The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled a comprehensive regulatory framework covering the education, training, assessment, examination and certification of seafarers, alongside requirements for revalidation, endorsement, medical fitness certification and competency development.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime regulations while developing seafarers capable of competing in the global maritime industry.

According to Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday.

The revised framework is contained in a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations, 2025.

It sets out updated requirements for maritime education and training, assessment and examination, certification, revalidation, endorsement of foreign certificates and medical fitness certification of seafarers.

The requirements are aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.

NIMASA, NBTE APPROVE UPDATED ND AND HND CURRICULA

Under the new regulatory regime, NIMASA, in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has approved revised National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula for Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology.

The updated programmes apply to all Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs) approved by NIMASA.

Beginning in October 2025, prospective officers pursuing operational and management level Certificates of Competency (CoC) will have to complete the approved academic programmes at NIMASA-approved METIs.

In addition to the academic requirement, candidates must have qualifying sea service on a seagoing ship before they can qualify to sit for Certificate of Competency examinations.

BRIDGING COURSES INTRODUCED FOR EXISTING ND, HND HOLDERS

NIMASA has also established mandatory Bridging Courses for holders of National Diploma or Higher National Diploma qualifications in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering issued on or before 3rd July 2026.

The courses are intended to support the transition of existing certificate holders to the revised standards ahead of the end of the transition period in December 2028.

The Agency has further introduced a compulsory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme.

The programme applies to all Ratings candidates seeking Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) examinations as Ratings forming part of a Navigation or Engineering Watch, as well as those pursuing certification as Able Seafarers Deck or Engine respectively.

NIMASA SAYS REFORMS WILL STRENGTHEN GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

Commenting on the revised regulatory regime, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said: “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.”

The new standards represent NIMASA’s updated requirements for maritime education, training, assessment, examination, certification and competency development under the revised regulatory framework.

Source: Blue Print