By Uzor Odigbo
Combined seafarers from the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association and the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have raised the alarm over the influx of Chinese sailors operating in the nation’s territorial waters .The union’s said that 300 Nigerian crews were replaced at the ongoing Dangote Refinery at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, affirming that all Nigerians onboard all the vessels were sacked and replaced In a letter written to NIMASA by the unions for possible action in addressing the issue states thus;”We (Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA) and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN)) as a matter of urgency, wish to meet with you on Tuesday the 15‘“ Jan, 2019 to discuss the following burning issues as they affect the maritime sector and proffer solutions (Way forward).According to the document, the issue of Influx of Chinese Seafarers into nations maritime industry is not in conformity with the nation’s Cabotage Act, top the agenda of the meeting with the regulatory agency. The concerned Seafarers lamented that the regulatory agency; the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been informed about the development for the past five months but no action has been taken to address the situation, adding that the presence of the Chinese nationals on Nigerian waters send a wrong signal to international community.According to a letter signed by the Secretaries of the two unions; namely Comrade Julius Efokpor and Felix Akingboye stated that the influx of the foreign seamen contravene the cabotage act of 2003.They called on the apex maritime regulatory agency to revisit the situation and take quick action to ensure strict compliance to the cabotage law.The statement noted “Our attention has been drawn to the above subject matter in contravention of the Cabotage Act. 2003.”All Nigerians onboard the HYSY698 were sacked as we are also informed that the vessel HYSY698 managers said they did not need any Nigerian to work with them. “The vessel was detained by NIMASA for failing to comply with the manning requirement of the Cabotage law and was later released after 3days which is not acceptable. Please, we are open for meeting. “All Nigerians onboard the HYSYc698 were sacked as we are also informed that the vessel HYSY698 managers said they do not need any Nigerian to work with them. “The vessel was detained by NIMASA for failing to comply with the manning requirement of the Cabotage law and was later released after 3 days which is not acceptable. Please, we are open for meeting. “The vessels are already at the worksite to commence Operation soon. Like wild fire In the harmattan, which can do nobody any good, we are informed that the owners and agents of the vessels refused to work with Nigerians onboard, rather they already have full crew of Chinese Seafarers from the Master of the vessels to the least man onboard. “Information at our disposal reveals that the Dangote Refinery Project at Lekki, Lagos shall be deploying two AHTS and lay barge for its use. “The vessels will be used for installation of Pipelines, SBM and etc. “The AHTS have minimum crew compliment of 22 each and the Lay Barge Is to carry 200 staff strength onboard. “With their back to back, the total work force would be 500 personnel approximately and the duration of the contract is 2 years plus.”The Management Company for the vessel is Anglo Eastern Ship Management and owners of the vessel are COOEC China.
