Pirate Attack: Foreigners Warned To Stay Off Nigerian Waters As Nigeria Is Tagged ‘high risk area’

THE International Bargaining Forum (IBF) a body of seafarers has warned its members to steer clear Nigerian waters as they declare the country 'high risk area' following the incessant attacks on vessels and crew members.

The categorization which has a damaging cost implication on shipment into Nigeria came as result of what the body called increasing number of attacks on vessels and kidnap of crews.

Vanguard gathered last week that the designation will come into effect on April 1, 2012 in order to allow ship operators to make any necessary preparations.

It will afford the same benefits and protections to seafarers in those areas as the High Risk Area in the Gulf of Aden and around Somalia, including: the need for enhanced security measures; advance notice of intent to enter the area; the right to refuse to enter it; and a doubling of the daily basic wage and of death and disability compensation while within the area of risk.

The High Risk Area provisions apply to all ships operating under an IBF agreement. The ITF's Fair Practices Committee Steering Group will decide on whether to also apply them to all ships under non-IBF ITF agreements.

Under the declaration, all companies operating vessels or installations on the waters around the duo of Nigeria and Benin should have sufficient security arrangements to safeguard their personnel, given the nature of the risk, and should provide adequate protection, advice and compensations to the crews.

Vanguard