MAN Oron receives underwater escape helicopter for training
From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
The Maritime Academy of Nigeria over the weekend received a Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) equipment that will enable it run courses and training for offshore operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
A source close to the academy described HUET as very important for anyone who flies a helicopter, adding that it is a necessary training for members of the armed forces aircrew and emergency service departments, such as the fire brigade and people who work offshore.
The training exercises are also being used for corporate events and work team building. According to the source, the training in something called dunker, takes place in a purpose-built indoor pool.
“The dunker is a helicopter simulator that can be submerged in the water. It can rotate 180 degrees, meaning that escape from an upside down position can be practiced, and it is useful if you need to escape a helicopter that has capsized.
“As well as learning how to safely and effectively escape an underwater helicopter, the training also covers the use of such equipment as breathing apparatus.
“The course combines practical exercises with learning the theory about various escape techniques, safe deployment of equipment and various emergency procedures and when to use them.
“When you’re in the dunker you will perform escape in various positions of rotation, and at various levels of submersion, as well as practice escape in the dark. You will also practice a range of more complex escape types, such as from a helicopter that has had various exit points blocked.
“HUET is also compulsory for people working in various industries, and in such case, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto a course. HUET is essential basic training for anyone working in offshore industries, as you are likely to be leaving and getting to your offshore workplace via helicopter.”
Deep Blue Project will curb ‘disturbing implications’ of insecurity, says NMLA
From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the country’s entire maritime community on the recent launch of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Project, also called the Deep Blue Project.
Describing the project and its assets as “laudable,” NMLA said it was aware of the disturbing implications of continued security breaches in the Nigeria waters, particularly with regards to reduced vessel calls.
Others included diversion of traffic to neighbouring jurisdictions, unlawful acts against ships and shipping, increased risk premium and general derogation of the country’s reputation as a maritime destination to mention a few.
In a statement by the NMLA President, Funke Agbor (SAN), the association expressed confidence that the effective use of the new security assets would represent and induce a significant shift in the approach to maritime security, with more focus on prevention than cure, and also effective rapid response to maritime crimes and incidents.
It tasked NIMASA and partner-agencies on the imperative of a sustainable framework for the deployment, management and consolidation of the security assets, with stronger and more effective focus on clear Standard Operating Procedures ((SOPs) and routine operational protocols.
This, it noted, is particularly in such areas as evidence gathering and cooperation among maritime law enforcement agencies in prosecution.