Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Rules 2010

Rules establish methods for measuring and certifying vessel tonnage for registration and port charges. They target ship owners, operators, and maritime authorities by requiring international standards for tonnage calculation. This ensures consistent vessel assessments.

What Is This Policy?

Rules for measuring and certifying the tonnage of vessels, used for registration, port charges, and regulatory purposes.

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?

Ensure consistent and internationally recognized measurement of vessel tonnage.

Key Features

Measurement Method: Tonnage calculation per the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement Certification: Issuance of International Tonnage Certificates Re-Measurement: Requirements for re-measurement following vessel modifications

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. Submit vessels for tonnage measurement Obtain and carry the International Tonnage Certificate

Official Resources

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

Legal Framework

The Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Rules 2010 are issued under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 by NIMASA. They implement the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships 1969 (London Convention). International alignment is with IMO tonnage measurement standards, the ILO/IMO Joint Working Group frameworks, and the SOLAS Convention provisions that incorporate gross tonnage as a key regulatory trigger for safety requirements.