Vessel owners have been assured of NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety geared towards the safety of navigation
By Uzor Odigbo
A Nigerian flagged Motor Vessel, MV VIGEO ADEBOLA which was reported to be distressed midstream Federal Ocean Terminal ONNE due to operational error has been moved to a better location clear away from the FOT Onne Channel.
MV Vigeo Adebola had a port list on 10th February 2022 due to the fact that it received potable freshwater from a barge and it received all in the port freshwater tank.
The vessel owners were able to correct the list on the 13th February 2022 by transferring some of the potable freshwaters to the starboard side in order to have an even keel. Throughout this period, the Surveyors from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) constantly monitored the vessel until the operation was completed and the vessel relocated.
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It is noteworthy that at no point was the vessel having a negative metacentric height and vessel owners and captains are assured of the safety of navigation on the Channel.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, gave the assurance that the Agency will continue to work with relevant authorities and stakeholders in ensuring the waterways and channels are safe for navigation.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure vessel owners, captains and all stakeholders, of the Agency’s commitment to its mandate, which includes maritime safety, geared towards the safety of navigation of vessels in Nigerian territorial waters”, Jamoh said
What NIMASA does
- Pursue the development of shipping and regulatory matters relating to merchant shipping and seafarers.
- Administration and regulation of shipping licenses.
- Administration, Regulation and Certification of Seafarers.
- Establishment of Maritime Training and Safety Standards
- Regulation of safety of shipping as regards the construction of ships and navigation.
- Provision of Maritime Search and Rescue Services
- Provide direction and ensure compliance with vessels security measures
- Carry out Air and Coastal Surveillance
- Control and prevent Maritime Pollutio