The mandatory sea time training programme for 20 cadets sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) started on Monday at Charkins Maritime and Offshore Services Limited, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The programme is aimed at addressing the deficit of trained cadets in the maritime and oil and gas industries and reduce the dependence on foreign personnel in the marine operations. The trainees were selected from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS).

Under the programme, the cadets will be trained by Bernard Schulte Group for 12 months on board a foreign vessel and will be international certified after the training and awarded the Certificate of Competence (COC) recognized by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote represented by the General Manager, Capacity Building Division, Dr. Ama Ikuru explained that the cadets training is a Human Capacity Building Initiative of the Board, geared towards increasing the participation of Nigerians in the oil and gas industry, especially in shipping which is an important aspect of the sector.

According to him, over 10,000 vessels berth at the Nigerian Port each year but there were deficiency of Nigerians required in manning those vessels.

He said: “51 candidates were selected for the test, 41 candidates turned up and 20 cadets were selected for the training in Ghana”.

Ikuru advised the cadets to be hardworking, dedicated and aspire to be the best, even as he gave the assurance that the Board would support them to succeed.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Charkins Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, Sir Charles Kimikanwo Wami commended the Board for its effective implementation of the Nigerian Content Act and for collaborating with stakeholders and empowering youths through provision of job opportunities.

He advised the cadets to make good use of the opportunity and become good ambassadors of their communities and the nation.