As part of its efforts to enhance the development of indigenous maritime manpower that would support seamless operations in the Nigerian oil and gas , the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Tuesday kicked off its Human Capital Development (HCD) training for 100 youths from the Niger Delta of the country On Boat Operations.

The 10-day training, which is consistent with the requirements of the NCDMB’s 10-year strategic roadmap, is being facilitated by Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research in Effurun, Delta State.

This ongoing exercise seeks to develop manpower that would deliver quality and safe performance with power-driven small boats, which are in regular use in swamp operations in the oil and gas industry.

In his keynote address, the executive secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote, said that the board’s mandate requires the development of local talents, facilities, and assets to support Nigerian oil and gas operations and its linkage sectors.

Wabote, who was represented by the board’s General Manager, Capacity Building Division, Dr. Ama Ikuru, mentioned that the training is a demonstration of the NCDMB’s commitment towards the development of Niger Delta youths.

He further highlighted that one of the significant challenges facing the Nigerian maritime sector is inadequate indigenous manpower to support marine operations and the surge in the number of accidents recorded in Nigerian inland waterways.

“To forestall the prevalence of boat accidents and fatalities in our inland waterways, this training will build the capacity of drivers and provide practical knowledge, competence, and certification that will enable you to be abreast with the skills required for the safe handling of small craft vessels within the Nigerian inland waterways and near-coastal voyage (NCV),” Ikuru said.

He also congratulated the management of Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies for providing the platform for the training and charged the participants to believe in their ability to surmount all challenges and succeed.

Delivering in his welcome address, the Managing Director, Joemarine Institute of Nautical Studies and Research, Mr. Kenneth Epidei, congratulated the trainees and commended the board’s training initiative in building capacities and opportunities required in the oil and gas industry.