A veteran maritime lawyer and Principal Partner of Jean Chiazor and Partners, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), has called for the establishment of a national Seafarers Welfare Fund to carter for the diverse fiscal needs of seafarers.
The Learned Silk made this call while speaking as a Guest Speaker at the Seafarers Awards Nigeria themed: “Championing the Welfare of Seafarers in Nigeria” on Saturday.
Anishere also received an award as Nigerian Seafarers’ “Personality of the year 2024” at the ceremony which held virtually.
She observed that the fund could be used to address monetary challenges as well as issues like; inadequate training and certification programmes, seafarers’ health, accidents, among other purposes.
Meanwhile, Anishere expressed dissatisfaction at Nigerian seafarers poor working conditions and safety standards on vessels, low wages and irregular payments, limited job opportunities and career advancement, isolation from social connections.
Anishere, who is also the Vice Chairperson of Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), frowned at the discrimination and harassment of female seafarers, low female representation, limited opportunities for shore leave, long shift of duties, irregular work hours, high exposure to physical risks such as engine noise and vibration, among other challenges.
In a bid to address these challenges, Anishere recommended regular training and capacity building for seafarers, improved communication between stakeholders and seafarers, enhanced collaboration with international organisations and national regulators, and strengthened enforcement of maritime laws.
She, however, encouraged Nigerian seafarers to understand the roles of international and national agencies regulating the maritime sector as well as the organizations who provide support system for seafaring.
While making her presentation, the Learned Silk equally provided a practical step-by-step guide for Nigerian seafarers whose rights may have been violated in the course of their seafaring practice.
Giving her remarks on receipt of the award, Anishere said; “I thank the organizers of this beautiful event and it’s my pleasure to participate as a guest lecturer. I didn’t expect to receive an award tonight, not being a seafarer.”
Describing herself as a passionate friend of bold seafarers, she added; “I’m honoured to have been considered the Seafarers’ personality of the year 2024. I thank you for the award and I pledge my continued support to reinforcing the rights of seafarers by ensuring the promotion of such rights as provided in our Merchant Shipping Act, 2007 and the Constitution of the FRN 1999, as amended.”
