1.1 Introduction
Seamanship is the art, knowledge and competence of operating a ship, boat or other craft on water. Ship-handling is about arriving and departing a berth or buoy, maneuvering in confined channels and harbours and in proximity to other ships, whilst at all times navigating safely (Wikipedia, 2021). Maritime logistics has been traditionally regarded as the primary means of transporting parts and finished goods (viz outbound logistics) on a global scale and has recently attracted considerable attention from academics and practitioners alike. However, the term ‘maritime logistics’ is not easy to define and its precise definition, scope and role within global supply chains are yet to be established (Song and Lee, 2009).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Globalization and the technological revolution in the transport sector including containerization, logistics integration and the consequent expansion of the maritime industry have redefined the functional role of shipping and ports in global logistics and supply chains and have generated a new pattern of freight distribution. The rapid increase in world trade in the past decade has restructured the global maritime industry, having brought about new developments, deregulation, liberalization and increased competition. The degree of knowledge needed within these areas is dependent upon the nature of the work and the type of vessel employed by a mariner. A fundamental skill of professional seamanship is being able to maneuver a vessel with accuracy and precision. Unlike vehicles on land, a ship afloat is subject to the movements of the air around it and the water in which it floats. Another complicating factor is the mass of a ship that has to be accounted for when stopping and starting (Wikipedia, 2021).
Ship-handling is about arriving and departing a berth or buoy, maneuvering in confined channels and harbours and in proximity to other ships, whilst at all times navigating safely. Two other types of operations, berthing alongside another ship and replenishment at sea, are occasionally included. A key ability for a ship-handler is a good understanding of how the wind, tide and swell, the passage of other vessels, as well as the shape of the seabed, will affect a vessel's movement, which, together with an understanding of a specific vessel's performance, should allow that vessel a safe passage. Boating is the leisurely activity of travelling by boat, or the recreational use of a boat whether powerboats, sailboats, or man-powered vessels (such as rowing and paddle boats), focused on the travel itself, as well as sports activities, such as fishing or waterskiing. It is a popular activity, and there are millions of boaters worldwide. Boating activities are as varied as the boats and boaters who participate, and new ways of enjoying the water are constantly being discovered (Wikipedia, 2021).
Historically, however, the initial attempt to define maritime logistics was made by Panayides (2006), who suggests that, for a better understanding and ultimate definition of the term, the starting point should be to consider the underlying scope and characteristics of the two areas making up the term (ie ‘maritime transport’ and ‘logistics and supply chain management’). On the one hand, maritime transport (ie shipping and ports) is clearly concerned with the transportation of goods and/or passengers between two or more seaports by sea; on the other hand, logistics is the function responsible for the flow of materials from suppliers into an organization, through operations within the organization and then out to customers. A supply chain is composed of a series of activities and organizations that materials (eg raw materials and information) move through on their journey from initial suppliers to final customers. Supply chain management involves the integration of all key business operations across the supply chain.
Based on this clean-cut understanding, Panayides (2006) further elaborates on the issue of convergence of maritime transport and logistics. These two terms are largely attributed to the physical integration of modes of transport facilitated by containerization and the evolving demands of end-users that require the application of logistics concepts and the achievement of logistics goals (Lee and Song, 2015).
Therefore, in Nigeria ports where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the application of seamanship in maritime.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals that seamanship in maritime problems have a way of showing up when an individual least expect them, and the Boat problems don’t come much more alarming than turning your ignition key and hearing nothing. The majority of small boats make use of mechanical cable shifts, where the linkage could become physically stuck. Inspect the gearbox for a detached transmission housing cables and reconnect this (Mywestshore, 2021).
The growth of world container trade during the last decades reflects the coalescent markets in the world. The geographic separation of supply and demand has raised the expectations towards transportation services. Keeping up with the growth of global container traffic was considered as one of the biggest challenges. In addition, customers expect fast and reliable services in a wide geographical network.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the application of seamanship in maritime using Nigeria ports as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To investigate the factors affecting the application of seamanship in Nigeria maritime ports;
- To determine the method of seamanship application in Nigeria maritime ports;
- To find out if the application of seamanship in maritime industry enhance Nigeria ports;
- To find out if the application of seamanship in maritime industry increases productivity in Nigeria ports;
- To suggest solutions to the above stated problem involve in seamanship application in Nigeria maritime ports
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there factors affecting the application of seamanship in Nigeria maritime ports?
- Does the application of seamanship in maritime industry enhance Nigeria ports?
- Does the application of seamanship in maritime industry increases productivity in Nigeria ports?
- What is the method of seamanship application in Nigeria maritime ports?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant factors affecting the application of seamanship in Nigeria maritime ports
- H1: There is a significant factors affecting the application of seamanship in Nigeria maritime ports
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The application of seamanship in maritime industry does not increase productivity in Nigeria ports
- H1: The application of seamanship in maritime industry increases productivity in Nigeria ports
1.7 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the application of seamanship in maritime using Nigeria ports as a case study. The study is limited towards Onne Seaport in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Maritime logistic: More broadly speaking, maritime transport logistics in Texas can be defined as anything that encompasses the processes of moving goods from one place to another utilizing cargo ships.
Maritime Transport: Maritime transport, fluvial transport, or more generally waterborne transport is the transport of people or goods via waterways. Freight transport by sea has been widely used throughout recorded history
1.11 Organization of the Study
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows:
Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
Chapter two highlights theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
