NIMASA’s Third Window Programme Begins, Soon

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Afency (NIMASA) has started the third window of its National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) to accommodate more youths.

Sources in NIMASA told our correspondent last Thursday in Lagos that the cost of the training of cadets and ratings in the third window would be borne by NIMASA.

The first window of the NSDP scheme was a collaboration between NIMASA and state governments on sponsorship ratio 40 to 60.

The second window involved private individuals, institutions, ministries and the Ministry of Niger Delta.

The sources said that so far Benue, Ekiti, Ondo, Kogi, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Niger, Lagos and Jigawa states had keyed into the programme.

They said that some indigenes of these states and the FCT had been sent abroad for the seafarers programme.

The sources said that additional four states, Kano, Borno, Gombe and Bayelsa had also indicated interest to enlist their indigenes in the programme.

Our correspondent reports that 23 states have not participated in the programme since it started four years ago.

According to the sources there would be an examination for the 1,800 applicants who had applied for the third window.

“There is going to be an examination, the Director General believes the programme is for every citizen.

“His aim is to develop the human capacity base in the maritime industry and give everybody the opportunity to apply, take the examination and undergo medical test,” the source said.

The areas of specialisation are marine engineering, nautical science and naval architecture.

The requirements for enrolment into the NSDP are five ‘O’ level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and any other science subject.