NIMASA introduces new certificates of Ship Registration

Lagos -- As part of efforts to ensure the utilisation of secured statutory certificates and prevent the entry of substandard ships into the Nigerian flag, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has commenced the issuance of new certificat es of ship registrati on while simultan eously phasing out the old permits.

In a statement, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said the Nigerian Ship Registry is also being restructured to meet with international best practices.

"We are restructuring the Nigerian Ship Registration Office to serve more efficiently and effectively. We are determined to grow our national fleet and tonnage to an enviable height.

“We are committed to ensuring that our Ship Registry remains of International standard and this is why we have enhanced our certificates with more security features that would stand the test of time’’, the statement quoted Jamoh as saying.

According to the statement, the all-encompassing process of issuance will ensure robust screening of vessels that would visit Nigerian waters.

The new regulation, which took effect from July 1, 2021, involves the Certificate of Nigerian Registry, Provisional Certificate of Registry, Certificate of Nigerian Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel, Fishing Boat and Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Wholly-owned Nigerian

Vessel, among others.

The Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel; and Foreignowned Vessels are also involved.

Others are Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Joint Venture Owned Vessel, Deletion Certificate, Bill of Sale and Transcript of Registry.