NIMASA Introduces New Standards for Seafarers’ Education, Training, Certification
NIMASA announced the reforms in a statement shared on its social media platforms, saying they were issued under the Merchant Shipping (STCW) Regulations 2025.
The agency said the new standards align Nigeria’s seafarer development framework with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended.
According to NIMASA, the reforms are designed to strengthen safety and competence while improving the global recognition of Nigerian seafarers.
Under the new framework, curricula for National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology have been updated in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education.
NIMASA said officers seeking operational and management-level Certificates of Competency would be required to complete mandatory academic programmes at NIMASA-approved Maritime Education and Training Institutions, alongside the required qualifying sea service.
The agency also introduced mandatory Bridging Courses for holders of ND and HND certificates issued on or before July 3, 2026.
It said affected certificate holders must complete the bridging requirements ahead of the December 2028 transition deadline.
The reforms further introduce a mandatory 15-week Ratings Education and Training Programme for candidates seeking relevant Certificates of Proficiency.
NIMASA also said cadets and ratings undergoing approved training must use agency-approved Training Record Books to ensure proper documentation and monitoring of their practical training.
The agency added that requirements for the recognition and endorsement of foreign Certificates of Competency had also been strengthened under the new framework.
Commenting on the reforms, the NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the new standards would improve the quality of maritime education and training in Nigeria.
Mobereola said the measures would strengthen the competence of Nigerian seafarers and position them to compete more effectively in the international maritime labour market.
NIMASA said it remained committed to developing a highly skilled, competent and globally competitive Nigerian maritime workforce.
