- NSML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed
By Anthony Nwachukwu
The NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited’s (NSML) Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) has become the first training centre in Africa to receive the highly sought-after accreditation from the United Kingdom (UK) Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK MCA).
This ground-breaking achievement allows the MCOE to deliver and issue certificates for the STCW 2010 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Basic Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations courses, thereby placing it among globally recognised maritime training institutions.
An agency under the UK Department for Transport, UK MCA is renowned for regulating maritime standards and safety worldwide, and its accreditation is often referred to as the “Gold Standard” in maritime training – a mark of excellence that underscores the quality of the MCOE programmes.
Excited at the feat, NSML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, said that achieving this certification was no mean feat, as the centre underwent a rigorous two-year review process, during which it was thoroughly evaluated against stringent international standards.
According to him, the accreditation confirms that MCOE’s courses are not only in line with global best practices but also crucial for enhancing maritime safety, modern navigation, and operational efficiency.
Proud of the certification, he stressed that it was a significant milestone for both NSML and the maritime industry in Africa, stating: “Earning the UK MCA accreditation is a testament to the high standards we maintain at the MCOE,” according to a statement from the NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh.
“The accreditation has been a key objective for the MCOE since its inception. This accreditation allows us to offer the accredited courses, not just to our crew but to seafarers across Nigeria and beyond.
“With this milestone, we expect that seafarers will no longer need to travel overseas to renew their certifications, leading to significant savings in both travel and recertification costs.
“This achievement aligns perfectly with our growth and sustainability goals, positioning the MCOE as a fully-fledged, advanced maritime training centre accredited to provide top-tier training and competency development programmes for seafarers in Nigeria and Africa.”
The newly accredited courses are vital for seafarers globally and are mandatory for those aiming to advance careers and ensure safe operations at sea. With this accreditation, NSML’s MCOE is poised to become a leading hub for maritime training in Africa.
This landmark achievement strengthens the status of NSML and MCOE as industry leaders and sets a new benchmark for maritime training in Africa.
