NIMASA Introduces New Training Standards, 15-Week Programme for Nigerian Seafarers

 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has introduced new standards for the education, training, assessment, examination and certification of Nigerian seafarers, including a mandatory 15-week training programme for ratings seeking Certificates of Proficiency.

 

According to NIMASA, the revised regulatory framework is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime regulations and improving the competence and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.

 

The new requirements are contained in a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations, 2025, and are aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.

 

Under the new regime, prospective officers seeking operational and management-level Certificates of Competency (CoC) are required to complete approved National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering Technology at NIMASA-approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs), in addition to obtaining the required sea service before sitting for their CoC examinations.

 

NIMASA said the updated ND and HND curricula were approved in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for implementation across approved METIs.

 

The Agency has also introduced mandatory Bridging Courses for holders of ND and HND certificates in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering issued on or before July 3, 2026. The courses are designed to facilitate their transition to the revised standards ahead of the expiration of the transition period in December 2028.

 

Similarly, candidates seeking Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) as ratings forming part of a Navigation or Engineering Watch, as well as Able Seafarers Deck or Engine, will now be required to undergo a mandatory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme.

 

Speaking on the reforms, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the revised requirements were designed to bring Nigeria’s maritime manpower development in line with global best practices and enhance the international recognition of Nigerian seafarers.

 

“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,” Mobereola said.

 

He added that the reforms would reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to compliance with the STCW Convention and contribute to continuous improvement in maritime safety and professionalism.

 

As part of the implementation, all approved METIs 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 the timelines prescribed by NIMASA.

 

The revised framework also tightens the recognition of foreign Certificates of Competency, with endorsements limited to certificates issued by countries that maintain valid Memoranda of Understanding with Nigeria.

 

NIMASA further made the use of approved Training Record Books (TRBs) mandatory for all cadets and ratings undergoing approved training programmes, with the issuance of the books restricted to NIMASA-approved METIs.

 

The Agency said the new standards form part of broader efforts to strengthen maritime education and training, improve seafarer competency and ensure that Nigerian maritime professionals meet internationally recognised standards.