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Working Offshore Nigeria!

Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 12:15 pm
by sparky4434
Anyone got any recent experiences of working offshore Nigeria? May be sent there soon with my company but have heard alot of bad things about the place - kidnappings etc.

any comments / experience?

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 1:35 pm
by DuncanR
I last worked there in 2002 on the MV Askelad for Thales. Actually did loading/unloading in Tema, Ghana and steamed over to Nigerain waters as Nigerian ports are such a nightmare. We were doing shallow surveys quite near the coast and had to deal with the local fishermen each morning at dawn. They had large wooden fishing type rowing boats with no lights and come right along side us begging for food or Chop-chop as they would say. They jumped on board our tailbouy one day and stole the strobe light and radar refector. The Askelad had pirate fencing around it to stop them getting on board. Apparently the trip before me they got on board and took some hostages, the youngest on board and took them to their village for a few days before releasing them. The only pirate action I saw was when the Nigerian coast guard came on board and rummaged through the ship. Luckily we had all hidden our Fags, money and CD's.
Great fun really don't be put off by the stories about Nigeria it's no worse than anywhere elsea really and a slight more interesting

Re: Working Offshore Nigeria!

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:36 pm
by marky9074
sparky4434 wrote:Anyone got any recent experiences of working offshore Nigeria? May be sent there soon with my company but have heard alot of bad things about the place - kidnappings etc.

any comments / experience?
Same as Duncan, I was on the m/v Ocean Commander for Racal and joined in Ghana before steaming across and starting work. We had an armed response made up of marines and ex-South African Police force....

Most decent companies have the acoustic deterrent (LRAD), I know thats what they have on here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_range_acoustic_device

At the end of the day mate, they will go for the Party Chief and Master first.....just pick up a broom and pretend to sweep the floors when they come on board :D

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:49 pm
by marky9074
Don't let these photos from the Northern Explorer in Sudan a couple of months ago put you off.....

After a two hour exchange of fire, they left the gear and buggered off. Like idiots they decided to go back the next day and pick up the gear, and got shot at again...

Remember worse things happen at sea!

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:05 pm
by DuncanR
Bloody hell look at the size of that machine gun on their boat. Brave man taking those photos

Re: Working Offshore Nigeria!

Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:14 am
by sparky4434
Guys - I just got my posting details & I am definatley off to nigeria this month........ I appreciate all of your comments!!!!! the photo's aren't exactly reassuring though!

Anyone been out to Nigeria recently with any more comments/advice??