The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a digital Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal, introducing a faster and more transparent system for the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.
The portal was unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, themed “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk.” The initiative reflects NIMASA’s commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening maritime safety standards and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through digital innovation.
Speaking at the launch, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the portal as a major milestone in the Agency’s digital transformation drive.
He said the platform removes unnecessary bottlenecks, improves the integrity of the certification process and reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to the welfare and professional growth of Nigerian seafarers.
According to Mobereola, the portal provides a seamless end-to-end digital process. Applicants begin by verifying their National Identification Number (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), after which they create an account, verify their email via a One-Time Password (OTP) and complete a live facial capture for identity confirmation.
Applicants are then required to upload essential documents, including their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other credentials. NIMASA’s Shipping Master digitally reviews each submission, approving compliant applications or returning rejected ones with reasons for correction to ensure transparency.
Once all documents are approved, applicants can choose the appropriate category—new, replacement or temporary Discharge Book—make payment through the integrated online platform and receive a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number after successful processing.
Mobereola noted that the automated platform significantly reduces processing time, minimizes manual intervention and improves the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documentation.
He added that technology remains central to NIMASA’s vision of building a modern maritime administration that meets international standards, saying the new portal demonstrates the Agency’s resolve to improve regulatory efficiency while delivering better services to Nigerian seafarers and the maritime industry.
The launch of the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal further strengthens NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety standardization, digital transformation and efficient regulatory service delivery.
