Nigeria Produces First Chartered Master Mariner In Africa

Nigeria’s Captain Kunle Olayiwola was, on Wednesday, decorated as a Chartered Master Mariner making him the first African to achieve the feat.

The award is a recognition given to individuals who have reached the highest level of professional certification in the maritime industry.

Speaking at the annual Chartered Master Mariner Award and Alumni Event, held in London, the chairman Registration Authority, Commodore Duncan Lamb said, the award is presented annually to acknowledge outstanding achievements, contributions, and leadership in the maritime field.

He said, “A Chartered Master Mariner is an experienced and highly skilled mariner who has demonstrated expertise in ship navigation, safety, and management. This award is usually presented annually to acknowledge outstanding achievements, contributions, or leadership in the maritime field.”

The Captain Kunle Olayiwola who is also a fellow of the Nautical Institute spoke with newsmen at this year’s annual award and alumni event held in London.

“This is a proud moment for me and a great achievement for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The award of Chartered status is a gold standard for those who deserve the accolade of Eminence. It recognized Master Mariners who have not only benefited the industry but have also improved capability and demonstrated a willingness to help others. Chartered Masters are technical partners to the International Maritime Organization and many others,” he stated.

The alumni event associated with the Chartered Master Mariner Annual Award brings together individuals who have previously received this honour to inspire the younger generation of mariners.

LEADERSHIP reports that Capt. Kunle was in the Nigerian Navy for over a decade before switching into the Merchant Navy, after voluntary retirement from the Navy.

Captain Kunle sailed on many types of Ships and worked as District Surveyor, Zonal Coordinator and Head of Enforcement Monitoring Unit,Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Capt. Kunle is the first Fellow of the Nautical Institute who is keen to see Nigeria as one of the leading maritime nations in the world, transparent maritime operation activities and operators to keep to Honest , integrity and good ethical conduct standard.