The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ocean Deep Services Ltd., Mrs. Rollens Macfoy had said that seafarer’s are the heartbeat of the nation and so deserved to be appreciated for their noble job at sea.
Macfoy who said this yesterday while commending the services of seafarers around the globe amid the ravaging pandemic, donated personal protective equipments and food items to seafarers at LTT Coastal and Services, operating at the Continental Shipyard in Lagos.
Macfoy disclosed that the initiative to reach out to the seafarer’s was borne out of the desire to encourage, mentor and felicitate with them in commemoration of the 2020 International Seafarer’s day.
She noted that there are dire need for shipping stakeholders to look out for the needs of seafarers and meet them, hence the donation of branded nose masks, hand-wash, sanitizers, , water, noddles, snacks and drinks.
The Ocean Deep Services Ltd boss whose company specializes in training seafarers and who also doubles as the Vice President of Women in Maritime Africa(WIMAFRICA), Nigerian Chapter added that aside from the seafarer’s been the heartbeat of the world, they are also vital workers responsible for the sustenance of global trade.
She called on the federal government to recognize and celebrate seafarers involved in merchant shipping, hinting that most of them don’t feel proud of their noble profession only few who are in the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and few in reputable shipping organizations like LTT Coastal and Marine Services are proud to be identified as seafarers.
While speaking on the various challenges confronting seafarers, Macfoy noted that they have been marginalized over the years, but advised them to keep doing the good work they are known for. “If you don’t get dirty you can never be cleaned,your focus should remain unscathed as this would keep taking you higher” he said.
She however appreciated LTT Coastal and Marine Services and its sister company, Depasa Marine International (Nigeria) for supporting and employing Nigerian seafarers over the years.
Speaking at the event, the Human Resource Manager, LTT Coastal and Marine Services, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze commended Ocean Deep Services for the donation.
She disclosed that it was the first time in 13 years that a shipping stakeholder approached the company with materials as donation, such gestures, she said has never been recorded before in the history of the company.
She appreciated and celebrated Rollens Macfoy as one of the maritime amazon in the country, citing her role in mentorship for female seafarers
While receiving the items, the General Manager of Depasa Marine International (Nigeria), Mr. Guy Agassi appreciated Ocean Deep Services for their kind donation.
He stressed that the company would continue to prioritize safety and adhere strictly to the guidelines because it prioritized the well-being of seafarers as well as the administrative members of staff.
Agassi also revealed that the company had introduced mechanisms to curb the pandemic before the federal government issued guidelines.
