Marine Platforms has completed a training program for a set of Nigerian engineers under the human capacity development scheme of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The training was undertaken under the Agbami Phase III project for transportation, installation, and pre-commissioning of various sub-sea umbilicals, risers, flowlines and other infrastructure executed by Marine Platforms for Star Deepwater Exploration and Production Limited, a Chevron Company.

The human capacity development program is a drive pursued by the NCDMB in fulfilling her mandate to address the dearth of trained manpower in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

The training curriculum was developed to give participants maximum exposure to the operational workings of the oil industry from a service contractors perspective. The extensive program was structured over 6 months and was designed to give hands-on experience in the subsea segment of the oil and gas industry. The training methods involved in-house lectures, course work, external training and practical hands-on operation regulated by industry professionals.

The trainees also experienced several practical exercises aboard Marine Platforms chartered offshore construction vessel, the Polar Onyx and the also Marine Platforms owned, and full duty paid multipurpose support vessel, the African Inspiration. Both vessels were deployed for the Agbami Phase 3 operations. They also had practical involvement in the mobilization of major work scopes such as acid injection operation and suction pile installation on the Agbami field.

At the closeout ceremony marking the end of the program, Chevronâs deep-water & facilities engineering manager, Engineer Ike Obinwa, said âPeople development is what we value. We have had so many achievements on the Agbami Phase 3 project and this is another feat that adds value. These set of skills will enable them to develop their career and make them valuable to the oil and gas industry in Nigeriaâ

Maurice Iwhiwhu, the human capacity development manager for NCDMB added that this was another major outcome which further contributes to the human capacity development in Nigeria. With an agenda to bridge the skills gap in the country, NCDMB has collaborated with companies such as Chevron and Marine Platforms to promote personnel development across the sectorâ

The Chief Finance and Administrative Officer of Marine Platforms, Baji Nyam, noted that Marine Platforms was indeed grateful and proud to have had this opportunity to promote the development of Nigerians. The growth of local capacity in both human and equipment is a key aspect of the companyâs objectives in its contribution to nation-building through local content.
He reiterated that Marine Platforms training and development programs have increased consistently over the years in various areas such as the training of seafarers, maritime cadets, ROV pilot technicians, and subsea engineers. It is Marine Platforms dream to see that Nigerian youths of today are well prepared to take over the operations in the Nigerian oil and gas and maritime industries. He added that notwithstanding the financial downturn of the industry, Marine Platforms will continue to promote and encourage her personnel through training and other means available.

Trainings like this at Marine Platforms are designed to make graduates employable in the oil and gas industry and beyond. Marine Platforms has provided gainful employment to several Nigerian youths. This is one of the various collaborations between Marine Platforms, NCDMB and major oil and gas operators in the industry.

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About Marine Platforms
Incorporated in March 2001, Marine Platforms is an indigenous Nigerian oil service company focused on providing diverse services to the upstream sector of the oil & gas industry in Nigeria and West African Sub-region. Our service offerings are Brownfield Development, Subsea Solutions, Vessel Chartering, and Well services,