September 24, (THEWILL) – During the week, Captain Kunle Olayiwola reached the highest level of professional certification in the maritime industry when he was decorated as a Chartered Master Mariner making him the first African to achieve the feat.
A Chartered Master Mariner is an experienced and highly skilled mariner who has demonstrated expertise in ship navigation, safety, and management. This award is usually presented annually to acknowledge outstanding achievements, contributions, or leadership in the maritime field.
The award of Chartered status is a gold standard for those who deserve the accolade of eminence. It recognises Master Mariners who have not only benefited the industry but have also improved capability and demonstrated a willingness to help others. Chartered Masters are technical partners to the International Maritime Organisation and many others.
Capt. Kunle was in the Nigerian Navy for over a decade before switching into the Merchant Navy, after voluntary retirement from the Navy. He sailed on many types of ships and worked as District Surveyor, Zonal Coordinator and Head of Enforcement Monitoring Unit, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
He is the first Fellow of the Nautical Institute, who is keen to see Nigeria as one of the leading maritime nations in the world, transparent maritime operation activities and operators to keep to honesty, integrity and good ethical conduct standard.
