Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has introduced a new set of comprehensive standards for seafarers’ education, training, assessment and examination, certification, revaluation, endorsement, including medical fitness certification of seafarers and competency development as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime regulations and produce globally competitive seafarers.
The new regulatory framework, contained in a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations, 2025, provides revised requirements for maritime education, and training, assessment, and examination, certification, revalidation, endorsement of foreign certificates and medical fitness certification of seafarers, in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
Under the revised regime, NIMASA, working with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has approved updated National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology for all Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs).
Effective October 2025, prospective officers seeking operational and management level Certificates of Competency (CoC) shall be required to complete the approved academic programmes at NIMASA-approved METIs in addition to possessing a qualifying sea service on seagoing ship, before qualifying to sit for the Certificate of Competency examinations.
The Agency has also introduced mandatory Bridging Courses for holders of National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering, issued on or before 3rd July 2026 to facilitate their transition to the new standards before the expiry of the transition period of December 2028.
Additionally, a mandatory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme has been introduced for all Ratings (candidates) seeking Certificates of Proficiency (CoP), examination as Rating forming part of a Navigation or Engineering Watch and Able Seafarers Deck or Engine respectively.
Commenting on the new regime, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola said the revised requirements underscore the Agency’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s maritime manpower development with global best practices while enhancing the credibility 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.
They also reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to full compliance with the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended, and the continuous improvement of maritime safety and professionalism”, he said.
As part of the implementation process, all approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs) and Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) are required to resubmit their academic programmes, course portfolios, list of instructors training aids, equipment and facilities for re-approval within the prescribed timelines.
The Marine Notice also strengthens Nigeria’s policy on the recognition of foreign Certificates of Competency by limiting endorsements to certificates issued by countries that maintain valid Memoranda of Undertaking with Nigeria.
In addition, the use of approved Training Record Books (TRBs) has been made mandatory for all cadets and ratings undergoing approved training programmes, with issuance restricted to NIMASA-approved METIs.