“New regime introduces mandatory bridging courses, 15-week ratings programme”
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for the education, training, assessment, examination and certification of Nigerian seafarers, in a move aimed at improving competence and strengthening the country’s compliance with international maritime standards.
The new framework, contained in a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations, 2025, also covers the revalidation and endorsement of certificates, medical fitness certification and competency development.
NIMASA said the revised standards were aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
Under the new regime, the Agency, in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has approved revised National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology for all NIMASA-approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs).
Effective October 2025, prospective officers seeking operational and management-level Certificates of Competency (CoC) will be required to complete the approved academic programmes at NIMASA-approved METIs, alongside the required sea service on seagoing ships, before they can sit for CoC examinations.
The Agency has also introduced mandatory bridging courses for holders of ND and HND qualifications in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering issued on or before July 3, 2026.
The bridging courses are designed to facilitate the transition of affected holders to the new standards before the end of the transition period in December 2028.
Another major change is the introduction of a mandatory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme for candidates seeking Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) examinations as ratings forming part of a Navigation or Engineering Watch, as well as Able Seafarers Deck or Engine.
Commenting on the reforms, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the new requirements demonstrated the Agency’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s maritime manpower development with global best practices.
He said the reforms would improve the quality of maritime education and training while strengthening the competence and international competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
“The maritime industry continues to evolve, and our regulatory framework must keep pace with emerging global standards”, Mobereola said.
According to him, the reforms would enhance the credibility and international recognition of Nigerian seafarers while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to full compliance with the STCW Convention.
As part of the implementation of the new standards, all approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions and Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) are required to resubmit their academic programmes, course portfolios, lists of instructors, training aids, equipment and facilities for re-approval within stipulated timelines.
The new Marine Notice also tightens Nigeria’s policy on the recognition of foreign Certificates of Competency.
Under the revised arrangement, endorsements will only be issued for certificates granted by countries that maintain valid Memoranda of Understanding with Nigeria.
NIMASA has further made the use of approved Training Record Books (TRBs) mandatory for all cadets and ratings undergoing approved training programmes, with their issuance restricted to NIMASA-approved METIs.
The Agency said the new standards were designed to ensure that Nigerian seafarers receive training and certification that meet international requirements while improving maritime safety, professionalism and Nigeria’s standing in the global maritime labour market.