08/09/2025
Is Sailor Part of Aviation?
Someone asked me recently: “Is sailor part of aviation?”
The straight answer is No. A sailor belongs to the maritime industry (ships, boats, sea transport), while aviation is all about the aircraft and the sky. But even though they are not the same, both industries are connected in more ways than many people realize.
Both sailors and aviators depend on navigation. A sailor uses charts, compasses, and modern GPS to find direction on water, while a pilot uses flight plans, instruments, and navigation aids to move safely in the sky.
Both must constantly check the weather. A storm or high waves can threaten a ship at sea, just as turbulence and thunderstorms can affect an aircraft in flight. Safety in both industries depends heavily on good weather reports and planning.
Both also rely on communication. On the sea, sailors use radios and signals to talk with ports or other vessels. In aviation, pilots and dispatchers rely on radio contact with control towers and other aircraft. Without clear communication, both sea and air journeys can face serious risks.
And in the military, there is something called Naval Aviation — where ships and aircraft work hand in hand. That is one area where sailors and aviators meet directly.
Now, how can someone become a sailor in Nigeria?
The journey starts with education. After your secondary school, you can apply to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron or other maritime institutions approved by NIMASA. In these schools, you will be trained in seamanship, navigation, marine safety, communication, and discipline.
After your classroom studies, the next important stage is Sea Time (which is the sailor’s version of On-the-Job Training). This means you must join a real ship, live and work with the crew, and gain practical experience. During sea time, you will take part in drills, navigation watch, cargo handling, and everyday ship operations. This is the period where theory meets reality.
When you finish your sea time, you will write exams and get your professional license or Certificate of Competency (CoC) from NIMASA. This is the certificate that makes you a recognized seafarer not just in Nigeria but worldwide. Without it, you cannot grow in your career.
After certification, the next stage is employment. Getting a job at sea in Nigeria requires networking and persistence. Some cadets struggle to get placements for sea time or jobs after school, but opportunities are there. You can:
Apply to shipping companies in Nigeria (tanker vessels, container ships, offshore supply vessels).
Network with senior seafarers, maritime unions, and agencies like NIMASA.
Explore foreign opportunities since the seafaring profession is international — many Nigerians work with foreign shipping companies once they have their CoC.
As you gain experience, you rise in rank: from Ordinary Seaman → Able Seaman → Officer → and eventually Captain or Chief Engineer.
Becoming a sailor requires discipline, patience, and courage. The sea is not an easy place, but the rewards are there. If you want a career that can take you around the world, expose you to different cultures, and give you international opportunities, then the maritime path is worth it.
Don’t just think small. Yes, Nigeria has opportunities, but the license you get as a sailor is recognized globally. You can start here and end up working anywhere in the world.
So, is sailor part of aviation? No. But both have something in common — they are careers that move the world forward. One rules the sea 🌊, the other rules the sky ✈️. Both require courage, discipline, and vision.
If you are passionate about becoming a sailor, take that step. Get the training, complete your sea time, earn your certification, and stay focused.
Your hard work can take you from a simple cadet in Nigeria to a respected officer sailing across international waters.
Remember this: the sea is wide, the sky is high — but there is space for your dream if you don’t give up.
Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency
