Business

NIMASA introduces measures to contain insecurity, illegal entry

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

In keeping with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), statutory mandate of providing maritime security, new measures have been introduced to forestall security threats in the Nigerian maritime domain and deter persons with illegal means of entry into countries as stowaways.

By this new approach, all Ship Captains are to submit the Security-Related Pre-Arrival Information (SRPA) forms to the Agency not later than 48 hours before the ship’s arrival at any Nigerian port.

They are also required to exchange the Declaration of Security (DoS) with the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) of their next port of call not later than 72 hours before the ship’s arrival at that port for conveyance to NIMASA within 48 hours.

Additionally, all ships are to maintain 24 hours vigilance and surveillance to detect strange movements, including small boats and skiffs that may not be captured by the radar.

In a release by Osagie Edward Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, made available to Nation Update, other measures include proper pre-departure search and completion of pre-departure form before departure from any port; switching on Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) close monitoring of communication channels and response to any VHF call from the Nigerian Navy or the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC).

According to the Director-General NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, the measures are consistent with the strategy of trying to be one step ahead of the pirates, armed robbers, and anyone or anything that poses a danger to the country’s maritime domain and Nigeria, in general.

Nigerian Navy’s for maritime security

“The procedures are easy to follow and deliberate steps have been taken to make the reporting process seamless, all for the good of the ship operators and the international shipping community.

“They are in keeping with NIMASA’s statutory mandate to provide maritime security and implement special actions to enhance security in line with the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations, ICIR, 2014,” the release stated.