In recent years, more young Nigerians have looked to the sea as a pathway to financial stability, international experience, and technical skill development. Becoming a sailor, particularly as a rating (non-officer crew), has emerged as a viable career option for individuals willing to undergo proper training, secure necessary certifications, and adapt to the disciplined lifestyle required onboard commercial ships. This 2025 guide outlines the step-by-step process of joining the maritime profession in Nigeria and what it truly takes to succeed at sea.
Understanding the Seafaring Role
A sailor, or seafarer, is a trained individual who works aboard a ship, performing duties essential to the safe operation, maintenance, and welfare of the vessel and its crew. Ratings are the entry-level positions in three key departments: deck, engine, and catering. Unlike officers, who undergo lengthy academic training, ratings can start their careers more quickly through practical and safety-focused programs.
The maritime sector continues to play a critical role in global trade, and as Nigeria develops its shipping capacity through private and public investments, demand for skilled ratings is expected to rise. According to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the country is still working to close the manpower gap in both local and international shipping fleets, making the time ripe for motivated individuals to enter the profession.
Step One: Basic Education and Eligibility
The journey begins with a minimum academic qualification—typically a secondary school certificate (SSCE or equivalent). While science-based backgrounds may offer slight advantages in technical roles, they are not mandatory. Prospective sailors must be at least 18 years old and in sound health, as physical fitness is essential for survival and performance at sea.
Step Two: Enroll in a NIMASA-Accredited Maritime Training School
All aspiring sailors in Nigeria are required to complete the Basic Safety Training (BST), which covers essential courses such as personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, personal safety and social responsibilities, and elementary first aid. These modules comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which is enforced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In addition to BST, candidates must obtain a Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (also known as a discharge book), which serves as the sailor’s professional passport and work log. This booklet is issued by NIMASA and is one of the most important documents a sailor will carry throughout their career.
Depending on the intended department—deck, engine, or catering—some candidates may undergo further specialized training. For example, an aspiring cook may take food handling and hygiene courses, while engine ratings may be required to complete engine room familiarization.
Step Three: Medical Fitness and Yellow Fever Booklet
Before heading to sea, candidates must pass a seafarers’ medical examination conducted at an approved NIMASA-accredited facility. click here for accredited NIMASA medical facilities. The test ensures the individual is fit to withstand the physical demands of seafaring, including long hours, shifting weather conditions, and confined spaces.
The ENG1-equivalent certificate is a standard fitness requirement accepted by most shipping companies and is especially important for those seeking foreign contracts. Additionally, Nigerian sailors must carry a Yellow Fever vaccination booklet, which is a mandatory requirement for port health clearance across international routes.
Step Four: Gaining Sea Time and Experience
Once all certifications are in place, new sailors are ready to join a vessel. The first contract is usually obtained through a manning agency or directly from a shipowner. Sea time is not only a job requirement but also a form of apprenticeship. Most ratings begin as deck trainee, ordinary seamen, oilers, wipers, or messmen, depending on their chosen department.
During this period, practical exposure, discipline, and adaptability are critical. Many shipping lines operate on a contract basis, often six months on and two months off. Earnings for entry-level sailors typically range from $1000 to $1,300 per month depending on the ship type, flag state, and currency of contract.
Career Growth and Future Prospects
Although ratings are non-officer roles, they offer clear paths for advancement. With additional sea time, further training, and completion of officer-level certifications, a rating can rise through the ranks to become a bosun, a junior officer, or even chief cook, depending on specialization.
The maritime sector offers job stability, international exposure, and access to welfare schemes like seafarer unions, pension plans, and global health coverage. Nigerian seafarers who continually upgrade their qualifications and remain compliant with maritime regulations often enjoy steady career growth and increasing income.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a sailor in Nigeria is no longer a mysterious or exclusive path. With government-backed training institutions, NIMASA’s regulatory support, and a growing network of maritime stakeholders, the route to sea has become more structured and accessible.
However, success at sea requires more than certification. It demands discipline, resilience, and a genuine commitment to a lifestyle that is as rewarding as it is challenging. For those ready to take the plunge, the ocean offers not just a job—but a lifelong career.
