Introduce online system for processing SIDs, Seafarers urge NIMASA

Seafarers have called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to introduce an online system for processing Seafarers’ Identity Documents (SIDs) to address delays, overcrowding and the cost of travelling to Lagos for biometric capturing.

The seafarers, who made the call in Abuja on Thursday, also identified difficulties in obtaining medical certificates at designated hospitals, congestion at endorsement centres and security risks associated with long-distance travel as major challenges facing applicants.

One of the seafarers, Andrew Gyang, said applicants often encountered delays at hospitals recommended by NIMASA due to overcrowding and the unavailability of the required medical certificate documents.

He said the endorsement process was similarly affected by large crowds, making it difficult for applicants to complete the necessary procedures without delays.

According to Gyang, some applicants wait for two months or longer for their SIDs to be produced after completing the required processes.

He also faulted the centralisation of biometric capturing in Lagos, saying it forced seafarers from Abuja, Port Harcourt, Jos and other parts of the country to travel to the city to complete their applications.

Another seafarer, Melvin Ugwu, said the arrangement placed additional financial and logistical burdens on seafarers, many of whom have limited time ashore after completing their assignments at sea.

ALSO READ: Umahi defends coastal highway award, denies Seyi Tinubu link

“Seafarers sign off to attend to their families, but the little time they have at home is spent travelling and pursuing documentation instead of resting and being with their loved ones,” he said.

Ugwu urged NIMASA to leverage technology to make the application process more accessible, including allowing seafarers to initiate and complete eligible stages of their applications while still on board vessels.

He said the requirement to travel to Lagos solely for biometric capturing exposed applicants to additional expenses and security risks, particularly those travelling by road.

According to him, applicants are not guaranteed successful capturing upon arrival, as network failures, overcrowding and other operational challenges could prevent the process from being completed.

“Why can’t they make the process more accessible online? We are in the era of technology, and the system should be made simpler rather than creating unnecessary difficulties for seafarers,” Ugwu said.

He added that a reliable digital platform, supported by effective monitoring, could reduce unnecessary travel, ease congestion and improve the efficiency of SID processing.

Similarly, Mathias Jacob raised concerns about the reported unavailability of medical certificate documents at some designated hospitals, saying the situation could force applicants to make repeated visits and prolong the application process.

Jacob called on NIMASA to ensure that approved medical facilities had the necessary documents and resources to conduct examinations and issue certificates without avoidable delays.

He said better coordination between the agency, designated hospitals and endorsement centres would help address bottlenecks and improve service delivery.

The seafarers urged NIMASA to consider expanding biometric-capturing services beyond Lagos while digitising other stages of the SID application process.

They said the measures would reduce travel costs, minimise exposure to road insecurity and allow seafarers to spend more of their limited time ashore with their families.