Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has introduced revised standards covering seafarers’ education, training, assessment, certification and competency development as part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime regulations and enhance the competitiveness of its maritime workforce.

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

According to NIMASA’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the framework introduces revised requirements for maritime education and training, examinations, certification, revalidation, endorsement of foreign certificates and medical fitness certification.

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

Under the revised framework, 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 Maritime Education and Training Institutions.

From October 2025, prospective officers seeking operational and management-level Certificates of Competency will have to complete the approved academic programmes at NIMASA-approved institutions and obtain the required qualifying sea service before they can sit for Certificate of Competency examinations.

The agency has also introduced mandatory Bridging Courses for holders of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering issued on or before July 3, 2026.

The courses are designed to assist existing certificate holders in moving to the revised standards before the transition period ends in December 2028.

Another major change is the introduction of a compulsory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme.

The programme applies to ratings seeking Certificates of Proficiency and examinations for navigation or engineering watch duties, as well as able seafarers serving in deck and engine roles.

NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the reforms would raise the standard of maritime education and training while strengthening international recognition for Nigerian seafarers.

“The maritime industry continues to evolve, and our regulatory framework must keep pace with emerging global standards,” Mobereola said.

He added that the changes would improve the competence of Nigerian seafarers and strengthen their ability to compete within the international maritime labour market.

The agency said the reforms would further demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to the STCW Convention while supporting continuous improvements in maritime safety and professionalism.

As implementation begins, all approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions and Maritime Training Institutions are required to resubmit their academic programmes, course portfolios, instructor lists, training aids, equipment and facilities for re-approval within the prescribed timelines.

The revised framework also introduces stronger requirements for recognising foreign Certificates of Competency.

Under the new policy, endorsements will only be issued for certificates obtained from countries that have valid Memoranda of Understanding with Nigeria.

NIMASA has additionally made approved Training Record Books compulsory for cadets and ratings undertaking approved training programmes.

The books may only be issued through NIMASA-approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions.

Reforms create opportunities across maritime training

For Nigeria’s maritime sector, the regulatory changes could improve the quality of the domestic workforce while creating opportunities for maritime education and training institutions, instructors, certification service providers and businesses supplying specialised training and equipment.

The revised standards also position Nigerian seafarers to pursue more opportunities within the international maritime labour market, provided they satisfy the required training, certification and competency standards.

Source: MSME Africa Online