Follow Us on Google
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
In a bid to assist security agencies in tackling rising issues of sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering along the waterways, the Tugboat, Fuel Barges, and Seagoing Vessel Association of Nigeria (TUBVAS) has called for the immediate censorship, verification, and stricter control of all marine vessels and craft operating within Nigerian waters and inland waterways.
TUBAVS, in a statement by its Legal Adviser, Tonye Wilson, noted that the union serves as a unified voice and advocacy group for maritime operators in the Nigerian marine industry, focusing on marine operations, safety standards, and professional networking.
Wilson said that to combat illegal oil bunkering and sea piracy, it would ensure the censorship of all seagoing vessels and craft, including tankers, barges, tugboats, fishing vessels, workboats, houseboats, service boats, landing craft, patrol craft, and any vessel engaged in fuel transport, storage, or ship-to-ship (STS).
“In view of rising incidents of illegal bunkering and its impact on national security, revenue, safety, and the marine environment, the Union hereby issues a nationwide directive for the immediate censorship, verification, and stricter control of all marine vessels and craft operating within the Nigerian waters and inland waterways, pursuant to the relevant section of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019 SCOPE, “ he stated.
Wilson, who pointed out that the MANDATORY CENSORSHIP AND VERIFICATION should be carried out within 90 days of its notice, added that every vessel and craft must complete the censorship of their marine vehicles on the union websites.
He affirmed that those expected to register all vessels and marine vehicles must possess a certificate of Registry/ proof of ownership, Tonnage Certificate, and List of marine vehicles owned by each company, Operator’s licenses with NIMASA & NIWA, and other relevant agencies.
Wilson disclosed that each verified vessel will be assigned a Unique Vessel Identification Number (UVIN), and the UVIN and the vessel name must be visibly marked on both bows and stern in accordance with specifications issued by the Association/Union and the law.
