NIMASA UNVEILS AUTOMATED PORTAL FOR SEAFARERS DOCUMENTATION

NIMASA UNVEILS AUTOMATED PORTAL FOR SEAFARERS DOCUMENTATION

By Babatunde Aremu

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has launched the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a digital platform designed to streamline the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.

The portal was unveiled as part of activities marking the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, themed “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk,” underscoring the Agency’s commitment to improving service delivery, enhancing maritime safety standards and strengthening the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through digital innovation.

Speaking at the launch, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the platform as a significant milestone in the Agency’s digital transformation agenda.

According to him, “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.”

Mobereola explained that the portal delivers a seamless end-to-end digital process, beginning with the verification of an applicant’s National Identification Number (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Following successful authentication, applicants complete account registration, verify their email through a One-Time Password (OTP), and undergo live facial capture to confirm their identity.

Applicants are then able to upload mandatory documents, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other required credentials. Each submission is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who approves compliant documents or returns rejected applications with reasons for correction, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Once all required documents have been approved, applicants select the appropriate application category, whether for a new, replacement or temporary Discharge Book—and complete payment through the integrated online platform. The system generates a payment invoice and, upon successful completion of all requirements, automatically assigns a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number, completing the issuance process.

The Director General noted that the fully automated platform significantly reduces processing time, minimizes manual intervention and enhances 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.

The launch of the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal further reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety standardization and the digital transformation of its regulatory functions, while also achieving its mandates.