Principal (Maritime Academy)

Overview  

Union Maritime is a leading global shipowner and shipping solutions provider, powering global trade by transporting essential cargo safely, sustainably, and efficiently. We operate with an unwavering commitment to excellence, leveraging extensive maritime expertise and innovative technologies to deliver reliable and agile services, enabling our partners to unlock new growth opportunities. We strive to build long-term partnerships and foster a culture of sustainability that creates value for our customers, crew, and the global communities we serve. 

Academic Role

·         In charge of all training activities at SeaLearn Academy / SeaLearn Training Institute.

·         Ensure the curriculum and syllabus used are current, relevant, and up to date.

·         Implement maritime industry, company, and regulatory training requirements in line with best industry practices.

·         Ensure the Training Centre complies with approved standards and quality assurance systems in line with national and international requirements.

·         Represent SeaLearn and its parent company at international forums, conferences, and official meetings.

·         Serve as a member of the Think Tank for future training needs of SeaLearn Ltd.

Management Role

·         Act as Management Representative for SeaLearn Training Institutions and report to Top Management.

·         Oversee various Training and Learning & Development (L&D) functions within the company.

·         Ensure learning programmes are developed, monitored, and delivered to the highest standards for officers and ratings to manage modern-day ships competently.

·         Develop SeaLearn Academy into a leading maritime training institution on the West Coast of Africa.

·         Ensure all statutory requirements, approvals, and affiliations are maintained at all times.

Management Representative

·         Liaise with Technical, Operations, and QHSE Heads to understand business requirements and identify training needs.

·         Develop and administer courses based on organisational requirements.

·         Engage with Top Management to plan and administer training programmes aligned with company objectives.

·         Periodically review training demand and supply and develop strategies to meet objectives, including marketing strategies and AI systems to track prospective candidates and optimise course capacity.

·         Identify associated risks, operational environments, and external factors impacting training quality and implement mitigation measures.

·         Prepare and present the Annual Global Training Report to Top Management.

Building the Reputation of the Academy / Institute

·         Liaise with Nigerian and UK administrations, Classification Societies, IMO, shipping bodies, and universities for curriculum approvals, inspections, audits, and examination patterns.

·         Serve on standing committees related to Maritime Education and Training in West Africa and globally.

·         Actively participate in national and international seminars and conferences as a delegate or speaker.

·         Identify upcoming regulatory requirements that may impact operations and develop relevant training programmes.

·         Monitor training effectiveness through crew performance feedback, KPIs, and training standards.

·         Identify and document stakeholders, their expectations, and concerns, and engage clients periodically.

Quality Control

·         Identify, record, and address deficiencies related to training activities to prevent nonconformities.

·         Control training processes until deficiencies are corrected and quality improvements are achieved.

·         Ensure continuous process improvement with strong emphasis on safety, asset protection, and environmental protection.

·         Maintain the integrity of the management system during planned and implemented modifications.

·         Ensure evaluation and assessment processes are thorough, secure, and periodically reviewed.

·         As Principal, participate in regular reviews of course curricula and training methodologies and introduce new programmes annually.

·         Ensure the highest level of cybersecurity is maintained across the campus.

·         Engage cadets and trainees periodically to gather feedback and implement improvements.

Promote the highest levels of safety and security for trainees and employees

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Maritime Studies, Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Education & Training, or a related discipline (PhD will be an added advantage).
• Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Deck or Engine) or equivalent professional maritime certification.
• Recognised Training of Trainers (TOT) certification.
• STCW certification in line with IMO requirements.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as: Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS)
• Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIoTA)
• Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) – added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 10–15 years’ post-qualification experience in the maritime industry.
• At least 5 years in a senior training, academic leadership, or principal-level role within a maritime training institution.
• Strong sea-going experience on merchant vessels (oil & gas, offshore, or deep-sea trading vessels preferred).

Proven experience in:

• Maritime education and training (MET)
• Curriculum development and accreditation
• Regulatory compliance and audits
• Regulatory & Industry Knowledge
• In-depth knowledge of:
• NIMASA regulations and requirements
• STCW Convention
• IMO Model Courses
• Nigerian and international maritime training standards
• Practical experience handling:
• NIMASA approvals, audits, and inspections
• Flag State and Class requirements
• ISO / QMS / QHSE systems