Top Companies in Nigeria Where Nautical Science Students Can Apply for SIWES and Sea-Time Training (2026 Comprehensive Guide)

Top Companies in Nigeria Where Nautical Science Students Can Apply for SIWES and Sea-Time Training (2026 Comprehensive Guide) By OGB Admission Hub Editorial Team One of the biggest concerns among Nautical Science students in Nigeria is finding a company for SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) and, more importantly, securing Sea-Time Training . Every year, hundreds of maritime students graduate from institutions such as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron , Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko , Admiralty University, Ibusa and other universities offering Nautical Science, only to discover that obtaining practical onboard experience is one of the greatest hurdles before becoming licensed maritime professionals. Many students are unaware of the companies they can approach or the documents required to increase their chances of getting accepted. In this guide, OGB Admission Hub highlights some of the best companies and organizations where Nautical Science students can apply for SIWES, Industrial Training, and Sea-Time opportunities in Nigeria. What is SIWES? The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a mandatory industrial attachment programme organized for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. For Nautical Science students, SIWES provides practical exposure to: Marine operations Shipping management Port administration Offshore logistics Vessel operations Marine safety What is Sea-Time? Sea-Time is the practical training a cadet undergoes onboard a merchant vessel or an approved offshore vessel. It is one of the compulsory requirements before obtaining a Certificate of Competency (CoC) , which qualifies a cadet to become a licensed Deck Officer or Marine Engineer. Without Sea-Time, a Nautical Science graduate cannot complete the professional certification process. Difference Between SIWES and Sea-Time SIWESSea-Time Industrial attachment during school Practical onboard ship training Usually lasts a few months May last several months depending on certification requirements Can be completed in offices or ports Must be completed onboard approved vessels Academic requirement Professional licensing requirement Top Companies for SIWES and Sea-Time in Nigeria 1. NLNG Ship Management Limited (NSML) One of Nigeria's leading indigenous shipping companies. NSML operates modern LNG vessels and has supported cadet training programmes. Students interested in becoming professional Deck Officers should consider NSML among their top choices. Opportunities Sea-Time Cadetship Shipboard Training Marine Operations 2. STOILIC Shipping Limited STOILIC Shipping has become one of the leading indigenous companies supporting Nigerian maritime cadets. The company has partnered on structured Sea-Time and Certificate of Competency (CoC) training programmes for Nigerian cadets. Opportunities Sea-Time CoC Training Shipboard Experience 3. Team Offshore Nigeria Limited Team Offshore operates several offshore support vessels in Nigeria. Students can gain exposure to: Offshore logistics Marine operations Vessel coordination Offshore support activities 4. Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited Saipem is one of Nigeria's largest offshore engineering and marine service companies. The company supports offshore construction projects and marine logistics across Nigeria's oil and gas industry. Nautical Science students can apply for: SIWES Marine Operations Offshore Vessel Support Deck Operations Marine Logistics Dynamic Positioning (DP) Vessel Exposure Saipem remains one of the most respected companies in Nigeria's maritime and offshore sector. 5. TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited TotalEnergies is one of the world's largest energy companies with extensive offshore operations in Nigeria. The company periodically recruits undergraduate students for SIWES and industrial internship programmes. Students may gain exposure in: Marine Logistics Offshore Supply Operations Terminal Operations Marine Safety Offshore Production Support Port Logistics Although SIWES placements are available, students should always confirm whether a placement qualifies as approved Sea-Time. 6. Bourbon Interoil Nigeria Limited Bourbon operates Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) servicing Nigeria's oil and gas industry. Excellent company for: Marine Cadets Vessel Operations Offshore Navigation 7. Aveon Offshore Limited Aveon Offshore provides offshore marine support services. Students interested in offshore vessel operations should also consider applying. 8. C & I Leasing Plc (Marine Division) The company operates marine logistics and offshore transportation services. It offers valuable industrial experience for maritime students. 9. Starzs Investments Company Limited A major offshore marine company with several support vessels operating within Nigeria. Students regularly consider the company for industrial attachment opportunities. 10. Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited Known for participating in maritime training initiatives. Students can enquire about SIWES and cadetship opportunities. 11. Intels Nigeria Limited One of Nigeria's biggest logistics companies. Excellent exposure in: Marine Logistics Port Operations Cargo Management Offshore Support 12. Nigerdock Nigeria Plc One of Nigeria's largest shipyards. Students can gain practical experience in: Ship Repair Ship Maintenance Dry Dock Operations Marine Engineering 13. LADOL Free Zone LADOL hosts several multinational maritime and offshore companies. Students interested in offshore logistics should explore internship opportunities within the zone. 14. West Atlantic Shipyard Provides shipbuilding and repair services. Excellent for practical marine engineering exposure. 15. Lagos Channel Management Responsible for channel dredging and navigation support. Students gain exposure to: Marine Navigation Dredging Operations Vessel Traffic Government Agencies Worth Contacting Besides private companies, students should also apply to government maritime agencies. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) NIMASA regulates Nigeria's maritime industry and has supported initiatives aimed at improving sea-time opportunities for cadets. Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) The NPA provides opportunities in: Port Operations Harbour Management Marine Services Vessel Traffic Management Where Should You Submit Applications? Focus on major maritime locations such as: Apapa (Lagos) Tin Can Island (Lagos) Victoria Island (Lagos) Lekki (Lagos) Port Harcourt Onne Warri Calabar Documents Required Before applying, prepare: SIWES Letter Application Letter Curriculum Vitae (CV) Statement of Result Academic Transcript Passport Photograph O'Level Result Birth Certificate International Passport Medical Fitness Certificate Yellow Fever Card STCW Basic Safety Certificate (if available) Tips for Securing SIWES or Sea-Time ✅ Apply early. Don't wait until your school releases SIWES letters. ✅ Apply to multiple companies. Many students apply to only one company and miss opportunities. ✅ Network. Attend maritime conferences and career fairs. ✅ Follow up professionally. A polite follow-up email or visit can make a difference. ✅ Maintain good grades. Some companies prioritize students with strong academic records. Challenges Facing Nigerian Maritime Students The biggest challenge remains the shortage of available sea-time berths. Many cadets complete their academic programmes but spend months searching for vessels where they can complete the mandatory practical training. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for increased collaboration between government agencies and shipping companies to expand sea-time opportunities for Nigerian cadets. OGB Admission Hub Advice If you are studying Nautical Science , Marine Engineering , or any maritime-related programme, start planning for SIWES and Sea-Time as early as your second or third year. Don't wait until graduation before searching for opportunities. Prepare your documents, build professional relationships, improve your communication skills, and apply to as many reputable companies as possible. Persistence, professionalism, and early preparation can significantly improve your chances of securing valuable industrial and onboard training. 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