Merchant Shipping Directorate

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF
TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, AS AMENDED
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Notice to Shipowners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters,
Owners’ Representatives and Recognised Organisations
This notice revokes MS Notices No. 19, 30 and 84.

The Merchant Shipping Directorate is issuing the revised Merchant Shipping Notice to reflect the
adoption of the Seafarer Portal as the sole direct link to apply for seafarer documentation:
https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Furthermore, the revised notice updates certain requirements that were introduced through the2010 amendments to the STCW Convention (Manila Amendments). The amendments weretransposed into the Laws of Malta, through the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification)
Regulations, 2013 (L.N 153 of 2013).
The revised Regulations contain numerous requirements and it is not the intention of this Notice
to describe in detail the provisions of the revised Convention or to list the obligations ofcompanies. It is to be noted that all existing certificates of competency and certificates of
proficiency issued in accordance with STCW 78, as amended, shall remain valid up to their expiry
date but not later than 31 December 2016.

Certificate of Competency (Deck)
The revised Convention introduced a new requirement for deck officers engaged onboard ECDIS
equipped ships to be in possession of an ECDIS training certificate.
All deck officers requiring revalidation of Maltese certificates of competency need to present anapproved Generic ECDIS Certificate to be able to sail on board ECDIS equipped ships after 31
December 2016. Officers who do not hold an ECDIS training certificate will be issued with acertificate of competency stating “Not valid on vessels equipped with ECDIS from the 1 January
2017”.
Officers may be re-issued with a re-validated certificate of competency without ECDIS limitations
upon submitting an approved Generic ECDIS Training Certificate.

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 2 of 13

Tanker Training
Seafarers engaged on tankers shall be in possession of a valid tanker certificate and/or
endorsement. For revalidation of an existing tanker certificate, seafarers are to present approved
seagoing service of at least 3 months in total in the preceding 5 years.
In order to be issued with a new tanker certificate including basic tanker training certificate and/or
advanced tanker training certificate, seafarers shall present the course completion certificate
issued by a maritime training institution approved by the Directorate.
Moreover, seafarers to be issued with an advanced tanker training certificate shall also submit
evidence of 3 months approved seagoing service performed on relevant tankers, whilst holding avalid basic tanker training certificate.
Applications for the issue of any Tanker Certificate are to be submitted through the Seafarer Portal
https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Revalidation Requirements
For the purpose of revalidating a certificate of competency, continued professional competence
as required in terms of STCW I/11 shall be established by:
1. approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate held, for aperiod of at least:
1.1. twelve months in total during the preceding five years, or
1.2. three months in total during the preceding six months immediately prior to revalidating; or
2. having performed functions considered to be equivalent in the seagoing service required inparagraph 1.1; or
3. passing an approved test; or
4. successfully completing an approved training course or courses; or
5. having completed approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to thecertificate held, for a period of not less than three months in a supernumerary capacity, or in

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 3 of 13

a lower officer rank than that for which the certificate held is valid immediately prior to taking
up the rank for which it is valid.
Applications for revalidating a certificate of competency, made within 6 months prior to thecertificate`s expiry date can be revalidated for 5 years from the original expiry date.
Security Related Training
The revised STCW Convention requires that as from 1 January 2014, all persons employed or
engaged onboard ships to which the ISPS Code applies shall be in possession of security related
training certification. The 2010 amendments introduce three tiers of security training:
Security Related Familiarization
All persons engaged in any capacity on ISPS compliant ships shall follow security relatedfamiliarisation training before being assigned any shipboard duty. The training may be deliveredby the Ship Security Officer or by any other equally qualified person as part of the safety
familiarisation training required in terms of the ISM Code.
Documentary evidence should be readily available onboard to show that such training has been
undertaken.
Certificate of Proficiency in Security AwarenessAll seafarers engaged in any capacity onboard an ISPS compliant ship shall be in possession ofa Certificate of Proficiency in Security-Awareness.

Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
Seafarers with designated security duties, including anti-piracy and anti-armed-robbery related
activities, engaged in any capacity onboard an ISPS compliant ship, shall be in possession of a
Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties.
In order to be issued with a Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness or Designated
Security Duties an applicant shall meet the standard of competence for certification of proficiency
in security awareness or designated security duties as set out in Section A-VI/6, paragraph 4 orSection A-VI/6, paragraphs 6 of the STCW Code.

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 4 of 13

Certificate of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer
The Directorate would like to remind all concerned that Ship Security Officers serving on board
ships are required to be in possession of a Certificate of Proficiency issued in accordance with
Regulation VI/5 of the STCW Convention.
In order to be issued with a Certificate of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer an applicant shall:•

have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months or appropriate seagoing service
and knowledge of ship operations; and•meet the standard of competence for certification of proficiency as ship security officer as set
out in Section A-VI/5, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Code.

Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Certificates of Proficiency
In addition to the certificates of proficiency issued in relation to security related duties, thefollowing certificates of proficiency will be issued to seafarers in possession of valid training
certificates issued by a training centre that is approved by the Directorate:

Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Safety Training (STCW Regulation VI/I)
All seafarers engaged in any capacity as part of the ship’s complement with designated safety or
pollution prevention duties shall, before being assigned to any shipboard duties, be in possessionof a Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Safety Training.
In order to be issued with a Certificate of Proficiency in Basic Safety Training an applicant shallreceive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction in accordance with Section A-VI/1of the STCW Code and shall meet the appropriate standard of competence specified therein.
Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 5 of 13

Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.
Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats(STCW Regulation VI/2-1)
Every candidate for a Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast
Rescue Boats shall be required to demonstrate competence to undertake the tasks, duties andresponsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code.
In order to be issued with a Certificate of Proficiency in PSCRB an applicant must:•

be not less than 18 years of age;•have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months or have attended an approved
training course and have approved seagoing service of not less than 6 months; and•meet the standard of competence for certificates of proficiency in survival craft and rescueboats, set out in section A-VI/2 paragraph 1-4 of the STCW Code.

Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Certificate of Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (STCW Regulation VI/2-2)
Every candidate for a Certificate of Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats shall be required todemonstrate competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 oftable A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code.
In order to be issued with a Certificate of Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats an applicant must:•

be the holder of a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other thanfast rescue boats;•

have attended an approved training course; andMalta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 6 of 13•

meet the standard of competence for certificates of proficiency in fast rescue boats, set
out in section A-VI/2 paragraph 7-10 of the STCW Code.

Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (STCW Regulation VI/3)
Seafarers designated with fire-fighting operations shall have successfully completed advanced
training in fire fighting techniques with particular emphasis on organisation tactics and command,in accordance with the provisions of Section A-VI/3, paragraphs 1-4 of the STCW Code.
Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Certificate of Proficiency in Medical First Aid (STCW Regulation VI/4-1)
Seafarers designated with Medical First Aid duties shall meet the standard of competence in
Medical First Aid specified in Section A-VI/4, paragraphs 1-3 of the STCW Code.

Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 7 of 13

Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Care (STCW Regulation VI/4-2)
Seafarers designated with Medical Care duties shall meet the standard of competence in Medical
Care on board ships specified in Section A-VI/4, paragraphs 4-6 of the STCW Code.
Applications for the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.
Recognition of Certificates of Proficiency
This Administration may recognise valid Certificates of Proficiency issued by either:
1. a Party to the STCW Convention; or
2. a Maritime Training Centre authorised by a Party to the STCW Convention.

Refresher Training Requirements
The 2010 Amendments to the STCW Convention introduced the requirement to undertake
refresher training in respect of certain Certificates of Proficiency.
To this effect, seafarers in possession of any of the above mentioned certificates of proficiency
that require referesher training shall provide documentary evidence every 5 years of having
maintained the prescribed standard of competence to undertake the tasks duties andresponsibilities specified in the above mentioned tables. The Administration may accept
documentary evidence of approved on board training and experience, as proof of refresher
training.
Seafarers submitting their certificate of competency for revalidation after 1 January 2017 will be
required to submit documentary evidence of having completed approved refresher training.

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 8 of 13

Watch Rating Certification
All ratings forming part of a navigational or an engineering watch shall be duly certified as meetingthe minimum standard of competence specified in the relative Sections A-II/4 and A-III/4 of the
STCW Code.
In order to be issued with a Deck or Engine Watch Rating Certificate an applicant must:•be 16 years of age;•have completed:••approved seagoing service including not less than 6 months of training andexperience, or•

special training either pre-sea or on board ship including an approved period ofseagoing service which shall not be less than 2 months; andmeet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/4 or A-III/4 of the STCW Code.

This Administration may recognise valid Watch Rating Certificates issued by other administrations
that are Party to the STCW Convention, for service onboard Maltese ships.
Applications for the issue of a Watch Rating Certificate are to be submitted through the Seafarer
Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Electro-Technical Ratings
Regulation III/7 of the revised Convention requires that every Electro-Technical Rating serving ona seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more,
shall be duly certified as meeting the minimum standard of competence specified in the relative
Section A-III/7 of the STCW Code.
In order to be issued with an Electro-Technical Rating Certificate an applicant must:•be 18 years of age;•have completed:

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 9 of 13(i)Approved seagoing service including not less than 12 months of training
and experience, or(ii)
Completed approved training pre-sea or on board ship including anapproved period of seagoing service which shall not be less than 6 months; and•meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/7 of the STCW Code.

This Administration may recognise Electro-Technical Rating Certificates issued by otheradministrations that are Party to the STCW Convention for service onboard Maltese ships.
Applications for the issue of an Electro-Technical Rating Certificate are to be submitted throughthe Seafarer Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.
Able Seafarer certification
The 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention have introduced minimum requirements forcertification of ratings as Able Seafarer Deck and Able Seafarer Engine. These new competenceswere previously regulated by ILO Able Seamen Convention 1946. This Administration willcontinue to recognise A.B. Certificates issued prior to the entry into force of the 2010 amendments
until the 31 December 2016.

Conversion of A.B. Certificates into Able Seafarer Certificates
A.B. Certificates may be converted into Able Seafarer certificates by submitting the following to
the Directorate:•

A.B. Certificate issued prior to the 2010 Amendments•

Proof of Identification showing personal details of applicant as per those entered on the
Seafarer Portal (passport, identity card or seaman’s book)•

Passport size photograph in full colour•

Basic Courses as per Regulation VI/1•

PSCRB Certificate as per Regulation VI/2 (applicable for Able Seafarer Deck certificate)•

Documentary evidence of 12 months approved seagoing service in the previous 5 years

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 10 of 13•

Declaration by Master or Chief Engineer attesting where the seagoing service was
performed (Deck or Engine)•

Medical Fitness Certificate (ILO/IMO)•

Relative fee

Requirements for the issue of an Able Seafarer Deck Certificate
In order to be issued with an Able Seafarer Deck Certificate an applicant must:•be 18 years of age;•meet the requirements for certification as a rating forming part of a navigational watch;•while qualified to serve as a rating forming part of a navigational watch have approved
seagoing service in the deck department of:••

not less than 18 months, or•

not less than 12 months and have completed approved training; andmeet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/5 of the STCW CodeThis Administration may recognise Able Seafarer Deck Certificates issued by otheradministrations that are Party to the STCW Convention.
Applications for the issue of an Able Seafarer Deck Certificate are to be submitted through the
Seafarer Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.
Requirements for the issue of an Able Seafarer Engine Certificate
In order to be issued with an Able Seafarer Engine Certificate an applicant must:•be 18 years of age;•meet the requirements for certification as a rating forming part of an engineering watch;

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 11 of 13••

while qualified to serve as a rating forming part of an engineering watch have approved
seagoing service in the engine department of:•

not less than 12 months, or•

not less than 6 months and have completed approved training; andmeet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/5 of the STCW CodeThis Administration may recognise Able Seafarer Engine Certificates issued by otheradministrations that are Party to the STCW Convention.
Applications for the issue of an Able Seafarer Engine Certificate are to be submitted through the
Seafarer Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Efficient deck hand certification
The Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations, 2013 have incorporated the
Efficient Deck Hand certification, previously regulated by the Merchant Shipping (A.B. and EDH
Certificates) Regulations, 2001.

Requirements for the issue of an Efficient Deck Hand Certificate
In order to be issued with an Efficient Deck Hand Certificate an applicant must:•be 17 years of age;•is in possession of valid Basic Courses as per Regulation VI/1;•

has obtained a navigational watch rating certificate or holds a steering certificate;•has obtained a 12 month period of approved sea going service in the deck department;
and•meets the standard of competence as per the Third Schedule of the Merchant Shipping(Training and Certification) Regulations, 2013.

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 12 of 13

This Administration may recognise Efficient Deck Hand Certificates issued by otheradministrations that are Party to the STCW Convention.
Applications for the issue of an Efficient Deck Hand Certificate are to be submitted through the
Seafarer Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal
and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.

Responsibilities of companies
Regulation I/14 requires companies (ship-owners, ship operators and managers and bareboat
charterers) should ensure that:
1. each seafarer assigned to any of its ships holds an appropriate certificate in accordance withthe provisions of the Convention and as established by the Administration;
2. its ships are manned in compliance with the applicable safe manning requirements of the
Administration;
3. seafarers assigned to any of its ships have received refresher and updating training as
required by the Convention;
4. documentation and data relevant to all seafarers employed on its ships are maintained andreadily accessible, and include, without being limited to, documentation and data on theirexperience, training, medical fitness and competency in assigned duties;
5. seafarers, on being assigned to any of its ships, are familiarized with their specific duties andwith all ship arrangements, installations, equipment, procedures and ship characteristics thatare relevant to their routine or emergency duties;
6. seafarers, in a management capacity prior to being assigned duties on board their vessels,
have appropriate knowledge and access to Maltese maritime legislation.
7. the ship`s complement can effectively coordinate their activities in an emergency situation andin performing functions vital to safety, security and to the prevention or mitigation of pollution;
and8. at all times on board its ships there shall be effective oral communication in accordance withchapter V, regulation 14, paragraphs 3 and 4 of the International Convention for the Safety ofLife at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS), as amended.

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009

Merchant Shipping Directorate
Merchant Shipping Notice 109 Rev.1
Page 13 of 13

Drug and Alcohol Policy
Reg.VIII-1 of the revised STCW Convention sets a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% and a limit of 0.25
mg/l alcohol in the breath. These limits apply to masters, officers and other seafarers whilst on
duty and for all seafarers who by the nature or terms of their engagement or employment might
be required to take action in cases of emergency. The abuse of drugs is strictly prohibited.
Prescription and non-prescription medicines should always be used with caution.
Additional Information
It is essential to ensure that the detailed requirements of the revised STCW Convention are met
at all times to avoid unnecessary delays to ships. Since the 2010 Amendments to the STCW
Convention have introduced a substantial number of new requirements for the shipping industry,companies are encouraged to keep abreast of developments connected to the implementation of
the revised Convention.
Finally, this Directorate welcomes any response, particularly from companies and ship managers,
regarding experiences in relation to the implementation of this Convention.
All enquiries related to the matter and the application of the STCW Convention, should be
addressed to this Directorate on stcw.tm@transport.gov.mt

Merchant Shipping Directorate

10 April 2023

Malta Transport CentreĦal Lija LJA 2021, Malta

Tel: +356 2125 0360
Email: mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration

Transport Malta is the Authority for Transport in Malta set up by Act XV of 2009