NIMASA Introduces Automated Discharge Book Management Portal
Victoria Silvanus
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, a digital platform designed to streamline the application, verification, processing and issuance of Seafarers’ Discharge Books.
The portal was unveiled during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, themed “Carrying the World Trade. Carrying the Risk.” The initiative reflects NIMASA’s commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening maritime safety standards and enhancing 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 ongoing 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,” .
According to the him, the portal offers a seamless end-to-end digital process, beginning with the verification of applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) through integration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Following successful authentication, applicants can create accounts, verify their email addresses using a One-Time Password (OTP), and complete a live facial capture process for identity confirmation.
The platform also enables users to upload mandatory documents, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate and other required credentials. Submissions are digitally reviewed by the Agency’s Shipping Master, who approves compliant applications or returns rejected submissions with reasons for correction, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
O
nce 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. The system generates a payment invoice and, upon successful completion of all requirements, automatically assigns a unique Seafarer Discharge Book Serial Number, finalizing the issuance process.Mobereola noted that the fully automated system significantly reduces processing time, minimizes manual intervention and enhances 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 further underscores NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety standardization, regulatory efficiency and the digital transformation of its operations, while advancing its mandate to support the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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