SHIP BROKERS MOVE TO FIGHT QUACKS
LAGOS- Association of Ship Brokers and Consultants,ASBC, has resolved to collaborate with stakeholders in the maritime industry to promote best practices and eliminate quacks in the sector.
It argued that shipping business was not being done properly in the industry.
President of the association, Mr. Lucky Idehenre, said the industry had been saturated with foreigners.
He added that the association would partner with government agencies on capacity-building.
He lamented that there was a gap between the ship owners and brokers due to lack of awareness.
Idehenre said: 'This association can help the local operators on capacity- building. There is a dearth of professionals industry.'
He said the association aimed to bring together men and women who are in business of shipping and related services to fashion out smooth and standardised modus operandi for ship brokering and consulting.
Idehenre stressed: 'Some of the objectives of the Association of Ship Brokers and Consultants (ASBC) are: to promote and foster ideals, standards, professionalism and best practices in the marine industry; bridge the gap between ship owners, operators, government agencies, chatterers and brokers.
Promote local content in the marine industry by supporting legislations and advocacies; foster the welfare of ship brokers and operators; collaborate with various institutions and agencies in respect of training, development and capacity through seminars, workshops and conferences; provide advisory/consultancy services to the oil and gas sector especially in maritime logistics services and encourage business network among members.'
He noted that qualified members of the association are those involved in dry cargo, tankers and sales/purchase.
The president added that memberships are in various categories. He listed them as including: 'Corporate membership: This applies to organisations registered under the laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria to carry out the business of ship brokering and marine consultancy.Affiliate membership.
This applies to ship owners, operators, charterers, tug companies, maritime lawyers, maritime journalist and HR managers in the maritime sector. Individual membership: This applies to individuals currently employed by shipping companies, brokerage firms in managerial/supervisory positions, subject to the approval of the membership committee of the ASBC.'
Idehenre noted: 'The ASBC will from time to time confer honorary awards, fellowship, associate ship and certificate of recognition to members to the public service and the organised private sector, for their contribution to the shipping industry and the maritime sector in general.
Already he said the association has constituted itself into standing committees as following: inter governmental relations; charter party and non-circumvention agreement; conference, seminars and workshops; training, development and capacity building; membership/awards committee; welfare/entertainment; dry cargo/tanker; and dredging and ancillary services.