How to Get Your Crew Endorsement in Nigeria

You want to work on ships as part of a maritime crew. But you keep hearing about crew endorsement in Nigeria and feel confused about where to start.

The process seems complicated with all the paperwork, training requirements, and NIMASA regulations

Getting your crew endorsement doesn’t have to be a headache. And in this guide, we’re going to break down every step you need to take.

You’ll learn the exact requirements, documents, and procedures to get certified and continue with your sailing career.

What Is a Crew Endorsement?

A crew endorsement is NIMASA’s stamp of approval on your seafaring certificate. You already have a Certificate of Competency from another country. NIMASA checks it and says “yes, this is good enough for Nigerian ships.”

Your certificate proves you know how to do the job. The endorsement lets you do that job on Nigerian vessels. No endorsement means no work on Nigeria-flagged ships.

NIMASA is the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. They regulate everything related to ships and seafarers in Nigeria. They make sure all crew members meet both Nigerian and international maritime standards.

The endorsement process exists for safety reasons. NIMASA needs to verify that your training and qualifications are real. They also confirm you’re competent to handle the responsibilities on board.

Most countries require this same process. If you’re a foreign-trained seafarer, you need local recognition to work. It protects the shipping industry and keeps everyone safe at sea.

Why Crew Endorsement Matters

Your crew endorsement keeps you legal, protects your career, and saves ship owners from serious trouble.

Here are other reasons why it matters:

It’s a legal requirement under the STCW Convention and Nigeria’s Merchant Shipping Act: You cannot work on Nigerian-flagged vessels without this endorsement. The law is clear and enforced by NIMASA. Breaking this rule can get you and the ship owner in legal trouble.
It ensures your skills meet international standards for safe vessel operations: NIMASA verifies that your training is up to date and recognized globally. This confirmation means you can handle emergencies and routine operations safely. It protects you, your crew mates, and the cargo on board.
It helps ships avoid detention or fines during port inspections at Lagos, Warri, or Port Harcourt: Port authorities check crew documents during inspections. Missing or invalid endorsements can lead to heavy fines or the ship being held in port. This costs the shipping company time and money.

Legal Framework for Crew Endorsement in Nigeria

Nigeria has clear maritime laws and international standards that guide how foreign crew members are endorsed to work on Nigerian ships.

Nigerian Merchant Shipping Act: This law sets the foundation for crew certification and foreign endorsement in Nigeria. It ensures that all crew members meet the country’s training and safety standards before being approved. It also gives NIMASA the authority to regulate and issue endorsements.
NIMASA: NIMASA is the government body that checks, approves, and issues your endorsement. They verify that your certificates, training, and sea service records follow Nigeria’s maritime laws. Once confirmed, your endorsement becomes officially recognized for service under the Nigerian flag.
IMO and STCW Conventions: These international conventions define the global training and safety standards Nigeria enforces. They make sure every seafarer working on a Nigerian ship is competent and compliant with global rules. NIMASA applies these standards before giving any endorsement.

Who Needs a Crew Endorsement Certificate in Nigeria

Men in suit doing crew endorsement in nigeria

Anyone working or hiring for ships under the Nigerian flag must have proper crew endorsements to stay compliant.

Foreign crew working onboard Nigeria-flagged vessels: If you are a foreign seafarer working on a ship registered in Nigeria, you need a crew endorsement to serve legally. This confirms that your foreign certificate is recognized by NIMASA. Without it, you cannot be listed as part of the ship’s official crew.
Shipowners hiring international crew for Nigerian ships: If you own a Nigerian-registered vessel and plan to employ foreign crew, you must make sure they have valid endorsements. This keeps your ship compliant during port inspections. It also protects you from penalties or delays caused by unapproved crew documentation.
Crew management and manning agencies recruiting for Nigeria-registered vessels:
Agencies that recruit seafarers for Nigerian ships must process endorsements for all foreign crew. This ensures that everyone onboard meets NIMASA and STCW standards. It also builds trust with shipowners and prevents issues during registry or port clearance.

Requirements for Crew Endorsement in Nigeria

Each document you submit must be complete, valid, and up to date before endorsement can be approved.

They include:

Certificate of Competency (CoC) from a recognized country

You need a valid CoC issued by a maritime administration recognized by NIMASA.

This proves you are trained and qualified to perform your duties onboard.

Without it, your endorsement application will be rejected immediately.

Medical fitness certificate that meets IMO standards

Your health must meet international standards to ensure you can safely perform your duties at sea.

The medical certificate should come from an approved maritime doctor.

If it’s expired or incomplete, your application cannot move forward.

Passport and Seaman’s Book with valid sea service record

You must present an updated passport and a Seaman’s Book showing proof of past sea service.

These documents help confirm your identity and experience level. Missing pages or outdated entries will slow down the review process.

Employment or request letter from the shipowner

This letter shows that a Nigerian shipowner or company is employing you or requesting your endorsement.

It helps NIMASA verify that your endorsement is for an active job position. Without it, your application may be delayed or denied.

Proof of STCW compliance (courses or training)

You must show certificates proving you completed STCW-approved safety and operational training.

This ensures you meet international standards for handling emergencies and navigation. Lack of proof will stop the endorsement from being issued.

Passport-sized photos: You’ll need recent passport photos for identification and processing. They are attached to your endorsement documents and registry records. Clear, professional photos make your submission complete and compliant.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Crew Endorsement in Nigeria

Officer responsible for crew endorsement in Nigeria

Getting your crew endorsement in Nigeria involves a few key steps that confirm your qualifications and ensure you’re fit to work onboard Nigerian-flagged ships.

These steps are:

Document Review: NIMASA or your appointed maritime agent carefully checks every document for accuracy and completeness. They make sure your CoC, medical certificate, and STCW proofs meet all Nigerian and international requirements. Any missing or incorrect document can delay your application from the start.
Submission: After review, your application is filed to NIMASA through a licensed maritime lawyer or recognized agent. This ensures your paperwork reaches the right department without getting lost or rejected. Filing through the right channel also speeds up approval.
Verification: NIMASA verifies your Certificate of Competency and STCW training details directly with the issuing country or maritime authority. This step confirms your credentials are genuine and valid. Once your documents are verified, your application moves to final review.
Approval: When all checks are complete and your qualifications confirmed, NIMASA approves your request for endorsement. You’re then officially recognized to work onboard Nigerian-flagged ships. The endorsement gives you full legal standing under Nigerian maritime law.
Collection: After approval, you can collect your endorsement certificate in digital form or as a physical copy through your agent. Keep it safe, as you’ll need it during port inspections or future renewals. This marks the end of your endorsement process, and you’re clear to sail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Crew Endorsement

When applying for your crew endorsement in Nigeria, even small mistakes can slow you down or get your application rejected.

Here are common issues you should watch out for:

Submitting expired or fake certificates

NIMASA checks every document carefully. If your certificate has expired or turns out fake, your application is rejected immediately. This mistake can also get you blacklisted from future approvals.

Missing employer endorsement or request letter

NIMASA needs proof that a shipowner or company has hired you. Without this letter, your file stays pending and doesn’t move forward. Always make sure the letter is signed and stamped by your employer.

Using unlicensed agents who promise shortcuts

Many people lose money to fake agents claiming they can “fast-track” endorsement. Only licensed maritime lawyers or NIMASA-approved agents can process your papers safely. Working with the wrong person can leave you without both your money and your certificate.

Incomplete STCW or medical proof:

If your STCW training certificate or medical report is missing or incomplete, NIMASA will stop your application. Both documents prove you are fit and properly trained to work onboard. Double-check everything before submission to avoid delays.

How We Can Help You Get Crew Endorsement in Nigeria

Getting your crew endorsement doesn’t have to be stressful or slow. At Cameroon Maritime Lawyers, we make the process simple, fast, and safe for you.

We pre-check your documents before submission: Before sending your file to NIMASA, we go through every document line by line. This helps us catch errors, expired certificates, or missing papers early. That way, your application moves smoothly without unnecessary back-and-forth.

We communicate directly with NIMASA on your behalf: You don’t need to chase government offices or deal with confusing forms. We speak directly with NIMASA officials for updates and clarifications. This keeps your application on track and ensures you always know what stage it’s in.

We speed up the process through proper legal channels: Because we already work with NIMASA and know their procedures, we file your papers through the right channels. That makes your endorsement faster and safer. You don’t have to worry about delays or unapproved shortcuts.

We keep your application 100% compliant and risk-free: We make sure your endorsement follows every local and international rule. That means no legal problems, no rejections, and no risks of vessel detention. You get your crew endorsement fast, safe, and legally guaranteed.