Section 22: Function of the Agency

(1) The functions and duties of the Agency shall be to :
(a) pursue the development of shipping and regulate matters relating to merchant shipping and seafarers ;
(b) administering the registration and licensing of ships ;
(c) regulate and administer the certification of seafarers;
(d) established maritime training and safety standards;
(e) regulate the safety of shipping as regards the construction of ships and navigation ;
(f) provide search and rescue service;
(g) provide directions and ensure compliance with vessel security measures;
(h) carry out air and coastal surveillance;
(i) control and prevent marine pollution;
(j) provide direction on qualification, certification, employment and welfare of maritime labour ;
(k) develop and implement policies and programmes which will facilitate the growth of local capacity in ownership, manning and construction of ships and other maritime infrastructure;
(l) enforce and administer the provisions of the Cabotage Act 2003 ;
(m) perform port and flag state duties;
(n) receive and remove wrecks;
(o) provide National Maritime Search and Rescue Service;
(p) provide Maritime Security; and
(q) establish the procedure for the implementation of conventions of the International Maritime Organisation and the International Maritime Labour Organisation and other international conventions to which the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a party on Maritime Safety and Security, Maritime Labour, Commercial Shipping and for the implementation codes, resolutions and circulars arising therefrom.
(2) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agency shall :
(a) inspect ships for the purposes of maritime safety, maritime security, maritime labour and prevention of maritime pollution;
(b) make enquiries as to shipwrecks or other casualties affecting ships, or as to charges of incompetence or misconduct on the part of seafarers in relation to such casualties;
(c) administer policy for the development of shipping in general;
(d) provide on request services to the maritime industry on a commercial basis;
(e) establish and manage maritime institutions for the training of officers of the Agency;
(f) generally to perform any other duty for ensuring maritime safety and security or do all matters incidental thereto;
(g) provide consultancy and management services relating to any of the matters referred to in this subsection; and
(h) perform any other prescribed functions relating to or incidental to any of the matters referred to in this subsection
(3) The Agency may provide its services both within and outside Nigeria.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the functions to provide sevices may be performed at the discretion of the Agency;
(5) Subject to the provision of a search and rescue service shall be in a manner that is consistent with Nigeria's obligations under international conventions; and
(6) The Agency shall perform its functions in a manner consistent with the obligation of Nigeria under any agreement between Nigeria and another country.