Guidelines on the Registration for National Carrier, Shipping

Guidelines on the Registration for National Carrier, Shipping

What Is This Policy?

Guidelines for registering vessels under the Nigerian flag as national carriers, specifying the documentation, technical, and ownership requirements for vessel registration.

Who Does It Target?

Ship owners seeking Nigerian flag registration NIMASA ship registry Maritime lawyers and agents International maritime organizations

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Build the Nigerian merchant fleet by establishing clear, efficient procedures for registering vessels under the Nigerian flag.

Key Features

Registration Requirements: Proof of ownership, vessel survey certificates, and tonnage documentation Safety Certification: Current statutory safety certificates per international conventions Ownership Criteria: Vessel ownership by Nigerian nationals or entities meeting specified criteria Registration Fees: Published fee schedule for initial and annual registration

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All vessels seeking Nigerian flag registration Lead Agency: NIMASA

How to Access

Vessel owners apply through NIMASA. Submit vessel documentation and survey certificates to NIMASA Meet ownership and safety requirements Pay registration fees and obtain certificate of registry

Official Resources

Website: nimasa.gov.ng Contact: NIMASA, Lagos

Legal Framework

Issued under the regulatory powers of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) pursuant to the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 and the NIMASA Act. Operates alongside the Exclusive Economic Zone Act (Cap E17 LFN 2004), the Nigerian Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ship registration conventions. Aligns with UNCLOS provisions on flag state responsibility.