate the work of seafarers and their safety at sea. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy, and civil society as a whole.

In compliance with this resolution, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency on Tuesday rolled out the drums and trumpets in celebration of the Seafarers. NIMASA was supported by other agencies, unions, and groups in the maritime industry. It was also a day to look into the governance of the maritime industry and there were positive exchanges between the executive and the legislative arms of the government with promises to consider proposals to move the sector forward.

Day of the Seafarer is recognized by the United Nations as an observance day following the resolution which “encourages Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully”. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Convention provides machinery for cooperation among Governments in the field of governmental regulation and practices relating to technical matters of all kinds affecting shipping engaged in international trade; to encourage and facilitate the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning maritime safety, efficiency of navigation and prevention and control of marine pollution from ships”. The Organization is also empowered to deal with administrative and legal matters related to these purposes.

The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata, emphasized the nation’s commitment to seafarers’ welfare through standardized remuneration, safe environment, and proper training. He stated that seafarers’ training would continue to be prioritized just as attention would be given to addressing needs areas of seafarers and shipping in the country.

Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of NIMASA described IMO’s 2024 theme for this year’s celebration: “Navigating the Future: Safety First” as very apt, and pledged to strengthen the legal framework towards domesticating all Maritime- Labour- related ILO Conventions ratified by Nigeria.

These conventions include the Maritime Labour Conventions (MLC) 2006 as amended, the Seafarers Identity Document (SID) Convention as amended, and the Dock Work Convention. “We recognize the humongous challenges seafarers face, including war zones, pirates, and exposure to health risks. We also acknowledge that some basic rights, such as proper insurance and compensation, are not always guaranteed. This is a call to action for all stakeholders, government, ship owners, and ourselves at NIMASA – to address these issues and prioritize seafarer welfare.

“In the area of employment of Seafarers, the Agency through the introduction of the new Cabotage Compliance Strategy on Manning has ensured that all foreign Seafarer Ratings and some category of officers onboard Cabotage vessels are immediately replaced with qualified Nigerian seafarers.

“The third phase of the Nigerian Seafarers’ Development program aims to graduate 435 officers. Many trainees are currently undergoing mandatory sea-time training onboard ocean-going vessels. The challenge lies in securing placements for these qualified seafarers, but we are working to resolve this issue,” the NIMASA boss said.

Goodwill Messages, Challenges, and Solutions
Different persons and groups gave goodwill messages and saluted the contributions of Seafarers to the global economy. Otunba Shola Adewumi, president Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) acknowledged the challenges Seafarers faced, their perils at sea, and their absence from families for several months.

The President-General Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) comrade Adewale Adeyanju commended the activities of NIMASA under Dr. Mobereola for reforming the Agency to expected standards, which he said: “had never happened before where the DG and his Executive Directors will put on our uniform”. He said in deference to the mood he would not speak on the issues of welfare and pension. But he encouraged Shipowners to float more vessels.

Comrade Adeyanju called on NIMASA to promote the Nigerian Seafarers’ certificates such that they become acceptable by other African countries. He also wants Indigenous Shipowners to be empowered by the government for them to employ more persons. He urged NIMASA to have a vessel of its own to strengthen its regulatory roles.

The National President of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO & WTSSA), Mr. Bob Joseph Yousuo reeled out challenges facing Seafarers and proffered some solutions. These included unemployment of qualified Seafarers “Many trained but few employed”, inability to issue certain categories of certificates, and absence of a national carrier. He wants the government to consider tax exemptions for Seafarers because they hardly stay long in Nigeria.

Mr. Sonny Eja, President Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) wants NIMASA to address issues that make it unattractive for women in Seafaring while also encouraging NIMASA to send some of its executives on offshore expeditions for them to feel what the Seafarers feel.

The Chairpersons of the two chambers of the National Assembly on Marine Transportation, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun and Hon Khadijat Bukar also congratulated Seafarers on their occasion. They promised to support both NIMASA and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in their reforms’ agenda. They promised to support the promotion of legislation that will make it possible for the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund to function and also consider favourably request for a Nigerian vessel when presented to the National Assembly.

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