Group canvasses engagement of local marine surveyors

From left: Treasurer Guild of Marine Surveyors, Sam Osu; Publicity Secretary, Rowland Emorwodia; Welfare Officer, Paul Nwachi; Vice President, Young Chukwu; President, Monday Ogadina; General Secretary, Wale Adetoro and Assistant Secretary, Tunde Olusanya at the event.

Chuks Udo Okonta 

The Guild of Marine Surveyors the umbrella body of registered Marine Surveyors; Cargo Superintendents and Marine Consultants in Nigeria, has called on the government and individuals in export and import businesses to engage the services of reputed local marine surveyors to mitigate the multi-million Naira daily loses in maritime business.

Its President, Monday Ogadina, made the call today at a media parley in Lagos. He noted that the activities of the body which is made up of about 40 registered companies, is underutilised  in the country as individuals in shipping business often neglect their roles in the handling their businesses.

He called on the government to create favourable business environment that will enable local marine surveyors compete effectively with their counterparts in other shores, adding that the government should put a law that would recognise the duties of local surveyors.

He noted that due to the sensitive nature of marine business, surveyors should be engaged during loading and off loading of cargoes to ascertain their real value.

Ogadina said the body which was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on March 21 2006, was formed to promote  professionalism and advancement of knowledge in the field of surveying. He noted that the objectives of the body also include: to seek recognition from government organisations; coast guards; international maritime organisations; licensed marine underwriters; insurance corporations; ship owners and maritime lawyers.

From left: Welfare Officer Guild of Marine Surveyors, Paul Nwachi; Vice President, Young Chukwu; President, Monday Ogadina and General Secretary, Wale Adetoro at the event.

He said the group over the years through its activities has helped in job creation; enhanced knowledge and promote marine safety in the country.

He stressed that the body is currently working to affiliate with the Marine Institute of London. 

"Membership is open to all persons of not less than 21 years of age who are marine surveyors, cargo superintendents and marine consultants, provided the person seeking membership can show evidence of recognised accomplishment and continuing professional standing in such charter or charter of the Guild as May be consistent with the objectives of the Guild as set out in the constitution," he said.

He called on unregistered operators to associated with the body so as to have a common front.

"The Guild observes that there are many surveyors operating in the country without the proper requisite qualifications for the profession. We are therefore calling on all practicing cargo superintendents, marine surveyors and consultants to associate with the guild. Intending members are to visit our website at www.guildofmarinesurveyors.org or contact our Apapa Secretariat at 1st floor Libra Block, Eleganza Plaza (Seaguard Service). Emails can be sent to guildofmarinesurveyors@yahoo.com with the subject "membership application"," he said.