Nifemi Babasanmi
Maritime expert, Capt. Caleb Danladi, has stressed the urgent need for increased investment in the training and certification of seafarers to strengthen safety and sustainability in global shipping.
Speaking on the future of the maritime industry, Capt. Danladi, a Master Mariner with over 15 years of experience in shipping, oil, and gas, said seafarers remain the backbone of global trade, yet many lack access to modern training facilities and internationally recognized certification.
“With over 80 percent of world trade carried by sea, the role of the seafarer cannot be overlooked. By investing in training and certification, we are not only enhancing safety at sea , but also preparing our workforce for the demands of a rapidly changing maritime environment,” he noted.
Capt. Danladi identified key areas for action, including upgrading maritime academies with modern simulators and digital learning platforms, promoting internationally recognized certification programs, and building partnerships between governments, shipping companies, and training providers.
He further emphasized the need to integrate new modules such as green shipping, cybersecurity, and alternative fuels into training curricula to align with global trends.
According to him, these steps will not only equip seafarers to compete in the international labor market but also position Nigeria and other maritime nations to fully harness opportunities in the blue economy.
“Investing in seafarers is investing in the future of global shipping,” he said.
