Ordinary Seaman Salary in Nigeria 2025: Full Details With Complete Breakdown

The role of an Ordinary Seaman (OS) is a critical entry-level position in Nigeria’s maritime industry, offering opportunities for those interested in a seafaring career. Ordinary Seamen perform essential tasks such as deck maintenance, cargo handling, and assisting with navigation under supervision. For individuals considering this career path, understanding the salary structure, factors influencing earnings, and career progression is vital. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of Ordinary Seaman salaries in Nigeria for 2025, including pay scales by experience, employer type, and location, as well as benefits and career prospects. Data is drawn from available sources, including salary surveys, union agreements, and industry insights, to ensure accuracy.

Overview of the Ordinary Seaman Role in Nigeria

An Ordinary Seaman is an apprentice-level seafarer in the deck department of a vessel, working under the supervision of Able Seamen and officers. Responsibilities include cleaning and maintaining the ship’s deck, handling ropes and mooring lines, assisting with cargo operations, and standing lookout or helm watches. In Nigeria, Ordinary Seamen are employed on various vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, ferries, and offshore supply vessels, as well as in the Nigerian Navy for those pursuing a military career. The role requires basic maritime training, such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification, and a Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB). No formal academic degree is required, but a secondary school certificate (SSCE) is typically preferred.

Average Salary Breakdown

Ordinary Seaman salaries in Nigeria vary based on experience, employer type (commercial shipping, Nigerian Navy, or offshore sector), location, and vessel type. Below is a detailed breakdown of salary ranges in Nigerian Naira (NGN) and US Dollars (USD) for 2025, reflecting the volatile exchange rate (approximately ₦1,600/USD as of 2025 estimates).

General Salary Range (Commercial Shipping)

• Average Monthly Salary: ₦250,000 (approximately $156 USD)
• Annual Range: ₦1,500,000–₦3,600,000 ($938–$2,250 USD)
• Median Salary: ₦2,400,000/year (₦200,000/month or $125 USD/month)
• 25th Percentile: ₦1,800,000/year (₦150,000/month or $94 USD/month)
• 75th Percentile: ₦3,000,000/year (₦250,000/month or $156 USD/month)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience significantly influences earnings, as seafarers gain skills and certifications over time.

• Entry-Level (0–1 year):
  • Monthly: ₦150,000–₦200,000 ($94–$125 USD)
  • Annual: ₦1,800,000–₦2,400,000 ($1,125–$1,500 USD)
  • Typical for new recruits with basic STCW training, often on coastal or inland vessels.
• Early Career (1–4 years):
  • Monthly: ₦200,000–₦300,000 ($125–$188 USD)
  • Annual: ₦2,400,000–₦3,600,000 ($1,500–$2,250 USD)
  • Seafarers with additional sea time and certifications like Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR).
• Mid-Career (5–9 years):
  • Monthly: ₦300,000–₦400,000 ($188–$250 USD)
  • Annual: ₦3,600,000–₦4,800,000 ($2,250–$3,000 USD)
  • Often transitioning to Able Seaman roles with enhanced responsibilities.

Salary in the Nigerian Navy

Ordinary Seamen in the Nigerian Navy earn lower base salaries compared to commercial shipping but benefit from structured allowances and job security.

• Monthly Salary: ₦50,000–₦60,000 ($31–$38 USD)
• Annual Salary: ₦600,000–₦720,000 ($375–$450 USD)
• Allowances:
  • Accommodation: Up to ₦10,000/month
  • Transport: Up to ₦10,000/month
  • Uniform: Varies by rank, typically ₦5,000–₦10,000/year
  • Total Monthly with Allowances: ₦65,000–₦80,000 ($41–$50 USD)

Salary by Employer Type

• Commercial Shipping Companies:
  • Monthly: ₦200,000–₦400,000 ($125–$250 USD)
  • Top companies like NLNG may pay above the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) rates, with salaries reaching ₦300,000+/month ($188+ USD).
• Offshore Oil and Gas Vessels:
  • Monthly: ₦300,000–₦500,000 ($188–$313 USD)
  • Higher pay due to demanding conditions and specialized vessels like supply ships.
• Inland Waterways (Ferries, Barges):
  • Monthly: ₦100,000–₦200,000 ($63–$125 USD)
  • Lower pay due to smaller vessels and less intensive operations.

Salary by Location

• Lagos and Lagos Ports:
  • Monthly: ₦250,000–₦400,000 ($156–$250 USD)
  • Higher salaries due to major port operations and cost of living.
• Port Harcourt (Oil and Gas Hub):
  • Monthly: ₦300,000–₦500,000 ($188–$313 USD)
  • Premium pay for offshore and tanker roles.
• Other Coastal Areas (Warri, Calabar):
  • Monthly: ₦150,000–₦250,000 ($94–$156 USD)
  • Lower pay due to smaller-scale operations.

Bonuses and Incentives

Bonuses are uncommon for Ordinary Seamen but may be offered in commercial shipping:

• Average Bonus: ₦50,000–₦100,000/year ($31–$63 USD)
• Performance-Based: Some companies offer bonuses for safe voyages or meeting operational targets.
• Overtime Pay: Common in offshore roles, adding 10–20% to base salary.
• Nigerian Navy personnel receive no significant bonuses but benefit from allowances and pensions.

Factors Influencing Ordinary Seaman Salaries

Several factors determine earnings for Ordinary Seamen in Nigeria:

1. Experience and Certifications:
   • Additional sea time and certifications (e.g., STCW endorsements, firefighting) increase pay by 5–15% per year.
2. Employer Type:
   • Commercial shipping and offshore sectors pay significantly more than the Navy or inland operators.
3. Vessel Type:
   • Tankers and offshore supply vessels offer higher salaries due to hazardous conditions and valuable cargo.
4. Location:
   • Urban and port-heavy areas like Lagos and Port Harcourt offer higher wages.
5. Union Agreements:
   • The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has secured Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) ensuring minimum salaries of ₦250,000/month for some OS roles.
6. Exchange Rate:
   • Salaries paid in USD (common in international shipping) are more valuable in NGN due to currency depreciation.

Salary Comparison with Other Maritime Roles

Ordinary Seaman salaries are entry-level within the maritime hierarchy:

• Able Seaman: ₦400,000–₦600,000/month ($250–$375 USD)
• Boatswain: ₦500,000–₦800,000/month ($313–$500 USD)
• Third Officer: ₦800,000–₦1,200,000/month ($500–$750 USD)
• Nigerian Navy Seaman: ₦58,005/month ($36 USD)
• Deck Hand (Inland): ₦100,000–₦150,000/month ($63–$94 USD)

Ordinary Seamen earn less than skilled roles but have significant growth potential with experience and certifications.

Career Path and Salary Growth

Ordinary Seamen can advance through training and sea time:

• Able Seaman: After 1–2 years and passing watchstanding exams, salaries increase to ₦400,000+/month.
• Boatswain or Deck Officer: With further certifications and 5–10 years’ experience, earnings can reach ₦800,000+/month.
• Shore-Based Roles: Skills gained at sea can lead to management or training positions with salaries of ₦1,000,000+/month.
• Nigerian Navy Progression: Promotion to Seaman or Able Seaman increases pay to ₦58,000–₦68,850/month.

Career moves to international shipping companies or offshore firms can boost salaries by 20–30%.

Job Market and Demand

The demand for Ordinary Seamen in Nigeria is robust due to:

• Growth in maritime trade and port operations in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
• Expansion of the oil and gas sector, requiring offshore support vessels.
• Nigeria’s role as a major supplier of seafarers globally, with over 126,619 registered seafarers.
• Government initiatives through NIMASA to enforce unionization and improve wages.

Job opportunities exist with:

• Shipping companies (e.g., NLNG, Sea Transport)
• Offshore firms supporting oil and gas
• Nigerian Navy and inland waterway operators
• International crewing agencies hiring for foreign vessels

Tips for Maximizing Earnings

1. Obtain Certifications: Complete STCW courses and additional training (e.g., firefighting, first aid) to qualify for higher-paying roles.
2. Gain Sea Time: Accumulate 12–18 months of sea time to qualify for Able Seaman certification.
3. Work in Offshore or International Roles: Seek contracts with foreign-flagged vessels or offshore companies for USD-based salaries.
4. Join a Union: Register with MWUN to benefit from CBAs and wage protections.
5. Apply through Licensed Agencies: Use POEA-accredited or NIMASA-approved agencies to avoid exploitation.

Conclusion

The Ordinary Seaman role in Nigeria offers a promising entry point into the maritime industry, with average salaries ranging from ₦150,000–₦400,000/month ($94–$250 USD) in commercial shipping and ₦50,000–₦80,000/month ($31–$50 USD) in the Nigerian Navy. While starting pay is modest, career progression to roles like Able Seaman or Deck Officer can significantly boost earnings. Factors like experience, certifications, employer type, and location play a crucial role in determining income. With growing demand in Nigeria’s maritime and offshore sectors, Ordinary Seamen have ample opportunities to advance and maximize earnings through training and strategic career moves.

For further details on job opportunities or salary benchmarks, explore resources like Glassdoor, PayScale, or contact NIMASA and MWUN for unionized wage information.