To verify that the certificate is genuine, the documents that you submit to a foreign
administration will be checked for authenticity and the new requirement for the
maintenance of a database may aid this process. This will include a visual check to
verify security features in the certificate. Its number and details may also be cross-
checked with the issuing administration. This process may take time, so the
administration will issue a letter stating that your application is being processed.
By producing this letter you are able to serve on board a ship registered under the
administration processing your application for a maximum period of three months.
Masters, chief mates, chief engineers or second engineers applying for an
endorsement of recognition are also required to demonstrate knowledge of the
maritime legislation of the flag state issuing the endorsement.
Certificates of proficiency:
These are documents issued to the seafarer to certify that he or she has met the
required standard of competence in a specific duty. These certificates include
certificates for personnel serving on certain types of ship (tankers, and passenger
ships) and for those assigned with safety, security and pollution prevention duties.
It certifies that the holder meets STCW standards of competence in specific functions
related to safety, care of persons, or cargo.
Documentary evidence:
This is a document which is not necessarily issued or recognised by the administration
(and is not, therefore, called a certificate). Documents issued by the shipowner or
master of the vessel to attest that the seafarer has participated in a safety drill or has
completed some type of training (for example familiarisation training) are examples of
documentary evidence. It is important to keep these documents since they are one of
the accepted ways of demonstrating that you have achieved proficiency in a given task
(basic safety training, for example). Where such evidence is not available of on-board
training and experience you will be required to undergo a five yearly refresher course
in personal survival and fire prevention and fire fighting.
Whilst the security officer will require a certificate of proficiency, security
familiarisation and security awareness are ship specific requirements that will require
the seafarer to have documentary evidence. As is the case with the seafarer with
designated security duties, it is the company’s or security officers’ responsibility to
ensure crew are trained to the minimum standard within the amended convention and
have the appropriate documentary evidence.
Under the STCW Convention, all seafarers need to meet minimum standards of
competence, age, medical fitness, and approved sea-going service. These standards
are set by each national administration, but as a minimum, they should reflect STCW
standards. The certificates you are required to hold depend on your rank,
responsibilities you are assigned on board, and the type of vessel you are serving on.
For example, if you are watch-keeping officer working on-board a chemical tanker, and
your duties include being crew of a fast rescue boat, then you will need to hold
certificates covering all these aspects. The same applies to a rating serving on
passenger ships with designated safety duties or to a barman working on a passenger
ship who is designated to assist passengers in emergencies.
STCW: A GUIDE FOR SEAFARERS
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NTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT WORKERS’ FEDERATION