In a significant leap toward modernising Nigeria’s maritime administration, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a fully digital Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal, introducing a faster, more transparent and secure process for the issuance of one of the industry’s most important identity documents.
The innovation, unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, underscores the Agency’s drive to enhance maritime safety standards while improving the professional experience of Nigerian seafarers.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken another major step in its digital transformation journey with the launch of the Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal, an online platform designed to simplify the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.
The portal was officially unveiled during activities commemorating the 2026 Day of the Seafarer, celebrated under the theme, “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk,” highlighting the indispensable role of seafarers in global commerce and the need to support them with world-class digital services.
Speaking at the unveiling in Lagos, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the platform as a landmark achievement in the Agency’s ongoing efforts to build a modern, technology-driven maritime administration.
According to him, the new system is designed not only to eliminate bureaucratic delays but also to strengthen the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s seafarers’ certification process.
“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.
The Director General explained that the portal provides a seamless end-to-end digital application process, beginning with the verification of an applicant’s National Identification Number (NIN) through direct integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
After successful identity authentication, applicants create their accounts, confirm their email addresses using a One-Time Password (OTP), and complete a live facial capture for identity verification before uploading mandatory documents, including their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other relevant credentials.
Each application is digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who either approves compliant submissions or returns rejected applications with clear reasons for correction, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Upon successful verification of all required documents, applicants can proceed to select the appropriate category—whether for a new, replacement or temporary Discharge Book—and make payment through the integrated online payment system.
Once the application process is completed, the platform automatically generates a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number, significantly reducing processing time while improving document security, traceability and authenticity.
Mobereola noted that embracing digital technology remains central to NIMASA’s vision of delivering efficient maritime regulation that aligns with international best practices.
“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 stated.
The launch of the Seafarers’ Discharge Book Management Portal marks another milestone in NIMASA’s efforts to standardise maritime safety, strengthen regulatory oversight and position Nigerian seafarers to compete more effectively in the global shipping industry.
By replacing manual processes with an integrated digital platform, the Agency is not only improving service delivery but also reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s maritime certification system as it continues to align with global standards and international best practices.
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