The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched a Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a digital platform designed to simplify and accelerate the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.
The portal was unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, held under the theme, “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk.” The initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to improving service delivery, enhancing maritime safety standards and boosting the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers through digital innovation.
Speaking at the launch, NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the platform as a major milestone in the Agency’s digital transformation agenda. “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,” he said. Mobereola 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 integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Once authenticated, applicants can register 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 mandatory documents, including their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other relevant credentials.
Submissions are digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who either approves compliant applications or returns rejected ones with reasons for correction, ensuring greater transparency throughout the process. After all required documents have been approved, applicants can select the appropriate application category, whether for a 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. According to Mobereola, the fully automated platform will significantly reduce processing times, 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.