Merchant Shipping (Musters) Rules, 2010

Rules require regular muster drills on vessels to prepare crew and passengers for emergencies. They apply to ship owners, operators, and maritime professionals by setting drill frequencies and emergency procedures. This enhances safety at sea.

What Is This Policy?

Rules requiring regular muster drills on vessels to ensure that crew and passengers know their emergency stations and procedures.

Who Does It Target?

Ship owners and operators Seafarers and maritime professionals Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Port authorities

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect lives at sea by ensuring preparedness for emergencies through regular drills.

Key Features

Drill Frequency: Mandatory muster drills at prescribed intervals and before departure with new crew Emergency Procedures: Crew assignments for fire, abandonment, and other emergency scenarios Passenger Briefings: Requirements for informing passengers of emergency procedures

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All Nigerian-flagged vessels and vessels in Nigerian waters Lead Agency: NIMASA

How to Access

Ship owners and operators must comply. Conduct muster drills per prescribed schedule Record all drills in the ship's official log

Official Resources

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

Legal Framework

The Merchant Shipping (Musters) Rules 2010 are issued under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 by NIMASA. They implement the IMO SOLAS Convention requirements on muster lists and emergency drills. International alignment is with the IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code, SOLAS Chapter III on life-saving appliances, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) on seafarer safety training and emergency preparedness.