The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has introduced new standards for the education, training, assessment, certification and competency development of Nigerian seafarers.
The agency said the revised regulatory framework was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime standards and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers in the global labour market.
The Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, disclosed this in a statement obtained by The PUNCH.
Edward said the new framework was contained in a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations, 2025.
He said the framework provides revised requirements for maritime education and training, assessment and examination, certification, revalidation, endorsement of foreign certificates and medical fitness certification of seafarers.
According to him, the requirements are aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.
“Under the revised regime, NIMASA, working with the National Board for Technical Education, has approved updated National Diploma and Higher National Diploma curricula in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology for all Maritime Education and Training Institutions.
“Effective October 2025, prospective officers seeking operational and management level Certificates of Competency shall be required to complete the approved academic programmes at NIMASA-approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions in addition to possessing a qualifying sea service on a seagoing ship, before qualifying to sit for the Certificate of Competency examinations,” Edward said.
He said NIMASA had also introduced mandatory bridging courses for holders of National Diploma or Higher National Diploma certificates in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering issued on or before July 3, 2026.
The courses, he said, would enable affected seafarers to transition to the new standards before the expiry of the transition period in December 2028.
Edward added that a compulsory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme had been introduced for ratings seeking Certificates of Proficiency and examinations for navigation or engineering watch duties, as well as able seafarers in deck or engine roles.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, said the revised requirements demonstrated the agency’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s maritime manpower development with global best practices.
Mobereola said the reforms would improve the quality of maritime education and training and strengthen the competence and international recognition of Nigerian seafarers.
“The maritime industry continues to evolve, and our regulatory framework must keep pace with emerging global standards. These reforms will improve the quality of maritime education and training, strengthen the competence of Nigerian seafarers and position them to compete more effectively in the international maritime labour market,” he said.
He added that the reforms would reinforce Nigeria’s compliance with the STCW Convention and promote maritime safety and professionalism.
NIMASA also directed all approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions and Maritime Training Institutions to resubmit their academic programmes, course portfolios, lists of instructors, training aids, equipment and facilities for re-approval within prescribed timelines.
Edward said the Marine Notice also strengthened the agency’s policy on the recognition of foreign Certificates of Competency.
He explained that endorsements would be limited to certificates issued by countries that maintain valid Memoranda of Understanding with Nigeria.
The agency also made the use of approved Training Record Books mandatory for all cadets and ratings undergoing approved training programmes.
Edward said the books would only be issued through NIMASA-approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions.
