The career prospects and global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers are set for a boost as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) rolls out revised standards for seafarer education, training, assessment, examination, certification and competency development.
The comprehensive regulatory framework is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime regulations while equipping Nigerian seafarers with the skills and qualifications required to compete more effectively in the global maritime industry.
According to Osagie Edward, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday.
The revised framework is contained in a Marine Notice issued pursuant to the Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations, 2025.
It provides updated requirements covering maritime education and training, assessment and examination, certification, revalidation, endorsement of foreign certificates, medical fitness certification and competency development.
The requirements are aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.
NIMASA, NBTE approve updated ND, HND curricula
Under the new regulatory regime, NIMASA, in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has approved revised National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula for Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology.
The updated programmes apply to all Maritime Education and Training Institutions (METIs) approved by NIMASA.
Prospective officers pursuing operational and management-level Certificates of Competency (CoC) are required to complete the approved academic programmes at NIMASA-approved METIs.
Candidates must also obtain qualifying sea service on a seagoing ship before they can qualify to sit for Certificate of Competency examinations.
Bridging courses introduced for existing ND, HND holders
To help existing certificate holders transition to the revised standards, NIMASA has established mandatory Bridging Courses for holders of National Diploma or Higher National Diploma qualifications in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering issued on or before July 3, 2026.
The courses are intended to support certificate holders during the transition period, which runs until December 2028.
The Agency has also introduced a compulsory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme.
The programme applies to Ratings candidates seeking Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) examinations as Ratings forming part of a Navigation or Engineering Watch, as well as candidates pursuing certification as Able Seafarers Deck or Engine.
NIMASA targets globally competitive seafarers
Commenting on the reforms, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the maritime industry was constantly evolving and that Nigeria’s regulatory framework must keep pace with emerging global standards.
He said the reforms would 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.
The revised standards therefore represent a major update to Nigeria’s approach to maritime education, training, assessment, examination, certification and competency development.
For aspiring and practising Nigerian seafarers, the changes are expected to provide a clearer pathway for acquiring internationally aligned qualifications and developing the professional competence needed to pursue opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector and the wider global shipping industry.
