The Nigerian Navy (NN) is one of the branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which is responsible for naval operations that include protecting the country's territorial waters, conducting maritime surveillance, and carrying out search and rescue operations. The NN comprises of well-trained officers, ratings, and civilian staff. Amongst these officers, ratings and civilian staff is a group of seamen who play a critical role in the Nigerian Navy. This article will discuss who seamen are, their role in the Nigerian Navy, and what it takes to become a seaman in the Nigerian Navy.
Table of Contents
Before we dive into the role of seamen in the Nigerian Navy, it is essential to understand the Nigerian Navy's overview. The Nigerian Navy was established in 1956, and its mission is to deploy a naval force that can adequately deal with the country's maritime security challenges. The Nigerian Navy operates a fleet that includes various types of vessels, such as warships, patrol boats, and support vessels, and has a broad range of capabilities that enable it to carry out its mission.
A seaman is a rating in the Nigerian Navy, and they are one of the most important personnel in the Navy. They are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of a ship's deck department, including navigation, cargo handling, and communications. Seamen are also responsible for ensuring the safety of the ship, its crew, and its cargo. They work in some of the most challenging and demanding conditions, and their expertise is critical to the success of any naval operation.
Seamen in the Nigerian Navy have various roles and responsibilities, depending on their rank and experience. Some of the basic roles and responsibilities of seamen in the Nigerian Navy include:
Seamen are responsible for navigation, which involves using charts, maps, and navigation equipment to guide the ship to its destination. They are also responsible for plotting the ship's course and ensuring that it stays on course. Seamen work closely with the ship's officers to ensure that the ship is always on the right track.
Maintenance
Seamen are responsible for the maintenance of the ship's deck department, including cleaning, painting, and repairing the ship's exterior. They are also responsible for maintaining the ship's life-saving and firefighting equipment, ensuring that they are in good working condition at all times.
Cargo Handling
Seamen are responsible for the safe loading and unloading of cargo on the ship. They work closely with the ship's officers to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and that it does not pose a danger to the ship or its crew.
Communication
Seamen are responsible for communication, which involves the use of radios, telephones, and other communication equipment to maintain contact with other ships, naval bases, and other military units. They are also responsible for maintaining the ship's communication equipment, ensuring that it is always in good working condition.
Watchkeeping
Seamen are responsible for watchkeeping, which involves standing watch for a specified period. They watch over the ship's equipment and ensure that everything is running smoothly. They also keep a lookout for any potential hazards, such as other ships, icebergs, or rough seas.
To become a seaman in the Nigerian Navy, one must meet specific requirements. Some of the requirements include:
Educational Qualifications
The minimum educational requirement to become a seaman in the Nigerian Navy is a West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with at least five credits, including English and mathematics.
Age Requirement
The age requirement to become a seaman in the Nigerian Navy is between 18 and 22 years.
Physical Fitness
As a seaman, one must be physically fit and healthy. Applicants must have a height of at least 1.7 meters for males and 1.64 meters for females, and should not have any physical disabilities.
Selection Process
The selection process for seamen in the Nigerian Navy involves a series of tests, including a written examination, a medical examination, and a physical fitness test. Applicants who pass these tests are invited for an interview, after which successful candidates are admitted into the Nigerian Navy.
Final Thoughts
Seamen are an essential part of the Nigerian Navy, and their role in the Navy cannot be overemphasized. They work in some of the most challenging and demanding conditions, and their expertise is critical to the success of any naval operation. Becoming a seaman in the Nigerian Navy requires a combination of educational qualifications, physical fitness, and the ability to pass a series of tests. If you are interested in becoming a seaman in the Nigerian Navy, it is essential to start preparing early and maintaining a high level of physical fitness.
