KEYWORDS TO HYPERLINK ARE:

1. Tugboat, Fuel Barges, and Seagoing Vessel Association (TUBAVS)

2. sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering

3. Unique Vessel Identification Number (UVIN)

 

 

In a bid to assist the Federal and security agencies in tackling issues of sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering along the waterways, the Tugboat, Fuel Barges, and Seagoing Vessel Association of Nigeria has called for the immediate censorship, verification, and stricter control of all marine vessels and craft operating within Nigerian waters and inland waterways.

The Tugboat, Fuel Barges, and Seagoing Vessel Association (TUBAVS) announced in a statement on Wednesday that the body who serves as a unified voice and advocacy group for maritime operators in the Nigerian marine industry, focused on marine operations, safety standards, and professional networking.

In the statement signed by its Legal Adviser,Tonye Wilson, it called for immediate censorship by all seagoing vessel and craft, including tankers, barges, tugboats, fishing vessels, workboats, houseboats, service boats,
landing craft, patrol craft, and any vessel engaged in fuel transport, storage, or ship-to-ship (STS), is a National censorship and control of all marine vessels and craft to combat illegal bunkering.

He stated , “In view of rising incidents of illegal bunkering and its impact on national security, revenue, safety, and the marine environment, the Union hereby issues nationwide directive for the immediate censorship, verification, and stricter control of all marine vessels and craft operating within Nigerian waters and inland waterways, pursuant to relevant session of the suppression of Piracy and other maritime offences act of 2019 scope”

He also stated that the mandatory censorship and verification should be carried within 90 days of the notice, as every vessel and craft must complete their censorship of their marine vehicles at the union website.

TUBAVS affirmed that those expected to register all vessels and marine vehicles must possess certificate of Registry/ proof of ownership,Tonnage Certificate, List of Marine Vehicle own by each company, Operator’s licenses with NIMASA & NIWA and other relevant agencies.

The union statement stated that each verified vessel will be assigned a Unique Vessel Identification Number (UVIN) and names must be visibly marked on both bows and stern in accordance with specifications issued by the Association/Union and the law.

It added that the implementation timeline is scheduled to began from 15 of August, 2026 to 30th November, 2026.