MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT
Act · Transport
An Act governs the registration of ships, safety at sea, seafarer qualifications, and maritime accident investigations. It targets ship owners, operators, seafarers, and authorities like NIMASA. This ensures vessel safety, protects seafarers, and prevents marine pollution.
What Is This Policy?
Comprehensive legislation governing the registration of Nigerian ships, the safety of life at sea, the qualifications of seafarers, the rights and duties of ship owners and crew, and the investigation of maritime accidents.
Who Does It Target?
Ship owners, operators, and managers Seafarers serving on Nigerian-flagged vessels NIMASA as the flag state authority Port State control authorities
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To ensure the safety, security, and seaworthiness of Nigerian-flagged vessels; protect seafarers' rights and welfare; prevent marine pollution from ships; and fulfil Nigeria's obligations under IMO conventions.
Key Features
Ship Registration: Establishes the Nigerian ship registry and the conditions for registration of vessels. Seafarer Certification: Requires officers and crew to hold STCW-compliant certificates of competency. Safety Equipment: Mandates carriage of prescribed safety equipment and compliance with load line rules. Accident Investigation: NIMASA investigates maritime casualties and may hold formal inquiries. Crew Rights: Prescribes minimum standards for crew wages, working hours, and repatriation.
Current Status
How to Access
Register vessels through NIMASA's ship registration department Seafarers obtain certificates of competency from NIMASA-approved maritime academies Ship owners apply for safety certificates following surveys Application method: NIMASA headquarters and zonal offices
Important Terms
Certificates must be renewed before expiry Unseaworthy vessels may be detained in port Masters and owners are jointly liable for most safety offences
Official Resources
Website: www.nimasa.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative authority of the National Assembly pursuant to Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention), and MARPOL 73/78.