Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a fully digital platform designed to simplify the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books, marking another milestone in the Agency’s drive to modernise maritime administration through technology.
The portal was unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, themed “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk,” reflecting NIMASA’s commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening maritime safety standards and positioning Nigerian seafarers to compete more effectively in the global maritime labour market.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the initiative as a major step in the Agency’s ongoing digital transformation aimed at providing faster, more transparent and secure services for seafarers.
“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 stated.
He explained that the portal delivers a seamless end-to-end digital application process, beginning with the verification of an applicant’s National Identification Number (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Following successful authentication, applicants create an account, verify their email address using a One-Time Password (OTP), and complete a live facial capture to confirm their identity.
Applicants are then required to upload relevant documents, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other mandatory credentials. Every submission is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who approves compliant applications or returns rejected submissions with clear reasons for correction, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Upon approval of all required documentation, applicants can select the appropriate application category, whether for a new, replacement or temporary Seafarer Discharge Book, and complete payment through the integrated online platform. The system automatically generates a payment invoice and, once all requirements have been fulfilled, assigns a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number, completing the issuance process.
According to the Director General, the fully automated platform will significantly reduce processing time, eliminate unnecessary 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 Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal underscores NIMASA’s commitment to strengthening maritime safety standards, deepening digital transformation across its regulatory operations and delivering world-class services that support the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s maritime sector.