By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a 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 held in Lagos, themed “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk.”
The initiative is aimed at enhancing service delivery, strengthening maritime safety standards and improving the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through digital innovation.
Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the platform as a major milestone in the agency’s digital transformation programme.
L-R: National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, Comrade Engineer Bob Joseph Yousuo; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha representing the Chief of Naval staff; and President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN); Comrade Francis Bunu during the celebration of 2026 Day of the Seafarers in Lagos, Nigeria.
He said the portal would eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks in the certification process while providing seafarers with a secure, transparent and efficient system for obtaining their discharge books.
“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.
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,” Mobereola said.
According to him, the platform provides a seamless end-to-end digital application process beginning with the verification of applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Following successful verification, applicants are required to register an account, authenticate their email addresses using a One-Time Password (OTP), and complete a live facial capture for identity confirmation.
The system also enables applicants to upload mandatory documents, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other required credentials.
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Mobereola explained that submitted documents are digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who either approves compliant applications or returns rejected submissions with reasons for correction, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
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.
Once all required documents have been approved, applicants can select the appropriate category—new, replacement or temporary discharge book—and complete payment through the integrated online platform.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the system automatically generates a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number, completing the issuance process.
The NIMASA boss said the fully automated platform would significantly reduce processing time, minimise manual intervention and improve the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documentation.
“Technology remains central to our vision of building a modern maritime administration that meets international standards. This platform is another demonstration of our resolve to deploy innovative solutions that improve regulatory efficiency while delivering better services to Nigerian seafarers and the maritime industry,” he added.
The launch of the portal further reinforces NIMASA’s commitment to the digital transformation of its regulatory functions, improved maritime safety standards and efficient service delivery to stakeholders in the maritime sector.
