FLAGS OF NIGERIAN SHIPS ACT

An Act prescribes the national flag and maritime ensigns for Nigerian ships and regulates their use on registered vessels. It targets owners and masters of Nigerian-flagged ships, ship registration authorities, and port inspectors. This ensures proper identification of Nigerian vessels and compliance with international obligations.

What Is This Policy?

An Act prescribing the national flag and maritime ensigns that Nigerian ships must fly, and regulating the use of the Nigerian maritime ensign on vessels registered under the Nigerian flag.

Who Does It Target?

Owners and masters of Nigerian-flagged vessels NIMASA as the ship registration authority Port authorities inspecting vessel compliance Nigerian shipping companies

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Identify Nigerian-flagged ships by a distinctive maritime ensign, assert Nigerian nationality over registered vessels, and comply with international flag state obligations.

Key Features

Maritime Ensign: Prescribes the specific design of the Nigerian maritime ensign to be flown by registered vessels. Mandatory Display: All Nigerian-flagged ships must fly the Nigerian maritime ensign when at sea. Entry and Departure: Vessels must fly the flag of the port state when in foreign waters as required by international custom. Enforcement: Vessels not properly flying the Nigerian ensign may be boarded and the master charged.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All Nigerian-flagged vessels Beneficiaries: Nigerian shipping identity; flag state obligations Funding: NIMASA

How to Access

Register vessel with NIMASA to obtain authority to fly the Nigerian maritime ensign Carry the Nigerian flag and relevant signal flags on board at all times Display flag as required by international maritime customs Application method: Register with NIMASA at https://www.nimasa.gov.ng

Important Terms

Improper use of a national ensign is a serious maritime offence Nigerian-flagged vessels are subject to Nigerian law wherever they sail Flag state certification (NIMASA) requires compliance with international maritime conventions

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nimasa.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

Legal Framework

Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Flags of Nigerian Ships Act. Operates alongside the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act, the Territorial Waters Act, and the Exclusive Economic Zone Act. Aligns with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provisions on ship nationality and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).