In a bid to boost human capacity development in the State, the Rivers State Government has trained 23 youths, on basic International Maritime Organisation (IMO) mandatory short courses (STCW’95), at the Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Training Centre, Port Harcourt.

Speaking during the passing out ceremony recently at the Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Training Centre, Kilometer 4, East-West Road, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Commissioner for Empowerment and Employment Generation, Dr. Ipalibo Harry, represented by the permanent secretary, Samuel LongJohn, said that the aim of sponsoring the 23 youths on ableseamen and Motor-men/Oilers was to add value to their skills, to enable them fit into the technical areas of the maritime industry.

He lamented that over the years, foreigners and non indigenes had dominated the sector, pointing out that the activities of the oil industry is about 60 per cent maritime and that the major reason is hinged on non-acquisition of the basic skills by our youths.

According to him, it is on this premise that the government decided to boost the human capacity of the youths to enhance their job opportunities in the Maritime sector.

In his address, the co-ordinator, Able Seamen, Motor-men/Oilers, Pastor Lawrence Bereiweriso, commended Amaechi’s Government for giving opportunity to youths to acquire seafarers’ skills, which he said will enable them gain employment onboard sea going vessels.

While urging government to sponsor more youths in the next batch, he also appealed that they look into the placement of the graduands in some of the marine, oil and gas companies operating in the state and the Niger Delta region, saying that they have been equipped with International Passport, Discharge Books (yet to be given), two years Medical Certificates as approved by NIMASA and Protective Safety Equipment.

The Chairman and Chef Executive Officer of Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre, Sir Charles K. Wami, thanked the commissioner for Empowerment and Employment Generation, Dr. Ipalibo Harry and the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for boosting human capacity building among the youths and sponsoring their training, as well as patronising Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre.

He posited that Charkin is a distinguished name in Global Maritime/Offshore Safety, capable of grooming and building human capacity to international Standard, noting that the course content covers, STCW’95 basic mandatory training (personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, first aid and personal safety & social responsibilities); pre-sea training and efficient deck hand (EDH).

He urged the graduands to be great ambassadors of the state, shun violence and maintain a peaceful maritime environment to enable companies in the sector operate.

Sir Wami recalled that the state-of-the-art Marine and offshore Safety Centre was commissioned on October 27, 2011 by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, noting that the Centre is developing Lifting and Hoisting, Dynamic Positioning (DP), Helicopter Fire Fighting and Well Control (IWCF) etc courses.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Isewegima Oloye, assured that they would be good ambassadors of the institution and the state.