L-R: Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh; Director, Maritime safety and security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Makoji Musa; representing the Honourable Minister; a Female Seafarer displaying the Seafarers Discharge Book; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport; Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni; during the celebration of 2026 Day of the Seafarers in Lagos, Nigeria.
BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal, a fully digital platform designed to simplify the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.
The portal was unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, held under the theme, “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk.” The initiative forms part of NIMASA’s ongoing drive to enhance service delivery, strengthen maritime safety standards and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through digital innovation.
Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the portal as a major milestone in the Agency’s digital transformation agenda.
He said the platform would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks while ensuring greater efficiency, transparency and security in the issuance of seafarers’ documentation.
“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,” Mobereola said.
“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.”
The Director-General explained that the platform offers a seamless end-to-end digital process beginning with the verification of applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Following successful authentication, applicants are required to register an account, verify their email addresses through a One-Time Password (OTP), and complete a live facial capture for identity confirmation.
Applicants can then upload mandatory documents, including their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other relevant credentials.
According to Mobereola, every application is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who either approves compliant submissions or returns rejected applications with reasons for correction, thereby ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Once all required documents have been approved, applicants can select the appropriate application category—new, replacement or temporary discharge book—and complete payment through the integrated online payment platform.
Upon successful completion of the process, the system automatically generates a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number, completing the issuance procedure.
Mobereola noted that the automated platform would significantly reduce processing time, minimise manual intervention and improve the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documents.
“Technology remains central to our vision of building a modern maritime administration that meets international standards. This platform demonstrates our resolve to deploy innovative solutions that enhance regulatory efficiency while delivering better services to Nigerian seafarers and the maritime industry,” he added.
The launch of the Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal further underscores NIMASA’s commitment to standardising maritime safety procedures, digitising its regulatory operations and delivering world-class services in line with its statutory mandate.
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2026-06-27