Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a fully digital Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal, a move aimed at enhancing maritime safety standards, improving service delivery and strengthening the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
The digital platform, unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, will streamline the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books, eliminating manual bottlenecks and improving the integrity of the certification process.
The 2026 Day of the Seafarer was celebrated under the theme: “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk”.
Digital Transformation Drive
Speaking at the launch, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the portal as a major milestone in the agency’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.
“As we celebrate the men and women who keep global trade moving, it is imperative that we also provide them with efficient and secure systems that support their professional development.
“The Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal eliminates unnecessary bottlenecks, strengthens the integrity of our certification process and reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to the welfare and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers”, he said.
Mobereola noted that the initiative reflects NIMASA’s determination to deploy technology-driven solutions that improve regulatory efficiency while delivering faster and more transparent services to stakeholders.
How the Portal Works
According to the agency, the portal provides an end-to-end digital application process beginning with the verification of applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Applicants are required to create accounts, verify their email addresses using a One-Time Password (OTP), and complete a live facial capture for identity authentication.
They then upload mandatory documents, including their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other relevant credentials.
Each application is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who either approves compliant submissions or returns applications requiring corrections, providing reasons to ensure transparency throughout the process.
After all required documents have been approved, applicants can apply for a new, replacement or temporary Seafarers’ Discharge Book and complete payment through the integrated online platform.
Upon successful completion of the process, the system automatically generates a unique Seafarers’ Discharge Book serial number, completing the issuance process.
Faster, More Secure Certification
Mobereola said the automated platform will significantly reduce processing time, minimise manual intervention and improve the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documentation.
“Technology remains central to our vision of building a modern maritime administration that meets international standards. This platform is another demonstration of our resolve to deploy innovative solutions that improve regulatory efficiency while delivering better services to Nigerian seafarers and the maritime industry”, he added.
Supporting International Standards
NIMASA said the launch of the Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal reinforces its commitment to maritime safety standardisation and the digital transformation of its regulatory functions.
The agency noted that the initiative aligns with its mandate to modernise Nigeria’s maritime administration while ensuring that Nigerian seafarers meet international standards and remain competitive in the global shipping industry.