In a bid to assist the Federal Government 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 (TUBAVS) has called for the immediate censorship, verification, and stricter control of all marine vessels and craft operating within Nigerian waters and inland waterways.

The TUBAVS, in a statement yesterday, announced that the body 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 vessels 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) 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 mandatory censorship and verification should be carried out within 90 days of the notice, as every vessel and craft must complete the censorship of their marine vehicles on the union website.

TUBAVS affirmed that those expected to register all vessels and marine vehicles must possess a certificate of registry/ proof of ownership, Tonnage Certificate, and a list of marine vehicles owned by each company, operator’s licenses with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and other relevant agencies.