LAGOS – The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a digital Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal aimed at speeding up applications, strengthening maritime safety standards and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.
The portal was unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, themed “Carrying the World Trade, Carrying the Risk.” The initiative is part of NIMASA’s drive to improve service delivery through digital innovation.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the portal as a major breakthrough in the agency’s digital transformation agenda.
According to him, the new platform will eliminate unnecessary delays, improve transparency and reinforce the integrity of the 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.
He explained that the portal provides a seamless end-to-end digital process beginning with verification of applicants’ National Identification Number (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Applicants will register online, verify their email using a One-Time Password (OTP), undergo live facial capture for identity confirmation, upload mandatory documents including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate, before their applications are digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master.
Successful applicants can then select whether they require a new, replacement or temporary Seafarers’ Discharge Book, make payment through the integrated online platform, after which the system automatically generates a unique serial number upon approval.
Mobereola said the automated platform would drastically reduce processing time, minimise manual intervention and improve the security, traceability and authenticity of seafarers’ documents.
“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 agency said the initiative further demonstrates NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety standardisation, digital transformation and efficient regulation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
