Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Directive 2008/106/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the minimum level of training of seafarers
Date: 2011-09-14
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: crew, disclosure of information, maritime shipping, professional qualifications, recognition of diplomas, recognition of vocational training qualifications

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Brussels, 14.9.2011 
COM(2011) 555 final 

2011/0239 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

amending Directive 2008/106/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the 
minimum level of training of seafarers 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

 
 
  
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

1. 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL 

1.1. 

Summary 

The  International  Convention  on  Standards  of Training,  Certification  and  Watchkeeping  for 
Seafarers (the STCW Convention) was concluded in 1978 among the State Parties to the IMO 
(International Maritime Organization, the UN agency in charge of the international regulatory 
framework for shipping). The convention deals with the requirements for training of seafarers 
(mainly  officers)  and  the  relevant  certification.  The  STCW  Convention  was  significantly 
amended in 1995. 

The Convention was integrated into Community law by Directive 94/58 on minimum training 
for seafarers1. As a matter  of fact, the  EU rules  on  maritime safety are largely aligned with 
international rules. 

Directive 94/58 was amended several times and eventually replaced by Directive 2001/25, in 
turn replaced by Directive 2008/106, currently in force2. Over time EU rules were modified, 
mainly in order to transpose the amendments to the STCW Convention, but also to develop 
and streamline a system for the recognition of seafarers educated and trained outside the EU. 
Recognition of seafarers educated and trained outside the EU is in fact crucial in a business 
like shipping, globalized since forty years.  

Against  this  background,  in  2007  the  IMO  launched  a  comprehensive  review  of  the  STCW 
Convention  to  which  both  the  Commission  and  the  Member  States  actively  contributed  and 
which was achieved with the adoption of a series of significant amendments, agreed upon by 
the State-parties at the Manila Conference on 25 June 2010.  

The Manila amendments to the Convention will enter into force on 1 January 2012. From that 
date  onwards  maritime  training  will  have  to  meet  the  new  requirements.  Since  the  EU 
Member  States  are  also  parties  to  the  Convention,  and  none  of  them  opposed  the  Manila 
amendments, they will have to adapt their legislation to the new text of the Convention. Also 
EU law should align with international rules, as it has been done so far and in order to avoid 
any  conflict  between  the  international  and  the  EU  obligations  of  the  Member  States. 
Alignment  with  international  rules  is  precisely  the  objective  of  the  present  proposal,  which 
also  includes  a  few  features  aiming  to  take  the  opportunity  of  this  legislative  initiative  to 
slightly streamline the STCW Directive.  

These  features  regard  the  introduction  of  a  requirement  for  the  Member  States  to  provide 
already  existing  information  concerning  the  certificates  to  the  Commission  for  statistical 
purposes and the extension of an impracticable deadline from the procedure of recognition of 
third countries’ STCW systems.  

1 

2 

Council Directive 94/58/EC of 22 November 1994 on the minimum level of training of seafarers, OJ L 
319, 12.12.1994, p. 28  
Directive 94/58/EC was amended by Directive 98/35/EC and replaced by Directive 2001/25; Directive 
2001/25  was  amended  by  Directives  2002/84,  2003/103  and  2005/45;  finally,  it  was  replaced  (and 
therefore repealed) by Directive 2008/106, OJ L 323, 03.12.2008, p.33. 

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1.2. 

The STCW Convention 

The international character of shipping is well known. It also results in crews being trained in 
different  countries  and  under  different  systems  operating  onboard  the  same  ship.  In  this 
respect  it  is  crucial  that  all  such  crew  members  have  the  capacities  needed  to  perform  their 
duties in a safe manner. Training, in fact, plays an important role in maritime safety.  

For this reason in 1978, the Parties to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) aiming 
to "promote safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment by establishing 
in common agreement international standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for 
seafarers"  adopted  the  International  Convention  on  Standards  of  Training,  Certification  and 
Watchkeeping for Seafarers ("STCW Convention"), which entered into force in 1984. 

This Convention prescribes minimum standards which the State Parties are obliged to meet or 
exceed. As mentioned, the STCW Convention was significantly revised in 1995 and in 2010.  

As for the structure and content of the Convention, while the introductory articles contain the 
general  principles  and  the  provisions  on  entry  into  force  and  amendment  procedures,  its 
Technical  Annex  –  composed  of  "Regulations"  -  contain  the  training,  qualification  and 
certification requirements for the different positions on ships (such as "captain", "first mate", 
etc.). Another annex to the Convention – the "Code" – contains in its Part "A" detailed tables 
with  a  precise  description  of  the  material  skills  (e.g.,  positioning,  ship-manoeuvring,  cargo-
handling)  that  have  to  be  learned  by  the  candidates  for  the  different  positions  onboard  and 
tested  by  the  competent  bodies.  Finally,  Part  "B"  of  the  Code  contains  guidance  on  the 
implementation of the whole of the STCW rules. Part "B" of the Code is the sole part of the 
Convention which is not legally binding for the State parties.  

In  this  context  the  2010  revision  of  the  Convention  aimed,  on  the  one  hand,  to  improve  its 
existing  provisions  (for  example,  by  enhancing  the  rules  on  fraud  prevention  and  medical 
fitness  standards)  and,  on  the  other  hand,  to  update  it  with  the  latest  technological 
developments.  

The  Manila  Amendments  have  also  introduced  a  number  of  new  features,  such  as  training 
requirements for "able seafarers" and "electro-technical officers", which were not included in 
the former version of the Convention.  

1.3. 

The STCW Directives  

Since they were introduced, the EU rules on training and certification of seafarers have had a 
twofold objective:  

•  setting  minimum  common  standards  for  training  of  seafarers  working  on  EU-flagged 

ships, based on international standards; 

•  ensure that seafarers working on EU-flagged ships and holding certificates issued by non-

EU countries are properly trained.  

These  two  aspects  are  intertwined  in  the  various  directives  that  have  followed  the  1994 
directive  on  minimum  training  for  seafarers,  which  integrated  for  the  first  time  the  STCW 
Convention into EU law, the EU rules being afterwards amended as the STCW Convention 
was.  

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Thus, Directive 94/58 was amended by Directive 98/35/EC transposing the 1995 amendments 
to the Convention, and subsequently replaced by Directive 2001/25 introducing a procedure 
for  the  recognition  of  seafarers'  certificates  issued  by  third  countries.  Three  further 
amendments  followed,  introduced  by  Directive  2002/84  (defining  the  comitology  procedure 
for the recognition of third country certificates), by Directive 2003/103 (providing for a new 
procedure  for  the  recognition  of  third  countries),  by  Directive  2005/23  (introducing 
requirements  for  seafarers  serving  onboard  passenger  ships)  and  by  Directive  2005/45 
(concerning  the  mutual  recognition  of  certificates  issued  by  Member  States).  Finally, 
Directive  2008/106  replaced  Directive  2001/25,  while  introducing  new  elements  concerning 
the comitology procedure.  

The main lines of this evolving legislative framework can be summarised as follows, taking 
into account the three policy objectives as indicated above:  

•  Common standards for training of seafarers working on EU-flagged ships, have been laid 
down reproducing those set out in the STCW Convention. Such standards, once integrated 
into EU law and therefore become part of it, are interpreted and implemented according to 
EU law principles and, if necessary, enforced like any other EU law provision. Under the 
directive currently in force, if minor changes to the STCW Convention occur, the directive 
itself  may  be  updated  through  a  comitology  procedure;  if  significant  changes  are 
introduced at an international level, a new directive is necessary to update the one in force, 
like in the present case.  

•  Recognition  of  third  countries.  After  the  creation  of  the  European  Maritime  Safety 
Agency  (EMSA),  the  Commission  has  acquired  the  support  necessary  to  achieve  an 
accurate  knowledge  of  non-EU  countries'  systems  of  training  and  certification  of 
seafarers.  The  Commission  has  therefore  been  entrusted  with  the  assessment  of  such 
systems  by  Directive  2003/103.  In  particular,  the  Commission  is  in  charge  of  assessing, 
with  the  support  of  EMSA  whether  third  countries  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the 
STCW Convention.  

•  The  recognition  of  a  third  country,  which  has  to  be  requested  by  a  Member  State,  is 
carried out in the following way: at first, EMSA carries out an on the ground inspection of 
the  maritime  training  and  certification  system  and  facilities  in  order  to  gather  evidence 
regarding compliance with the standards of the STCW Convention; after that, on the basis 
of  the  findings  of  the  inspection  and  the  documents  provided  by  the  third  country 
involved,  the  Commission  Services  gauge  the  STCW  compliance  of  the  system.  The 
phase of assessment of compliance may entail a series of contacts with the involved third 
country, which may be willing to introduce adjustments to its legislation or practice to suit 
the  Commission  recommendations.  The  time  needed  for  that  depends  on  the  nature  and 
extent of those adjustments and the efforts made by the country in question. At the end of 
this  process  the  Commission  submits  a  draft  decision  (recognising  the  first  country  or 
withdrawing its recognition) to the Member States for their opinion, in the framework of a 
"comitology"  procedure.  The  decision  is  finally  adopted  by  the  Commission  and 
published  in  the  Official  Journal.  The  Commission  recognition  implies  that  Member 
States may recognise the certificates issued by the recognised country and that seafarers 
from that country will be entitled to work onboard the ships flying the flag of that Member 
State.  Member  States,  however,  are  not  obliged  to  recognise  certificates  from  those 
countries,  despite  the  recognition  by  the  Commission.  On  the  contrary,  seafarers  from 
non-recognised countries are not allowed to work on ships with an EU flag.  

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2. 

LEGAL ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL 

2.1. 

The Content of the Proposal 

2.1.1.  Manila Amendments 

As indicated above, the objective of the present proposal is to integrate into EU law the 2010 
amendments to the STCW Convention, in order in particular to avoid any conflict between the 
international and the EU obligations of the Member States.  

The 2010 amendments regard both the "Regulations" annexed to the Convention and the more 
technical "Code", whose Part "A", as explained, is mandatory. The main amendments to the 
Convention, which are reflected in the present proposal, are:  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Strengthened  provisions  concerning  training  and  assessment,  the  issuance  of 
certificates of competency, as well as for prevention of fraudulent practices;  

Updated  standards  relating  to  medical  fitness,  fitness  for  duty  as  well  as  alcohol 
abuse; 

New  requirements  concerning  certification  for  able  seafarers,  for  electro-technical 
officers as well as security-related training for all seafarers; 

Updated requirements for personnel on certain types of ships; 

Clarification and simplification of the definition of "certificate". 

Finally,  the  proposal  has  adapted  the  STCW  provisions  on  watchkeeping,  in  order  to  bring 
them in line with the EU rules on working time for seafarers.  

2.1.2.  Extension  from  three  to  eighteen  months  of  the  deadline  set  by  Article  19(3)  of 

Directive 2008/106 

The  proposal  also  aims  to  make  more  realistic  the  current  three-month  deadline  for  the 
recognition  of  third  countries  currently  provided  for  in  Article  19(3)  of  Directive  2008/106. 
This  provision  is  about  the  timeframe  available  to  the  Commission  to  decide  on  the 
recognition of a third country following a request by a Member State.  

It  should  be  emphasised  that  this  deadline  originates  from  the  previous  procedure  for 
recognition  of  third  countries,  put  in  place  by  Directive  2001/25/EC.  Under  that  procedure 
Member  States  wishing  to  recognise  a  third  country  had  to  send  to  the  Commission  the 
documentation supporting their request. The work at EU level was therefore carried out on the 
basis  of  pre-arranged  paperwork  and  without  any  involvement  of  the  third  country.  The 
Commission had three months to examine the documents. 

The current mechanism for recognising third countries, introduced by Directive 2003/103/EC, 
is radically different and the experience has revealed that the three-month deadline inherited 
from the previous procedure is totally unrealistic.  

Under  the  current  system,  in  fact,  the  recognition  of  a  third  country  follows  an  on-the-spot 
inspection  by  EMSA,  a  report  laid  down  by  the  latter,  an  exchange  of  correspondence 

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between  the  Commission  and  the  third  country,  an  assessment  by  the  Commission,  the 
comitology procedure and finally the adoption of a decision.  

In  this  context,  first  of  all,  third-country  inspections  have  to  be  planned  by  EMSA,  which 
implies that the inspection of the third country is not necessarily performed immediately after 
the request of the Member State.  

Moreover,  the  assessment  of  a  third  country  implies  that  the  authorities  of  that  country  are 
involved in a process of dialogue with the Commission. This requires time, especially for the 
administration of the third country to remedy any initially detected deficiencies.  

The  whole  of  that  makes  the  three-month  deadline  completely  unrealistic.  The  experience 
gained  from  the  implementation  of  Directive 2008/106 reveals  that a reasonable time-frame 
for  carrying  out  the  whole  procedure  is  eighteen  months.  The  present  proposal  includes  a 
provision amending Directive 2008/106 to that effect.  

2.1.3.  Providing the Commission with existing information on certificates  

Especially  in  the  course  of  the  last  decade  it  has  become  clear  to  policy-makers  both  at 
European  and  national  level  that  complete  and  accurate  data  on  seafarers  can  hardly  be 
gathered. While a number of studies do exist, these are either based on assumptions, or are not 
sufficiently detailed at EU level. This point has also been highlighted by the Task Force on 
Maritime  Employment  and  Competitiveness3,  which  underlined  the  need  for  accurate 
statistics. A potential source of accurate data is the certificates and endorsements issued by the 
national administrations. Currently, under the STCW Convention State Parties are obliged to 
maintain registers of all certificates and endorsements and the relevant revalidations or other 
measures  affecting  them  (Regulation  I/2(14)).  Similarly  EU  Member  States,  under  Article 
11(4) of Directive 2008/106, have the obligation to maintain a register of issued certificates 
and  endorsements.  While  this  is  an  important  source  of  data,  the  different  formats  used  by 
each  Member  State,  as  well  as  statistical  problems  (such  as  potential  double  counting  of 
seafarers  having  obtained  certificates  or  endorsements  from  various  Member  States)  do  not 
allow for a complete picture. The Commission, therefore, considers that the collection of the 
already existing information in the national registries in a harmonised and consistent way and 
fully in line with the requirements for the protection of personal information would provide 
significant  help  in  order  to  achieve  a  sound  statistical  picture  of  the  seafaring  profession  in 
Europe.  

It  should  be  emphasised  that  EMSA  has  already  developed  a  platform  to  provide  for  the 
collection  and  the  analysis  of  such  information,  through  the  "STCW  Information  System". 
This  system  has  been  presented  to  the  Member  States,  which  have  shown  interest  in  its 
potential  and  usefulness.  The  system  has  been  submitted  to  the  European  Data  Protection 
Supervisor who cleared it by letter to EMSA of  9 April  2008. The  Supervisor requested  on 
that occasion some adjustments that have been accepted by EMSA.  

In conclusion, the present proposal foresees a new provision requiring the Member States to 
provide standardised information to the Commission for the purpose of statistical analysis. It 
is  the  intention  of  the  Commission  to  use  the  EMSA  "STCW  Information  System"  as  a 
platform  for  collecting  the  required  information  and  for  conducting  statistical  analysis  as 

3 

The Task Force was composed of representatives of the main stakeholders involved, in particular 
seafarers and shipowners 

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needed.  The  detailed  content  of  such  information  is  presented  in  a  technical  annex  to  the 
present proposal.  

2.1.4.  Adaptation to the new rules on "comitology" 

Under the system set up by Directive 2008/106 comitology is relevant in two respects.  

The first one regards technical adaptations, now limited to (the newly introduced) information 
requirements (Annex V).  

The  second  one  regards  the  procedure  for  the  recognition  of  third  countries.  As  mentioned, 
Directive 2008/106 provides for a comitology procedure for the recognition of third countries 
by the Commission.  

Against  this  background,  the  Treaty  of  Lisbon  has  introduced  significant  changes  to  the 
"comitology"  mechanism.  Two  categories  of  non-legislative  acts  have  been  created,  that  is, 
the "delegated acts" and the "implementing acts", both relevant to the present proposal.  

In  fact,  under  the  new  Treaty  the  procedure  for  technical  adaptation  of  the  directive  is 
governed  by  the  rules  on  "delegated  acts",  while  the  decisions  on  recognition  of  third 
countries by those on "implementing acts".  

The present proposal contains provisions to that effect.  

2.2. 

Entry into Force and Transitional Arrangements  

The amendments to the STCW Convention agreed at Manila will enter into force on 
1 January 2012 (under Article XII of the Convention and Attachment 1, Resolution 
1(3)  of  the  Final  Act  of  the  Manila  Conference).  Since  at  that  point  in  time  the 
present  proposal  will  not  have  been  adopted  yet,  it  has  been  foreseen  that  the 
proposed  directive  should  enter  into  force  as  soon  as  it  is  published  in  the  Official 
Journal.  

The  Manila  agreement  also  includes  transitional  arrangements  (contained  in 
Regulation  I/15)  aimed  to  allow  that  candidates  having  started  their  curriculum 
before the Manila amendments enter into force may complete it under the same rules. 
The  transitional  arrangements,  in  the  same  way,  allow  for  the  renewal  and 
revalidation  of  certificates  issued  before  the  entry  into  force  of  the  amended 
Convention on 1 January 2012. Since certificates have to be revalidated or renewed 
after five years at the latest, and considering that the maximum possible length of a 
curriculum is five years, the Manila Convention provides that both new certificates 
and  renewals/revalidations  may  be  completed/realised  under  the  old  rules  until  1 
January 2017.  

Against  this  background,  it  is  proposed  that  the  Directive  should  mirror  the 
Convention  also  with  respect  to  transitional  arrangements.  The  Convention's 
transitional arrangements have been therefore reproduced in the proposal.  

2.3. 

Legal basis 

Article 100(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 

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2.4. 

Subsidiarity principle 

As  the  STCW  Convention  has  been  already  transposed  into  EU  law,  it  is  justified 
that the amendments of the STCW Convention are transposed into EU law as well. 
Member  States  may  not  implement  the  STCW  Convention  on  a  homogenous  level 
without  the  enforcement  possibilities  existing  under  EU  law.  If  the  Manila 
Amendments  were  not  integrated  into  EU  law,  from  January  2012  (when  the 
amendments  enter  into  force)  Member  States  would  breach  either  international  law 
or EU law, a conflict which should be avoided.  

2.5. 

Proportionality principle 

If the Manila Amendments were not integrated into EU law, Member States would 
breach either international law or EU law, a conflict which should be avoided.  

2.6. 

Choice of instruments 

Since  the  measure  to  be  amended  is  a  directive,  the  most  appropriate  instrument 
appears to be a directive.  

3. 

RESULTS OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES  

It  should  be  emphasised  from  the  outset  that,  since  the  Member  States  are  parties  to  the 
STCW Convention, they had the opportunity to express their views in the framework of the 
revision  of  the  Convention,  at  the  Manila  Conference  in  particular;  actually  Member  States 
actively took part in the Conference with the Commission organising the co-ordination of the 
EU  position.  Furthermore,  under  the  STCW  Convention  all  the  parties  may  oppose  any 
amendment by notifying their opposition to the IMO (Article XII of the Convention). In the 
case of the Manila amendments, opposition had to be notified by 1 July 2011 and no Member 
State did so.  

As for the proposed directive, the experts of the Member States were consulted on the review 
exercise in a meeting which was held in Brussels on 3 December 2010. On that occasion the 
Member  States  unanimously  expressed  their  wish  that  the  Manila  amendments  should  be 
integrated  into  EU  law,  while  they  considered  that  no  overhaul  of  the  directive  should  be 
carried out.  

An occasion to consult stakeholders was offered by the work of the Task Force on Maritime 
Employment and Competitiveness, an independent body set up in July 2010 which finalised 
its  work  in  June  2011  and  issued  a  Report4  containing  policy  recommendations  to  the 
Commission  and  the  social  partners  on  how  to  promote  the  seafaring  profession  in  Europe. 
The report also addresses the issue of STCW and clearly favours the integration of updated 
international rules into EU law5 

4 
5 

Published on 20 July 2011 
See Section 4.1.5.  

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2011/0239 (COD) 

Proposal for a 

DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 

amending Directive 2008/106/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the 
minimum level of training of seafarers 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union,  and  in  particular 
Article 100(2) thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, 

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments, 

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee1,  

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions2,  

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

Rules  on  training  and  certification  of  seafarers  have  been  agreed  at  an  international 
level by means of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification 
and  Watchkeeping  for  Seafarers  ("STCW"),  adopted  in  1978  by  conference  at  the 
International  Maritime  Organization  (IMO),  entered  into  force  in  1984  and 
significantly amended in 1995.  

The  STCW  Convention  has  been  integrated  into  Union  law  for  the  first  time  by 
Council Directive 94/58/EC of 22 November 1994 on the minimum level of training 
of  seafarers3;  afterwards  the  EU  rules  on  training  and  certification  of  seafarers  have 
been adapted to the subsequent amendments to the Convention, while a common EU 
mechanism for the recognition of the systems of training and certification of seafarers 
in the third countries has been set up; lately, the rules of the Union on this matter have 

1 
2 
3 

OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
OJ L 319, 12.12.1994, p. 28. 

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(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

through a recast become Directive 2008/106/EC of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 19 November 20084.  

In 2010 a Conference between the State Parties to the STCW Convention was held in 
Manila  and  introduced  several  significant  changes  to  the  Convention,  namely  on  the 
prevention of fraudulent practices for certificates, in the field of medical standards, in 
the  matter  of  training  on  security  and  with  respect  to  training  in  technology-related 
matters. The Manila amendments have also introduced requirements for able seafarers 
and established new professional profiles, such as electro-technical officers.  

All the Member States are parties to the Convention and none of them has objected to 
the  Manila  Amendments  under  the  procedure  foreseen  to  that  effect.  Member  States 
have  therefore  to  align  their  national  rules  with  the  Manila  Amendments.  A  conflict 
between the international commitments of Member States and their EU commitments 
should be avoided. Moreover, given the global nature of shipping, the Union rules on 
training  and  certification  of  seafarers, should be kept in line with  international  rules. 
Several  provisions  of  Directive  2008/106/EC  should  be  consequently  amended  in 
order to reflect the Manila Amendments.  

At the Manila Conference the State-parties intended, amongst others, to set objective 
limits  to  the  exceptions  to  the  minimum  rest  hours  for  watchkeeping  personnel  and 
seafarers  with  designated  safety,  security  and  prevention  of  pollution  related  tasks. 
Also  such  new  provisions  should  be  integrated  into  EU  law.  However,  they  should 
respect the provisions on hours of rest applicable to seafarers under Council Directives 
1999/63/EC of 21 June 19995 and 2009/13/EC of 16 February 20096. Furthermore, the 
faculty  of  authorising  exceptions  should  be  limited  in  terms  of  maximum  duration, 
frequency and scope. Provisions to this effect should be introduced in the directive.  

Directive 2008/106/EC also contains a mechanism for the recognition of the systems 
of  training  and  certification  of  seafarers  of  the  third  countries.  The  recognition  is 
realised  by  a  decision  of  the  Commission  further  to  a  procedure  within  which  the 
Commission  is  assisted  by  the  European  Maritime  Safety  Agency  (the  Agency) 
established  by  Regulation  (EC)  No  1406/20027  and  by  the  Committee  on  Safe  Seas 
and  the  Prevention  of  Pollution  from  Ships  (COSS),  established  by  Regulation  (EC) 
No  2099/20028;  the  experience  gained  in  applying  the  provisions  of  Directive 
2008/106/EC  on  recognition  of  third  countries  for  STCW  purposes  suggests  that  a 
change  should  be  introduced  in  the  relevant  procedure,  namely  with  respect  to  the 
three-month  deadline  for  deciding  on  the  recognition  currently  imposed  on  the 
Commission by Article 19(3) of the said Directive. Since the recognition requires an 
inspection to be performed by the Agency, which has to be planned and carried out, 
and, in most cases, significant adjustments to the STCW requirements by the involved 
third  country,  the  whole  process  cannot  be  realised  in  three  months;  on  the  basis  of 

4 
5 

6 
7 
8 

OJ L 323 , 3.12.2008, p. 33. 
Council  Directive  1999/63/EC  of  21  June  1999  concerning  the  Agreement  on  the  organisation  of 
working time of seafarers concluded by the European Community Shipowners' Association (ECSA) and 
the  Federation  of  Transport  Workers'  Unions  in  the  European  Union  (FST)  -  Annex:  European 
Agreement on the organisation of working time of seafarers OJ L 167, 2.7.1999, p. 33.  
OJ L 124, 20.5.2009, p.30 
OJ L 208, 05.08.2002, p. 1. 
OJ L 324, 29.11.2002, p. 1. 

EN 

10 

   EN 

 
                                                 
(7) 

(8) 

experience, a more realistic time-frame in this respect appears to be eighteen months. 
The  mentioned  deadline  should  therefore  be  modified  accordingly,  while  the 
possibility  for  the  requesting  Member  State  to  provisionally  recognise  the  third 
country should be kept in order to preserve flexibility.  

Available statistics on European seafarers are incomplete and often inaccurate, which 
makes  policy-making  in  this  delicate  sector  more  difficult.  Detailed  data  on 
certification  of  seafarers  can  not  entirely  solve  this  problem  but  they  would  clearly 
help. Under the STCW Convention State Parties are obliged to maintain registers of all 
certificates  and  endorsements  and  the  relevant  revalidations  or  other  measures 
affecting them (Regulation I/2(14)). Member States, under Article 11(4) of Directive 
2008/106,  have  the  obligation  to  maintain  a  register  of  issued  certificates  and 
endorsements.  In  order  to  have  a  complete  as  possible  picture  of  the  labour 
employment  situation  in  Europe,  Member  States  should  be  required  to  send  to  the 
Commission  selected  information  already  contained  in  their  registers  of  seafarers' 
certificates. This information should be used for statistical purposes and be in line with 
the  data  protection  requirements  of  the  Union.  A  provision  to  that  effect  should  be 
introduced in Directive 2008/106/EC.  

In order to gather data on the seafaring profession consistently with the evolution of 
the latter and of technology, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of 
the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union  should  be  delegated  to  the 
Commission  in  respect  of  adaptations  of  Annex  V  of  Directive  2008/106/EC.  Those 
delegated  acts  would  regard,  in  particular,  the  content  of  the  information  on 
endorsements,  on  certificates  of  competency  or  proficiency  and  on  the  number  and 
details of seafarers whose certificates are issued or endorsed, taking into account the 
safeguards  on  data  protection  indicated  in  the  mentioned  Annex.  Also,  the 
Commission  should  have  the  power  to  adopt  delegated  acts  in  order  to  establish 
measures  for  collecting,  storing  and  analysing  this  kind  of  statistical  information  by 
Member States with a view to accommodating new statistical needs on seafarers, and 
with  a  view  to  gathering  information  up-to-date  and  consistent  with  reality.  It  is  of 
particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during 
its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and 
drawing-up  delegated  acts,  should  ensure  a  simultaneous,  timely  and  appropriate 
transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council. 

(9) 

In  order  to  ensure  uniform  conditions  for  the  implementation  of  Directive 
2008/106/EC  implementing  powers  have  been  conferred  on  the  Commission  in  the 
field  of  training  and  certification  of  seafarers.  Those  powers  should  be  exercised  in 
accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning 
mechanisms  for  control  by  the  Member  States  of  the  Commission's  exercise  of 
implementing powers9.  

(10)  The  examination  procedure  should  be  used  for  the  implementing  decisions  on  the 
recognition and withdrawal of recognition of third countries STCW systems.  

9 

OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13. 

EN 

11 

   EN 

 
                                                 
(11)  The  amendments  to  the  Convention  enter  into  force  on  1  January  2012,  while 
transitional arrangements until 1 January 2017 have been provided for in the Manila 
Agreement  in  order  to  allow  for  a  smooth  transition  to  the  new  rules.  The  present 
Directive should provide for the same timeframe and transitional arrangements. 

(12)  Directive 2008/106/EC should therefore be amended accordingly, 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 

Article 1 

Directive 2008/106/EC is amended as follows: 

1) 

(a) 

Article 1 is amended as follows:  

Point 18 is replaced by the following:  

'18."Radio Regulations"  means the revised radio regulations, adopted by the World 
Radiocommunication Conference for the Maritime Mobile Service in their up-to-date 
version;'. 

(b) 

Point 24 is replaced by the following:  

'24."STCW  Code"  means  the  Seafarers’  Training,  Certification  and  Watchkeeping 
(STCW) Code as adopted by Resolution 2 of the 2010 STCW Conference of Parties, 
in its up-to-date version;'. 

(c) 

(d) 

Point 27 is deleted. 

The following points are added:  

'32. "GMDSS radio operator" means a person who is qualified in accordance with the 
provisions of chapter IV of Annex I;'; 

'33.  "ISPS  Code"  means  the  International  Ship  and  Port  Facility  Security  (ISPS) 
Code  adopted  on  12  December  2002,  by  resolution  2  of  the  Conference  of 
Contracting  Governments  to  the  International  Convention  for  the  Safety  of  Life  at 
Sea (SOLAS), 1974, in its up-to-date version;'; 

'34.  "ship  security  officer"  means  the  person  on  board  the  ship,  accountable  to  the 
master,  designated  by  the  Company  as  responsible  for  the  security  of  the  ship 
including implementation and maintenance of the ship security plan and liaison with 
the Company security officer and port facility security officers;'; 

'35. "security duties" include all security tasks and duties on board ships as defined 
by chapter XI/2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 
1974, as amended) Convention and the International Ship and Port Facility Security 
(ISPS) Code;'; 

'36. "certificate of competency" means a certificate issued and endorsed for masters, 
officers and GMDSS radio operators in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
II,  III,  IV  or  VII  of  Annex  I  and  entitling  the  lawful  holder  thereof  to  serve  in  the 
capacity  and  perform  the  functions  involved  at  the  level  of  responsibility  specified 
therein;'; 

'37.  "certificate  of  proficiency"  means  a  certificate  other  than  a  Certificate  of 
Competency  issued  to  a  seafarer  stating  that  the  relevant  requirements  of  training, 
competencies or sea-going service in the Directive have been met;'; 

'38.  "documentary  evidence"  means  documentation,  other  than  a  certificate  of 
competency  or  certificate  of  proficiency,  used  to  establish  that  the  relevant 
requirements of this Directive have been met;'; 

'39.  "electro-technical  officer"  means  an  officer  qualified  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions of Chapter III of Annex I;'; 

'40. "able seafarer deck" means a rating qualified in accordance with the provisions 
of Chapter II of Annex I;'; 

"41.  "able  seafarer  engine"  means  a  rating  qualified  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions of Chapter III of Annex I.'. 

2) 

In Article 3, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 

'1. Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure that seafarers serving 
on ships as referred to in Article 2 are trained as a minimum in accordance with the 
requirements  of  the  STCW  Convention,  as  laid  down  in  Annex  I  to  this  Directive, 
and hold certificates as defined in Article 1(36) and (37).'. 

3) 

4) 

Article 4 is deleted. 

Article 5 is amended as follows:  

(a) 

Paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:  

'1.Member  States  shall  ensure  that  certificates  are  issued  only  to  candidates  who 
comply with the requirements of this Article'.' 

(b) 

Paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:  

'3. Certificates shall be issued in accordance with Regulation I/2, paragraph 3, of the 
STCW Convention.'. 

(c) 

the following paragraph 3a is inserted:  

'3a. Certificates shall be issued only by the Member States, following verification of 
the  authenticity  and  validity  of  any  necessary  documentary  evidence  and  in 
accordance with the provisions laid down in this Article.'; 

(d) 

At the end of paragraph 5 the following sentence is added: 

'Endorsements shall be issued only if all the requirements of the STCW Convention 
and this Directive have been complied with.'. 

EN 

13 

   EN 

 
(e) 

Paragraphs 6 and 7 are replaced by the following: 

'6.  A  Member  State  which  recognises  a  certificate  of  competency  or  a 
certificate  of  proficiency  issued  to  masters  and  officers  in 
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  regulations  V/1-1  and  V/1-2  of 
Annex  I  under  the  procedure  laid  down  in  Article  19(2)  shall 
endorse such certificate to attest its recognition only after ensuring 
the  authenticity  and  validity  of  the  certificate.  The  form  of  the 
endorsement used shall be that set out in paragraph 3 of section A-
I/2 of the STCW Code. 

7. The endorsements referred to in paragraphs 5 and 6: 

(a)  may be issued as separate documents; 

(b) 

shall be issued by Member States only;  

(c) 

(d) 

shall  each  be  assigned  a  unique  number,  except  for  endorsements 
attesting the issue of a certificate which may be assigned the same 
number  as  the  certificate  concerned,  provided  that  that  number  is 
unique; and 

shall  each  expire  as  soon  as  the  certificate  endorsed  expires  or  is 
withdrawn,  suspended  or  cancelled  by  the  Member  State  or  third 
country which issued it and, in any case, within five years of their 
date of issue.'. 

(f) 

the following paragraphs are added:  

'11. Each candidate for certification shall provide satisfactory proof: 

(a)  of his identity; 

(b) 

(c) 

that  his  age  is  not  less  than  that  prescribed  in  the  regulations  listed  in 
Annex I relevant to the certificate applied for; 

that he meets the standards of medical fitness, specified in section A-I/9 
of the STCW Code; 

(d)  of  having  completed  the  seagoing  service  and  any  related  compulsory 
training prescribed in the regulations listed in Annex I for the certificate 
applied for; and  

(e) 

that  he  meets  the  standards  of  competence  prescribed  in  the  regulations 
listed  in  Annex  I  for  the  capacities,  functions  and  levels  that  are  to  be 
identified in the endorsement to the certificate. 

12. Each Member State shall undertake: 

(a) 

to maintain a register or registers of all certificates and endorsements for 
masters and officers and, as appropriate, ratings, where applicable, which 

EN 

14 

   EN 

 
are  issued,  have  expired  or  have  been  revalidated,  suspended,  cancelled 
or reported lost or destroyed as well as of dispensations issued;  

(b) 

to  make  available  information  on  the  status  of  such  certificates, 
endorsements and dispensations to other Member States or other Parties 
to  the  STCW  Convention  and  companies  which  request  verification  of 
the authenticity and validity of certificates produced to them by seafarers 
seeking recognition of their certificates or employment on board ship. 

(c) 

to  make  available  to  the  Commission  on  a  yearly  basis  the  information 
indicated  in  Annex  V  to  this  Directive,  for  the  purposes  of  statistical 
analysis.  

13. As of 1 January 2017, the information required to be available in accordance with 
paragraph 12 shall be made available through electronic means.'. 

5) 

(a) 

Article 7 is amended as follows: 

the following paragraph 1a is inserted: 

'1a.  A  Member  State,  for  ships  afforded  the  benefits  of  the  near-coastal  voyage 
provisions of the STCW Convention, which includes voyages off the coast of other 
Member  States  or  Parties  to  the  STCW  Convention  within  the  limits  of  their  near-
coastal definition, shall enter into an undertaking with the Member States or Parties 
concerned  specifying  the  details  of  both  involved  trading  areas  and  other  relevant 
provisions.'. 

(b) 

the following paragraphs 3a and 3b are inserted : 

'3a. The certificates of seafarers issued by a Member State or a Party to the STCW 
Convention  for  its  defined  near-coastal  voyages  limits  may  be  accepted  by  other 
Member States for service in their defined near-coastal voyages limits, provided the 
Member States or Parties concerned enter into an undertaking specifying the details 
of involved trading areas and other relevant conditions thereof. 

3b.  Member  States  defining  near-coastal  voyages,  in  accordance  with  requirements 
of this Article, shall: 

(a)  meet  the  principles  governing  near-coastal  voyages  specified  in  section 

A-I/3 of the STCW Code; 

(b) 

incorporate  the  near-coastal  voyages  limits  in  the  endorsements  issued 
pursuant to Article 5.'. 

6) 

In Article 9, paragraphs 1 and 2 are replaced by the following:  

'1.  Member  States  shall  establish  processes  and  procedures  for  the  impartial 
investigation of any reported incompetence, act, omission or compromise to security, 
that  may  pose  a  direct  threat  to  safety  of  life  or  property  at  sea  or  to  the  marine 
environment, on the part of the holders of certificates or endorsements issued by that 
Member  State  in  connection  with  their  performance  of  duties  relating  to  their 

EN 

15 

   EN 

 
certificates  and  for  the  withdrawal,  suspension  and  cancellation  of  such  certificates 
for such cause and for the prevention of fraud. 

2. Member States shall take and enforce appropriate measures to prevent fraud and 
other unlawful practices involving certificates and endorsements issued.'. 

7) 

(a) 

(i) 

Article 10 is amended as follows: 

Paragraph 1 is amended as follows: 

point (a) is replaced by the following:  

'(a)  all  training,  assessment  of  competence,  certification,  including  medical 
certification, endorsement and revalidation activities carried out by non-
governmental  agencies  or  entities  under  its  authority  are  continuously 
monitored through a quality standards system to ensure the achievement 
of  defined  objectives,  including  those  concerning  the  qualifications  and 
experience of instructors and assessors;'. 

(ii) 

point (c) is replaced by the following:  

'(c)  education  and  training  objectives  and  related  quality  standards  of 
competence  to  be  achieved  are  clearly  defined  and  that  the  levels  of 
knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the examinations and 
assessments  required  under  the  STCW  Convention  identified.  The 
objectives  and  related  quality  standards  may  be  specified  separately  for 
different  courses  and 
the 
administration of the certification system;'. 

training  programmes  and  shall  cover 

(b) 

In paragraph 2 the following point (d) is added:  

'd) 

all applicable provisions of this Directive and the STCW Convention and 
Code,  including  amendments  are  covered  by  the  quality  standards 
system.'. 

(c) 

Paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:  

'3. A report relating to each evaluation carried out pursuant to paragraph 2 shall be 
communicated  by  the  Member  State  concerned  to  the  Commission,  in  accordance 
with the format specified in section A-I/7 of the STCW Code, within six months of 
the date of the evaluation.'. 

8) 

Article 11 is replaced by the following:  

'Article 11 

Medical standards  

1. 

Each  Member  State  shall  establish  standards  of  medical  fitness  for  seafarers  and 
procedures for the issue of a medical certificate in accordance with the provisions of 
this Article and Section A-I/9 of the STCW Code. 

EN 

16 

   EN 

 
2. 

3. 

Each Member State shall ensure those responsible for assessing the medical fitness 
of  seafarers  are  medical  practitioners  recognised  by  that  Member  State  for  the 
purpose  of  seafarer  medical  examinations,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
section A-I/9 of the STCW Code. 

Every  seafarer  holding  a  certificate  issued  under  the  provisions  of  the  Convention 
who is serving at sea, shall, also hold a valid medical certificate issued in accordance 
with the provisions of this Article and of Section A-I/9 of the STCW Code. 

4. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

(a)  be not less than 16 years of age; 

(b)  provide satisfactory proof of his identity; and 

(c)  meet the applicable medical fitness standards established by the Member State 

concerned. 

Medical certificates shall remain valid for a maximum period of two years unless the 
seafarer is under the age of 18, in which case the maximum period of validity shall 
be one year. 

If  the  period  of  validity  of  a  medical  certificate  expires  in  the  course  of  a  voyage, 
then the medical certificate shall remain in force until the arrival in the next port of 
call  where  a  medical  practitioner  recognised  by  the  Member  State  is  available, 
provided that the period shall not exceed three months. 

In  urgent  cases  a  Member  State  may  permit  a  seafarer  to  work  without  a  valid 
medical  certificate  until  the  arrival  in  the  next  port  of  call  where  a  recognised 
medical practitioner recognised by that Member State is available, provided that: 

(a) 

the period of such permission does not exceed three months; and 

(b) 

the  seafarer  concerned  is  in  possession  of  an  expired  medical  certificate  of 
recent date.'. 

Article 12 is amended as follows: 

the following paragraph 2a is inserted: 

5. 

6. 

7. 

9) 

(a) 

'2a. Every master and officer shall, for continuing seagoing service onboard tankers, 
meet the requirements of paragraph 1 of this Article and be required, at intervals not 
exceeding  five  years,  to  establish  continued  professional  competence  for  tankers  in 
accordance with section A-I/11, paragraph 3 of the STCW Code.'. 

(b) 

In paragraph 3) the reference to "1 February 2002" is replaced by a reference to "1 
January 2017".  

(c) 

Paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:  

'5.  For  the  purpose  of  updating  the  knowledge  of  masters,  officers  and  radio 
operators, each Member State shall ensure that the texts of recent changes in national 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
and  international  regulations  concerning  the  safety  of  life  at  sea,  security  and  the 
protection  of  the  marine  environment  are  made  available  to  ships  entitled  to  fly  its 
flag.'. 

10) 

11) 

(a) 

In Article 13, paragraph 2 is deleted.  

Article 14 is amended as follows: 

In paragraph 1, the following points (f) and (g) are added 

'(f) 

(g) 

seafarers  assigned  to  any  of  its  ships  have  received  refresher  and 
updating training as required by the STCW Convention; 

at all times on board its ships there shall be effective oral communication 
in  accordance  with  chapter  V,  regulation  14,  paragraphs  3  and  4  of  the 
SOLAS Convention.'. 

(b) 

The following paragraph 4 is added :  

'4.  Companies  shall  ensure  that  masters,  officers  and  other  personnel  assigned 
specific  duties  and  responsibilities  on  board  their  ro-ro  passenger  ships  shall  have 
completed  familiarization  training  to  attain  the  abilities  that  are  appropriate  to  the 
capacity  to  be  filled  and  duties  and  responsibilities  to  be  taken  up,  taking  into 
account the guidance given in section B-I/14 of the STCW Code.'. 

12)  Article 15 is replaced by the following:  

'Fitness for Duty 

1. 

For the purpose of preventing fatigue, Member States shall 

(a) 

(b) 

establish and enforce rest periods for watchkeeping personnel and those whose 
duties involve designated safety, security and prevention of pollution duties in 
accordance with paragraphs 3 to 15;  

require  that  watch  systems  are  arranged  in  such  a  way  that  the  efficiency  of 
watchkeeping  personnel  is  not  impaired  by  fatigue  and  that  duties  are 
organised  in  such  a  way  that  the  first  watch  at  the  start  of  a  voyage  and 
subsequent relieving watches are sufficiently rested and otherwise fit for duty. 

Member  States  shall,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  drug  and  alcohol  abuse,  ensure 
that adequate measures are established in accordance with the provisions laid down 
in this Article.  

Member  States  shall  take  account  of  the  danger  posed  by  fatigue  of  seafarers, 
especially those whose duties involve the safe and secure operation of a ship. 

All  persons  who  are  assigned  duty  as  officer  in  charge  of  a  watch  or  as  a  rating 
forming  part  of  a  watch,  and  those  whose  duties  involve  designated  safety, 
prevention of pollution and security duties shall be provided with a rest period of not 
less than: 

2. 

3. 

4. 

EN 

18 

   EN 

 
5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

(a) 

a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period; and 

(b)  77 hours in any 7-day period. 

The hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which shall 
be  at  least  6  hours  in  length,  and  the  intervals  between  consecutive  periods  of  rest 
shall not exceed 14 hours. 

The  requirements  for  rest  periods  laid  down  in  paragraphs  4  and  5  need  not  be 
maintained  in  the  case  of  an  emergency  or  drill  or  in  other  overriding  operational 
conditions. Musters, fire-fighting and lifeboat drills, and drills prescribed by national 
laws  and  regulations  and  by  international  instruments,  shall  be  conducted  in  a 
manner that minimizes the disturbance of rest periods and does not induce fatigue. 

Member  States  shall  require  that  watch  schedules  be  posted  where  they  are  easily 
accessible.  The  schedules  shall  be  established  in  a  standardized  format  in  the 
working language or languages of the ship and in English. 

When  a  seafarer  is  on  call,  such  as  when  a  machinery  space  is  unattended,  the 
seafarer shall have an adequate compensatory rest period if the normal period of rest 
is disturbed by call-outs to work. 

Member  States  shall  require  that  records  of  daily  hours  of  rest  of  seafarers  be 
maintained  in  a  standardized  format,  in  the  working  language  or  languages  of  the 
ship  and  in  English,  to  allow  monitoring  and  verification  of  compliance  with  the 
provisions of this article. The seafarers shall receive a copy of the records pertaining 
to  them,  which  shall  be  endorsed  by  the  master,  or  by  a  person  authorized  by  the 
master, and by the seafarer.  

Notwithstanding the rules laid down in paragraphs 3 to 9, the master of a ship shall 
be  entitled  to  require  a  seafarer  to  perform  any  hours  of  work  necessary  for  the 
immediate safety of the ship, persons on board or cargo, or for the purpose of giving 
assistance  to  other  ships  or  persons  in  distress  at  sea.  Accordingly,  the  master  may 
suspend the schedule of hours of rest and require a seafarer to perform any hours of 
work necessary until the normal situation has been restored. As soon as practicable 
after the normal situation has been restored, the master shall ensure that any seafarers 
who have performed work in a scheduled rest period are provided with an adequate 
period of rest. 

With due regard for the general principles of the protection of the health and safety 
of  workers,  Member  States  may  authorise  or  register  collective  agreements 
permitting exceptions to the required hours of rest in paragraph 4(b) and 5 provided 
that  the  rest  period  is  no  less  than  70  hours  in  any  7-day  period.  Such  exceptions 
shall,  in  accordance  with  directive  1999/63/EC,  as  far  as  possible,  follow  the 
standards set out but may take account of more frequent or longer leave periods, or 
the granting of compensatory leave and should equally, as far as possible, take into 
account the guidance regarding prevention of fatigue laid down in section B-VIII/1 
of the STCW Code. 

12. 

Exceptions  referred  to  in  paragraph  11  to  the  weekly  rest  period  provided  for  in 
paragraph  4(b)  shall  not  be  allowed  for  more  than  two  consecutive  weeks.  The 

EN 

19 

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13. 

14. 

intervals between two periods of exceptions on board shall not be less than twice the 
duration of the exception. 

In the framework of possible exceptions to paragraph 5 referred to in paragraph 11, 
the  hours  of  rest  provided  for  in  paragraph  4(a)  may  be  divided  into  no  more  than 
three periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours in length and neither of the two 
other periods shall be less than one hour in length. The intervals between consecutive 
periods of rest shall not exceed 14 hours. Exceptions shall not extend beyond two 24-
hour periods in any 7-day period. 

Member States shall establish, for the purpose of preventing alcohol abuse, a limit of 
not greater than 0.05% blood alcohol level (BAC) or 0.25 mg/l alcohol in the breath 
or  a  quantity  of  alcohol  leading  to  such  alcohol  concentration  for  masters,  officers 
and  other  seafarers  while  performing  designated  safety,  security  and  marine 
environmental duties.'. 

13) 

In Article 19, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: 

'3.  The  decision  on  the  recognition  of  a  third  country  shall  be  taken  by  the 
Commission  in  accordance  with  the  examination  procedure  referred  to  in  Article 
28(2), within eighteen months from the date of the request for the recognition. The 
Member  State  submitting  the  request  may  decide  to  recognise  the  third  country 
unilaterally until a decision is taken under this paragraph.'. 

14) 

In Article 20, paragraph 6 is replaced by the following: 

'6.  The  decision  on  the  withdrawal  of  the  recognition  shall  be  taken  in  accordance 
with  the  examination  procedure  referred  to  in  Article  28(2).  The  Member  States 
concerned shall take appropriate measures to implement the decision.'. 

15) 

In Article 23, paragraph 2 is amended as follows: 

(a) 

the introductory sentence is replaced by the following: 

'2.  The  ability  of  the  ship’s  seafarers  to  maintain  watchkeeping  and  security 
standards, as appropriate, as required by the STCW Convention shall be assessed in 
accordance with Part A of the STCW Code if there are clear grounds for believing 
that  such  standards  are  not  being  maintained  because  any  of  the  following  has 
occurred:'. 

(b) 

point (d) is replaced by the following:  

the ship is otherwise being operated  in such a manner as to pose a danger to 

'(d) 
persons, property or the environment, or a compromise to security;'. 

16) 

The following Article 25a is inserted:  

'Article 25a 

Information for statistical purposes 

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1. 

2. 

3. 

The  Member  States  shall  communicate  the  information  listed  in  Annex  V  to  the 
Commission for statistical purposes. 

This information shall be made available by Member States to the Commission on a 
yearly basis and in electronic format and will include information registered until 31 
December of the previous year. 

The  Commission  shall  be  empowered  to  adopt  delegated  acts  in  accordance  with 
Article  27a  in  order  to  establish  appropriate  measures  for  collecting,  storing  and 
analysing this information.'.  

17)  Article 27 is replaced by the following:  

'The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts amending Annex V to 
this  Directive  with  respect  to  specific  and  relevant  content  and  details  of  the 
information that need to be reported by Member States, while taking into account the 
safeguards on data protection, in accordance with Article 27a.'. 

18) 

The following Article 27a is inserted: 

'Article 27a 

Exercise of the delegation 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

The  power  to  adopt  delegated  acts  is  conferred  on  the  Commission  subject  to  the 
conditions laid down in this Article.  

The delegation of power referred to in Article 25a and Article 27 shall be conferred 
on  the  Commission  for  an  indeterminate  period  of  time  from  the  date  of  entry  into 
force of this Directive. 

The delegation of power referred to in Article 25a and Article 27 may be revoked at 
any  time  by  the  European  Parliament  or  by  the  Council.  A  decision  of  revocation 
shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take 
effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the 
European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of 
any delegated acts already in force.  

As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to 
the European Parliament and to the Council. 

A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 25a and Article 27 shall enter into force 
only  if  no  objection  has  been  expressed  either  by  the  European  Parliament  or  the 
Council  within  a  period  of  2 months  of  notification  of  that  act  to  the  European 
Parliament  and  the  Council  or  if,  before  the  expiry  of  that  period,  the  European 
Parliament  and  the  Council  have  both  informed  the Commission  that  they  will  not 
object.  That  period  shall  be  extended  by  2  months  at  the  initiative  of  the 
European Parliament or the Council.'. 

19) 

Article 28 is replaced by the following: 

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'Article 28 

Committee 

'1.  The  Commission  shall  be  assisted  by  the  Committee  on  Safe  Seas  and  the 
Prevention  of  Pollution  from  Ships  (COSS)  established  by  Regulation  (EC)  No 
2099/2002.That  committee  shall  be  a  committee  within  the  meaning  of  Regulation 
(EU ) No. 182/2011.  

2.  Where  reference  is  made  to  this  paragraph,  Article  5  of  Regulation  (EU)  No 
182/2011 shall apply. '. '  

20) 

Articles 29 and 30 are replaced by the following:  

'Article 29 

Penalties 

Member  States  shall  lay  down  systems  of  penalties  for  breaching  the  national  provisions 
adopted pursuant to Articles 3, 5, 7, 9 to 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24 and Annex I, and shall take 
all  the  measures  necessary  to  ensure  that  they  are  implemented.  The  penalties  provided  for 
must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. 

Article 30 

Transitional provisions 

1. 

21) 

22) 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

In respect of those seafarers who commenced approved seagoing service, approved 
education and training programme or an approved training course before 1 July 2013, 
a Member State may continue to issue, recognise and endorse, until 1 January 2017, 
certificates in accordance with the requirements of this Directive as they were before 
the present Directive entered into force. 

Until  1  January  2017,  a  Member  State  may  continue  to  renew  and  revalidate 
certificates and endorsements in accordance with the requirements of this Directive 
as they were before the present Directive entered into force.' 

Article 33 is deleted.  

The Annexes are amended as follows: 

Annex I to Directive 2008/106/EC is replaced by Annex I to this Directive.  

Annex  II  to  Directive  2008/106/EC  is  amended  as  laid  down  in  Annex  II  to  this 
Directive.  

The  text  set  out  in  Annex  III  to  this  Directive  is  added  as  Annex  V  to  Directive 
2008/106/EC. 

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Article 2 

Entry into force 

This  Directive  shall  enter  into  force  from  the  twentieth  day  following  its  publication  in  the 
Official Journal of the European Union. 

It shall apply from 1 January 2012. 

Article 3 

Transposition 

1. 

Member  States  shall  bring  into  force  the  laws,  regulations  and  administrative 
provisions  necessary  to  comply  with  this  Directive  by  31  December  2012  at  the 
latest.  They  shall  forthwith  communicate  to  the  Commission  the  text  of  those 
provisions and a correlation table between those provisions and this Directive. 

When  Member  States  adopt  such  provisions,  they  shall  contain  a  reference  to  this 
Directive  or  be  accompanied  by  such  a  reference  on  the  occasion  of  their  official 
publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made. 

2. 

Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions 
of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive. 

Article 4 

Addressees 

This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 

Done at Brussels,  

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the Council 
The President 

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'ANNEX I 
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE STCW CONVENTION, REFERRED TO IN 
ARTICLE 3 

CHAPTER I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 

1. 

The  Regulations  referred  to  in  this  Annex  are  supplemented  by  the  mandatory 
provisions  contained  in  Part  A  of  the  STCW  Code  with  the  exception  of  Chapter 
VIII, Regulation VIII/2. 

Any  reference  to  a  requirement  in  a  Regulation  also  constitutes  a  reference  to  the 
corresponding section of Part A of the STCW Code. 

Member States shall ensure that seafarers possess adequate language proficiency, as 
defined  in  Sections  A-II/1,  A-III/1,  A-IV/2  and  A-II/4  of  the  STCW  Code  so  as  to 
enable  them  to  perform  their  specific  duties  on  a  vessel  flying  the  flag  of  a  host 
Member State. 

Part  A  of  the  STCW  Code  contains  standards  of  competence  required  to  be 
demonstrated  by  candidates  for  the  issue,  and  revalidation  of  certificates  of 
competency  under  the  provisions  of  the  STCW  Convention.  To  clarify  the  linkage 
between  the  alternative  certification  provisions  of  Chapter  VII  and  the  certification 
provisions  of  Chapters  II,  III  and  IV,  the  abilities  specified  in  the  standards  of 
competence are grouped as appropriate under the following seven functions:  

(1)  Navigation; 

(2)  Cargo handling and stowage; 

(3)  Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board; 

(4)  Marine engineering; 

(5)  Electrical, electronic and control engineering; 

(6)  Maintenance and repair; 

(7)  Radio communications, 

at the following levels of responsibility: 

(1)  Management level; 

(2)  Operational level; 

(3)  Support level. 

Functions  and  levels  of  responsibility  are  identified  by  subtitle  in  the  tables  of  standards  of 
competence given specified in Chapters II, III and IV of the Part A of the STCW Code. 

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CHAPTER II 
MASTER AND DECK DEPARTMENT 

Regulation II/1 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a 
navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more 

Every  officer  in  charge  of  a  navigational  watch  serving  on  a  seagoing  ship  of  500 
gross tonnage or more shall hold a certificate of competency. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

1. 

2. 

2.1. 

be not less than 18 years of age; 

2.2. 

2.3. 

2.4. 

2.5. 

2.6. 

have  approved  seagoing  service  of  not  less  than  12  months  as  part  of  an  approved 
training programme which includes on-board training which meets the requirements 
of  Section  A-II/1  of  the  STCW  Code  and  is  documented  in  an  approved  training 
record  book,  or  otherwise  have  approved  seagoing  service  of  not  less  than  36 
months; 

have  performed,  during  the  required  seagoing  service,  bridge  watchkeeping  duties 
under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer for a period of not less than 
six months; 

meet the applicable requirements of the regulations in Chapter IV, as appropriate, for 
performing designed radio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations; 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standard  of 
competence specified in Section A-II/1 of the STCW Code; 

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-VI/1, paragraph 2, section A-
VI/2  paragraphs  1  to  4,  section  A-VI/3  paragraphs  1  to  4  and  section  A-VI/4 
paragraphs 1 to 3 of the STCW Code.  

Regulation II/2 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of masters and chief mates on ships 
of 500 gross tonnage or more 

Master and chief mate on ships of 3000 gross tonnage or more 

1. 

2. 

Every master and chief mate on a seagoing ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more shall 
hold a certificate of competency. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

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2.1. 

meet the requirements for certification as an officer in charge of a navigational watch 
on  ships  of  500  gross  tonnage  or  more  and  have  approved  seagoing  service  in  that 
capacity: 

2.1.1. 

for certification as chief mate, not less than 12 months; and 

2.1.2. 

2.2. 

for  certification  as  master,  not  less  than  36  months;  however,  this  period  may  be 
reduced  to  not  less  than  24  months  if  not  less  than  12  months  of  such  seagoing 
service has been served as chief mate; 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standard  of 
competence  specified  in  Section  A-II/2  of  the  STCW  Code  for  masters  and  chief 
mates on ships of 3000 gross tonnage or more. 

Master and chief mate on ships of between 500 and 3000 gross tonnage 

1. 

2. 

2.1. 

2.2. 

2.3. 

Every  master  and  chief  mate  on  a  seagoing  ship  of  between  500  and  3000  gross 
tonnage shall hold a certificate of competency. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

for  certification  as  chief  mate,  meet  the  requirements  of  an  officer  in  charge  of  a 
navigational watch on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more; 

for  certification  as  master,  meet  the  requirements  of  an  officer  in  charge  of  a 
navigational  watch  on  ships  of  500  gross  tonnage  or  more  and  have  approved 
seagoing  service  of  not  less  than  36  months  in  that  capacity;  however,  this  period 
may  be  reduced  to  not  less  than  24  months  if  not  less  than  12  months  of  such 
seagoing service has been served as chief mate; 

have completed approved training and meet the standard of competence specified in 
Section A-II/2 of the STCW Code for masters and chief mates on ships of between 
500 and 3000 gross tonnage. 

Regulation II/3 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of a 
navigational watch and of masters on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage 

Ships not engaged on near-coastal voyages 

1. 

2. 

Every  officer  in  charge  of  a  navigational  watch  serving  on  a  seagoing  ship  of  less 
than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages shall hold a certificate 
of competency for ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. 

Every master serving on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged 
on near-coastal voyages shall hold a certificate of competency for service as master 
on ships of between 500 and 3000 gross tonnage. 

Ships engaged on near-coastal voyages 

Officer in charge of a navigational watch 

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1. 

2. 

Every officer in charge of a navigational watch on a seagoing ship of less than 500 
gross  tonnage  engaged  on  near-coastal  voyages  shall  hold  a  certificate  of 
competency. 

Every  candidate  for  certification  as  officer  in  charge  of  a  navigational  watch  on  a 
seagoing ship of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 18 years of age; 

2.2. 

have completed: 

2.2.1. 

special  training,  including  an  adequate  period  of  appropriate  seagoing  service  as 
required by the Member State; or 

2.2.2. 

approved seagoing service in the deck department of not less than 36 months; 

meet the applicable requirements of the regulations in Chapter IV, as appropriate, for 
performing designated radio duties in accordance with the Radio Regulations; 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standard  of 
competence specified in Section A-II/3 of the STCW Code for officers in charge of a 
navigational watch on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal 
voyages; 

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-VI/1, paragraph 2, section A-
VI/2  paragraphs  1  to  4,  section  A-VI/3  paragraphs  1  to  4  and  section  A-VI/4 
paragraphs 1 to 3 of the STCW Code; 

2.3. 

2.4. 

2.5. 

Master 

Every  master  serving  on  a  seagoing  ship  of  less  than  500  gross  tonnage  engaged  on  near-
coastal voyages shall hold a certificate of competency. 

1. 

Every candidate for certification as master on a seagoing ship of less than 500 gross 
tonnage engaged on a near-coastal voyages shall: 

1.1. 

be not less than 20 years of age; 

1.2. 

1.3. 

1.4. 

have approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as officer in charge of a 
navigational watch; 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standard  of 
competence specified in Section A-II/3 of  the  STCW  Code  for  masters  on  ships  of 
less than 500 gross tonnage engaged on near-coastal voyages; 

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-VI/1, paragraph 2, section A-
VI/2  paragraphs  1  to  4,  section  A-VI/3  paragraphs  1  to  4  and  section  A-VI/4 
paragraphs 1 to 3 of the STCW Code.  

2. 

Exemptions 

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The Administration, if it considers that a ship’s size and the conditions of its voyage are such 
as to render the application of the full requirements of this regulation and Section A-II/3 of 
the STCW Code unreasonable or impracticable, may to that extent exempt the master and the 
officer  in  charge  of  a  navigational  watch  on  such  a  ship  or  class  of  ships  from  some  of  the 
requirements,  bearing  in  mind  the  safety  of  all  ships  which  may  be  operating  in  the  same 
waters. 

Regulation II/4 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings forming part of a 
navigational watch 

1. 

Every  rating  forming  part  of  a  navigational  watch  on  a  seagoing  ship  of  500  gross 
tonnage or more, other than ratings under training and ratings whose duties while on 
watch are of an unskilled nature, shall be duly certificated to perform such duties. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 16 years of age; 

2.2. 

have completed: 

2.3. 

2.4. 

approved  seagoing  service  including  not  less  than  six  months  training  and 
experience; or 

special  training,  either  pre-sea  or  on  board  ship,  including  an  approved  period  of 
seagoing service which shall not be less than two months; 

2.5. 

meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

The seagoing service, training and experience required by points 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 shall 
be associated with navigational watchkeeping functions and involve the performance 
of duties carried out under the direct supervision of the master, the officer in charge 
of the navigational watch or a qualified rating. 

Regulation II/5 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings as able seafarer deck 

Every  able  seafarer  deck  serving  on  a  seagoing  ship  of  500  gross  tonnage  or  more 
shall be duly certificated. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 18 years of age; 

2.2. 

2.3. 

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: 

2.3.1. 

not less than 18 months, or 

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2.3.2. 

not less than 12 months and have completed approved training; and 

2.4. 

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-II/5 of the STCW Code. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Every Member State shall compare the standards of competence which it required of 
Able  Seamen  for  certificates  issued  before  1  January  2012  with  those  specified  for 
the certificate in section A-II/5 of the STCW Code, and shall determine the need, if 
any, for requiring these personnel to update their qualifications. 

Until  1  January  2017,  a  Member  State  which  is  also  a  party  to  the  International 
Labour  Organisation  Certification  of  Able  Seamen  Convention,  1946  (No  74)  may 
continue  to  renew  and  revalidate  certificates  and  endorsements  in  accordance  with 
the provisions of the aforesaid Convention.  

Seafarers may be considered by the Member State to have met the requirements of 
this regulation if they have served in a relevant capacity in the deck department for a 
period of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months preceding the entry into 
force of the present directive 

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CHAPTER III 
ENGINE DEPARTMENT 

Regulation III/1 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of officers in charge of an 
engineering watch in a manned engine-room or designated duty engineers in a 
periodically unmanned engine-room 

1. 

Every  officer  in  charge  of  an  engineering  watch  in  a  manned  engine-room  or 
designated  duty  engineer  officer  in  a  periodically  unmanned  engine-room  on  a 
seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power 
or more shall hold a certificate of competency. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 18 years of age; 

2.2. 

2.3. 

2.4. 

2.5. 

have completed combined workshop skill training and an approved seagoing service 
of not less than 12 months as part of an approved training programme which includes 
onboard training which meets the requirements of section A-III/1 of the STCW Code 
and is documented in an approved training record book, or otherwise have completed 
combined workshop skill training and an approved seagoing service of not less than 
36 months of which not less than 30 months will be seagoing service in the engine 
department; 

have  performed,  during  the  required  seagoing  service,  engine-room  watchkeeping 
duties  under  the  supervision  of  the  chief  engineer  officer  or  a  qualified  engineer 
officer for a period of not less than six months; 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standards  of 
competence specified in Section A-III/1 of the STCW Code; 

meet the standards of competence specified in section A-VI/1, paragraph 2, section 
A-VI/2,  paragraphs  1  to  4,  section  A-VI/3,  paragraphs  1  to  4  and  section  A-VI/4, 
paragraphs 1 to 3 of the STCW Code. 

Regulation III/2 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and 
second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 3000 kW 
propulsion power or more 

1. 

Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer on a seagoing ship powered 
by  main  propulsion  machinery  of  3000  kW  propulsion  power  or  more  shall  hold  a 
certificate of competency. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

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2.1. 

meet  the  requirements  for  certification  as  an  officer  in  charge  of  an  engineering 
watch  on  seagoing  ships  powered  by  main  propulsion  machinery  of  750  kW 
propulsion power or more and have approved seagoing service in that capacity: 

2.1.1. 

for  certification  as  a  second  engineer  officer,  not  less  than  12  months  as  qualified 
engineer officer; and 

2.1.2. 

for  certification  as  chief  engineer  officer,  not  less  than  36  months,  however,  this 
period may be reduced to not less than 24 months if not less than 12 months of such 
seagoing service has been served as second engineer officer; and 

2.2. 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standard  of 
competence specified in Section A-III/2 of the STCW Code. 

Regulation III/3 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of chief engineer officers and 
second engineer officers on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of between 
750 kW and 3000 kW propulsion power 

1. 

Every chief engineer officer and second engineer officer on a seagoing ship powered 
by main propulsion machinery of between 750 and 3000 kW propulsion power shall 
hold a certificate of competency. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

2.1. 

meet  the  requirements  for  certification  as  an  officer  in  charge  of  an  engineering 
watch and: 

2.1.1. 

for  certification  as  second  engineer  officer,  shall  have  not  less  than  12  months 
approved seagoing service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer; and 

2.1.2. 

for  certification  as  chief  engineer  officer,  shall  have  not  less  than  24  months 
approved  seagoing  service  of  which  not  less  than  12  months  shall  be  served  while 
qualified to serve as second engineer officer; 

2.2. 

3. 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standard  of 
competence specified in Section A-III/3 of the STCW Code. 

Every engineer officer who is qualified to serve as second engineer officer on ships 
powered by main propulsion machinery of 3000 kW propulsion power or more, may 
serve  as  chief  engineer  officer  on  ships  powered  by  main  propulsion  machinery  of 
less than 3000 kW propulsion power, provided that the certificate is so endorsed. 

Regulation III/4 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings forming part of a watch 
in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned 
engine-room 

1. 

Every rating forming part of an engine-room watch or designated to perform duties 
in  a  periodically  unmanned  engine-room  on  a  seagoing  ship  powered  by  main 

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propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more, other than ratings under 
training and ratings whose duties are of an unskilled nature, shall be duly certificated 
to perform such duties. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 16 years of age; 

2.2. 

have completed: 

2.2.1. 

approved  seagoing  service  including  not  less  than  six  months  training  and 
experience; or 

2.2.2. 

special  training,  either  pre-sea  or  on  board  ship,  including  an  approved  period  of 
seagoing service which shall not be less than two months; 

2.3. 

meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-III/4 of the STCW Code. 

3. 

The seagoing service, training and experience required by points 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 shall 
be associated with engine-room watchkeeping functions and involve the performance 
of duties carried out under the direct supervision of a qualified engineer officer or a 
qualified rating. 

Regulation III/5 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of ratings as able seafarer engine in 
a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned 
engine-room 

1. 

2. 

Every able seafarer engine serving on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion 
machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more shall be duly certificated. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 18 years of age; 

2.2. 

2.3. 

meet  the  requirements  for  certification  as  a  rating  forming  part  of  a  watch  in  a 
manned  engine-room  or  designated  to  perform  duties  in  a  periodically  unmanned 
engine-room; 

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

2.3.1. 

not less than 12 months, or 

2.3.2. 

not less than 6 months and have completed approved training; and 

2.4. 

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/5 of the STCW Code. 

3. 

Every Member State shall compare the standards of competence which it required of 
ratings  in  the  engine  department  for  certificates  issued  before  1  January  2012  with 
those  specified  for  the  certificate  in  section  A-III/5  of  the  STCW  Code,  and  shall 

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determine  the  need,  if  any,  for  requiring  these  personnel  to  update  their 
qualifications. 

Seafarers may be considered by the Member State to have met the requirements of 
this regulation if they have served in a relevant capacity in the engine department for 
a period of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months preceding the entry into 
force of this Directive. 

Regulation III/6 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of electro-technical officer 

Every  electro-technical  officer  serving  on  a  seagoing  ship  powered  by  main 
propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more, shall hold a certificate 
of competency. 

4. 

1. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 18 years of age; 

2.2. 

have  completed  not  less  than  12  months  of  combined  workshop  skills  training  and 
approved seagoing service of which not less than 6 months will be seagoing service 
as part of an approved training programme which meets the requirements of section 
A-III/6 of the STCW Code and is documented in an approved training record book, 
or  otherwise  not  less  than  36  months  of  combined  workshop  skills  training  and 
approved seagoing service of which not less than 30 months will be seagoing service 
in the engine department; and 

2.3. 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standards  of 
competence specified in section A-III/6 of the STCW Code. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Every Member State shall compare the standards of competence which it required of 
electro-technical  officers  for  certificates  issued  before  1  January  2012  with  those 
specified for the certificate in section A-III/6 of the STCW Code, and shall determine 
the need for requiring those personnel to update their qualifications. 

Seafarers may be considered by the Member State to have met the requirements of 
this regulation if they have served in a relevant capacity on board a ship for a period 
of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months preceding the entry into force of 
this Directive and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/6 of the 
STCW Code. 

Notwithstanding  the  above  requirements  of  Paragraphs  1  to  4,  a  suitably  qualified 
person  may  be  considered  by  a  Member  State  able  to  perform  certain  functions  of 
section A-III/6. 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of electro-technical rating 

Regulation III/7 

EN 

33 

   EN 

 
1. 

Every  electro-technical  rating  serving  on  a  seagoing  ship  powered  by  main 
propulsion  machinery  of  750  kW  propulsion  power  or  more  shall  be  duly 
certificated. 

2. 

Every candidate for certification shall: 

(1)  be not less than 18 years of age; 

(2)  have completed approved seagoing service  including not  less  than 12 months 

training and experience, or 

(3)  have  completed  approved  training,  including  an  approved  period  of  seagoing 

service which shall not be less than 6 months; or 

(4)  have qualifications that meet the technical competences in table A-III/7 of the 
STCW  Code  and  an  approved  period  of  seagoing  service,  which  shall  not  be 
less than 3 months; and 

(5)  meet  the  standard  of  competence  specified  in  section  A-III/7  of  the  STCW 

Code; 

Every Member State shall compare the standards of competence which it required of 
electro-technical  ratings  for  certificates  issued  before  1  January  2012  with  those 
specified for the certificate in section A-III/7 of the STCW Code, and shall determine 
the need, if any, for requiring these personnel to update their qualifications. 

Seafarers may be considered by the Member State to have met the requirements of 
this regulation if they have served in a relevant capacity on board a ship for a period 
of not less than 12 months within the last 60 months preceding the entry into force of 
this Directive and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/7 of the 
STCW Code. 

Notwithstanding  the  above  requirements  of  Paragraphs  1  to  4,  a  suitably  qualified 
person  may  be  considered  by  a  Member  State  able  to  perform  certain  functions  of 
section A-III/7. 

CHAPTER IV 
RADIO COMMUNICATION AND RADIO PERSONNEL 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Explanatory note 

Mandatory  provisions  relating  to  radio  watchkeeping  are  set  forth  in  the  Radio  Regulations 
and  in  the  SOLAS  74,  as  amended.  Provisions  for  radio  maintenance  are  set  forth  in  the 
SOLAS  74,  as  amended,  and  the  guidelines  adopted  by  the  International  Maritime 
Organisation. 

Regulation IV/1 

Application 

EN 

34 

   EN 

 
1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

Except as provided in point 2, the provisions of this chapter apply to radio operators 
on  ships  operating  in  the  global  maritime  distress  and  safety  system  (GMDSS)  as 
prescribed by the SOLAS 74, as amended. 

Radio personnel on ships not required to comply with the provisions of the GMDSS 
in  Chapter  IV  of  the  SOLAS  74  are  not  required  to  meet  the  provisions  of  this 
chapter. Radio operators on these ships are, nevertheless, required to comply with the 
Radio Regulations. The Administration shall ensure that the appropriate certificates 
as prescribed by the Radio Regulations are issued to or recognised in respect of such 
radio operators. 

Regulation IV/2 

Mandatory minimum requirements for certification of GMDSS radio operators 

Every person in charge of or performing radio duties on a ship required to participate 
in the GMDSS shall hold an appropriate certificate related to the GMDSS, issued or 
recognised by the Administration under the provisions of the Radio Regulations. 

In addition, every candidate for certification of competency under this regulation for 
service on a ship which is required by the SOLAS 74, as amended, to have a radio 
installation shall: 

2.1. 

be not less than 18 years of age; and 

2.2. 

have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the  standard  of 
competence specified in Section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code. 

CHAPTER V 
SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL 
ON CERTAIN TYPES OF SHIPS 

Regulation V/1-1 

Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, 
officers and ratings on oil and chemical tankers 

1. 

2. 

Officers and ratings assigned specific duties and responsibilities related to cargo or 
cargo equipment on oil or chemical tankers shall hold a certificate in basic training 
for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations. 

Every candidate for a certificate in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo 
operations  shall  have  completed  basic  training  in  accordance  with  provisions  of 
section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code and shall have completed: 

(1) 

at least three months of approved seagoing service on oil or chemical tankers 
and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/1-1, paragraph 1 
of the STCW Code; or 

EN 

35 

   EN 

 
3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

(2) 

an  approved  basic  training  for  oil  and  chemical  tanker  cargo  operations  and 
meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/1-1, paragraph 1 of 
the STCW Code. 

Masters,  chief  engineer  officers,  chief  mates,  second  engineer  officers  and  any 
person  with  immediate  responsibility  for  loading,  discharging,  care  in  transit, 
handling of cargo, tank cleaning or other cargo-related operations on oil tankers shall 
hold a certificate in advanced training for oil tanker cargo operations. 

Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for oil tanker cargo operations 
shall: 

(1)  meet  the  requirements  for  certification  in  basic  training  for  oil  and  chemical 

tanker cargo operations; and 

(2)  while  qualified  for  certification  in  basic  training  for  oil  and  chemical  tanker 

cargo operations have: 

(3) 

at least three months of approved seagoing service on oil tankers, or 

(a) 

at  least  one  month  of  approved  onboard  training  on  oil  tankers  in  a 
supernumerary  capacity  which  includes  at  least  three  loading  and  three 
unloading  operations  and  is  documented  in  an  approved  training  record  book 
taking into account guidance in section B-V/1 of the STCW Code and 

(b)  have completed approved advanced training for oil tanker cargo operations and 
meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/1-1, paragraph 2 of 
the STCW Code. 

Masters,  chief  engineer  officers,  chief  mates,  second  engineer  officers  and  any 
person  with  immediate  responsibility  for  loading,  discharging,  care  in  transit, 
handling  of  cargo,  tank  cleaning  or  other  cargo-related  operations  on  chemical 
tankers  shall  hold  a  certificate  in  advanced  training  for  chemical  tanker  cargo 
operations. 

Every  candidate  for  a  certificate  in  advanced  training  for  chemical  tanker  cargo 
operations shall: 

(1)  meet  the  requirements  for  certification  in  basic  training  for  oil  and  chemical 

tanker cargo operations; and 

(2)  while  qualified  for  certification  in  basic  training  for  oil  and  chemical  tanker 

cargo operations have: 

(a) 

at least three months of approved seagoing service on chemical tankers, or 

(b) 

at  least  one  month  of  approved  onboard  training  on  chemical  tankers  in  a 
supernumerary  capacity  which  includes  at  least  three  loading  and  three 
unloading  operations  and  is  documented  in  an  approved  training  record  book 
taking into account guidance in section B-V/1 of the STCW Code; and 

EN 

36 

   EN 

 
7. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

(3)  have  completed  approved  advanced  training  for  chemical  tanker  cargo 
operations and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/1-1, 
paragraph 3 of the STCW Code. 

Member  States  shall  ensure  that  a  certificate  of  proficiency  is  issued  to  seafarers, 
who are qualified in accordance with paragraphs 2, 4 or 6 as appropriate, or that an 
existing certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency is duly endorsed. 

Regulation V/1-2 

Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, 
officers and ratings on liquefied gas tankers 

Officers and ratings assigned specific duties and responsibilities  related to cargo or 
cargo equipment on liquefied gas tankers shall hold a certificate in basic training for 
liquefied gas tanker cargo operations. 

Every  candidate  for  a  certificate  in  basic  training  for  liquefied  gas  tanker  cargo 
operations  shall  have  completed  basic  training  in  accordance  with  provisions  of 
section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code and shall have completed: 

(1) 

(2) 

at least three months of approved seagoing service on liquefied gas tankers and 
meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/1-2, paragraph 1 of 
the STCW Code; or 

an approved basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations and meet 
the  standard  of  competence  specified  in  section  A-V/1-2,  paragraph  1  of  the 
STCW Code. 

Masters,  chief  engineer  officers,  chief  mates,  second  engineer  officers  and  any 
person  with  immediate  responsibility  for  loading,  discharging,  care  in  transit, 
handling  of  cargo,  tank  cleaning  or  other  cargo-related  operations  on  liquefied  gas 
tankers  shall  hold  a  certificate  in  advanced  training  for  liquefied  gas  tanker  cargo 
operations. 

Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for liquefied gas tanker cargo 
operations shall: 

(1)  meet the requirements for certification in basic training for liquefied gas tanker 

cargo operations; and 

(2)  while qualified for certification in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo 

operations have: 

(a) 

at least three months of approved seagoing service on liquefied gas tankers, or 

(b) 

at least one month of approved onboard training on liquefied gas tankers in a 
supernumerary  capacity  which  includes  at  least  three  loading  and  three 
unloading  operations  and  is  documented  in  an  approved  training  record  book 
taking into account guidance in section B-V/1 of the STCW Code; and 

EN 

37 

   EN 

 
(3)  have  completed  approved  advanced  training  for  liquefied  gas  tanker  cargo 
operations and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/1-2, 
paragraph 2 of the STCW Code. 

Member  States  shall  ensure  that  a  certificate  of  proficiency  is  issued  to  seafarers, 
who  are  qualified  in  accordance  with  paragraph  2  or  4  as  appropriate,  or  that  an 
existing certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency is duly endorsed. 

Regulation V/2 

Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, 
officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships 

This Regulation applies to masters, officers,  ratings  and  other personnel serving  on 
board  passenger  ships  engaged  on  international  voyages.  Member  States  shall 
determine the applicability of these requirements to personnel serving on passenger 
ships engaged on domestic voyages. 

Prior  to  being  assigned  shipboard  duties  on  board  passenger  ships,  seafarers  shall 
have completed the training required by Paragraph 4 to 7 below in accordance with 
their capacities, duties and responsibilities. 

Seafarers who are required to be trained in accordance with Paragraph 4,6 and 7 shall 
at  intervals  not  exceeding  five  years  undertake  appropriate  refresher  training  or  be 
required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence 
within the previous five years. 

Masters, officers and other personnel designated on muster lists to assist passengers 
in  emergency  situations  on  board  passenger  ships  shall  have  completed  training  in 
crowd management as specified in Section A-V/2, paragraph 1, of the STCW Code. 

Personnel  providing  direct  service  to  passengers  in  passenger  spaces  on  board 
passenger ships shall have completed the safety training specified in Section A-V/2, 
paragraph 2, of the STCW Code. 

Masters,  chief  engineer  officers,  chief  mates,  second  engineer  officers  and  any 
person designated on muster lists of having responsibility for the safety of passengers 
in  emergency  situations  on  board  passenger  ships  shall  have  completed  approved 
training  in  crisis  management  and  human  behaviour  as  specified  in  section  A-V/2, 
paragraph 3 of the STCW Code. 

Masters,  chief  mates,  chief  engineer  officers,  second  engineer  officers  and  every 
immediate  responsibility  for  embarking  and  disembarking 
person  assigned 
passengers, loading, discharging or securing cargo, or closing hull openings on board 
ro-ro  passenger  ships  shall  have  completed  approved  training  in  passenger  safety, 
cargo  safety  and  hull  integrity  as  specified  in  Section  A-V/2,  paragraph  4,  of  the 
STCW Code. 

Member  States  shall  ensure  that  documentary  evidence  of  the  training  which  has 
been completed is issued to every person found qualified under the provisions of this 
regulation.  

5. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

EN 

38 

   EN 

 
CHAPTER VI 
EMERGANCY, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, SECURITY, 
MEDICAL CARE AND SURVIVAL FUNCTIONS 

Regulation VI/1 

Mandatory minimum requirements for safety familiarisation, basic training and 
instruction for all seafarers 

1. 

2. 

Seafarers shall receive familiarisation and basic training or instruction in accordance 
with Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code and shall meet the appropriate standard of 
competence specified therein. 

Where  basic  training  is  not  included  in  the  qualification  for  the  certificate  to  be 
issued,  a  certificate  of  proficiency  shall  be  issued  indicating  that  the  holder  has 
attended the course in basic training. 

Regulation VI/2 

Mandatory minimum requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency in survival 
craft, rescue boats and fast rescue boats 

1. 

Every  candidate  for  a  certificate  of  proficiency  in  survival  craft  and  rescue  boats 
other than fast rescue boats shall: 

(1)  be not less than 18 years of age; 

(2)  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 
six months; and 

(3)  meet the standard of competence for certificates of proficiency in survival craft 
and  rescue  boats  set  out  in  Section  A-VI/2,  paragraphs  1  to  4,  of  the  STCW 
Code. 

2. 

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in fast rescue boats shall: 

(1)  be  the holder of a certificate of  proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats 

other than fast rescue boats; 

(2)  have attended an approved training course; and 

(3)  meet  the  standard  of  competence  for  certificates  of  proficiency  in  fast  rescue 
boats set out in Section A-VI/2, paragraphs 7 to 10, of the STCW Code. 

Regulation VI/3 

Mandatory minimum requirements for training in advanced firefighting 

1. 

Seafarers  designated  to  control  firefighting  operations  shall  have  successfully 
completed advanced training in techniques for fighting fire with particular emphasis 

EN 

39 

   EN 

 
on organisation,  tactics and  command in accordance with the  provisions of Section 
A-VI/3  paragraphs  1  to  4  of  the  STCW  Code  and  shall  meet  the  standard  of 
competence specified therein. 

Where training in advanced firefighting is not included in the qualifications for the 
certificate to be issued, a certificate of proficiency, shall be issued indicating that the 
holder has attended a course of training in advanced firefighting. 

Regulation VI/4 

Mandatory minimum requirements relating to medical first aid and medical care 

Seafarers  designated  to  provide  medical  first  aid  on  board  ship  shall  meet  the 
standard of competence in medical first aid specified in Section A-VI/4, paragraphs 
1, 2 and 3, of the STCW Code. 

Seafarers  designated  to  take  charge  of  medical  care  on  board  ship  shall  meet  the 
standard of competence in medical care on board ships specified in Section A-VI/4, 
paragraphs 4, 5 and 6, of the STCW Code. 

Where  training  in  medical  first  aid  or  medical  care  is  not  included  in  the 
qualifications  for  the  certificate  to  be  issued,  a  certificate  of  proficiency  shall  be 
issued indicating that the holder has attended a course of training in medical first aid 
or in medical care. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

Regulation VI/5 

Mandatory minimum requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency for ship 
security officers 

1. 

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency as ship security officer shall: 

(1)  have  approved  seagoing  service  of  not  less  than  12  months  or  appropriate 

seagoing service and knowledge of ship operations; and 

(2)  meet  the  standard  of  competence  for  certification  of  proficiency  as  ship 
security  officer,  set  out  in  section  A-VI/5,  paragraphs  1  to  4,  of  the  STCW 
Code. 

2. 

Member States shall ensure that every person found qualified under the provisions of 
this regulation is issued with a certificate of proficiency. 

Regulation VI/6 

Mandatory minimum requirements for security related training and instruction for all 
seafarers 

1. 

Seafarers  shall  receive  security-related  familiarization  and  security-awareness 
training  or  instruction  in  accordance  with  section  A-VI/6,  paragraph  1  to  4  of  the 
STCW  Code  and  shall  meet  the  appropriate  standard  of  competence  specified 
therein. 

EN 

40 

   EN 

 
2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

Where security awareness is not included in the qualification for the certificate to be 
issued,  a  certificate  of  proficiency  shall  be  issued  indicating  that  the  holder  has 
attended the course in security awareness training. 

Every  Member  State  shall  compare  the  security-related  training  or  instruction  it 
requires of seafarers who hold or can document qualifications before the entry into 
force  of  this  Directive,  with  those  specified  in  section  A-VI/6,  paragraph  4  of  the 
STCW  Code,  and  shall  determine  the  need  for  requiring  these  seafarers  to  update 
their qualifications. 

Seafarers with designated security duties  

Seafarers  with  designated  security  duties  shall  meet  the  standard  of  competence 
specified in section A-VI/6, paragraphs 6 to 8 of the STCW Code. 

Where training in designated security duties is not included in the qualifications for 
the certificate to be issued, a certificate of proficiency shall be issued indicating that 
the holder has attended a course of training for designated security duties. 

Every  Member  State  shall  compare  the  security  training  standards  required  of 
seafarers  with  designated  security  duties  who  hold  or  can  document  qualifications 
before  the  entry  into  force  of  this  directive  with  those  specified  in  section  A-VI/6, 
paragraph  8  of  the  STCW  Code,  and  shall  determine  the  need  for  requiring  these 
seafarers to update their qualifications. 

CHAPTER VII 
ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION 

Regulation VII/1 

Issue of alternative certificates 

1. 

Notwithstanding the requirements for certification laid down in Chapters II and III of 
this  Annex,  Member  States  may  elect  to  issue  or  authorise  the  issue  of  certificates 
other than those mentioned in the regulations of those chapters, provided that: 

(1) 

(2) 

the  associated  functions  and  levels  of  responsibility  to  be  stated  on  the 
certificates  and  in  the  endorsements  are  selected  from  and  identical  to  those 
appearing in Sections A-II/1, A-II/2, A-II/3, A-II/4, A-II/5, A-III/1, A-III/2, A-
III/3, A-III/4, A-III/5, and A-IV/2 of the STCW Code; 

the  candidates  have  completed  approved  education  and  training  and  meet  the 
requirements  for  standards  of  competence,  prescribed  in  the  relevant  sections 
of  the  STCW  Code  and  as  set  forth  in  Section  A-VII/1  of  this  Code,  for  the 
functions  and  levels  that  are  to  be  stated  on  the  certificates  and  in  the 
endorsements; 

(3) 

the  candidates  have  completed  approved  seagoing  service  appropriate  to  the 
performance of the functions and levels that are to be stated on the certificate. 
The minimum duration of seagoing service shall be equivalent to the duration 

EN 

41 

   EN 

 
of seagoing service prescribed in Chapters II and III of this Annex. However, 
the minimum duration of seagoing service shall be not less than as prescribed 
in Section A-VII/2 of the STCW Code; 

(4) 

the candidates for certification who are to perform the function of navigation at 
the operational level shall meet the applicable requirements of the regulations 
in  Chapter  IV,  as  appropriate,  for  performing  designated  radio  duties  in 
accordance with the Radio Regulations; 

(5) 

the certificates are issued in accordance with the requirements of Article 2 and 
the provisions set forth in Chapter VII of the STCW Code. 

2. 

No  certificate  shall  be  issued  under  this  chapter  unless  the  Member  State  has 
communicated 
the 
Commission. 

information  required  by 

the  STCW  Convention 

the 

to 

Regulation VII/2 

Certification of seafarers 

Every seafarer who performs any function or group of functions specified in tables A-II/1, A-
II/2, A-II/3, A-II/4 or A-II/5 of chapter II or in tables A-III/1, A-III/2, A-III/3, or A-III/4 or A-
III/5  of  chapter  III  or  A-IV/2  of  chapter  IV  of  the  STCW  Code  shall  hold  a  certificate  of 
competency or certificate of proficiency, as applicable. 

Regulation VII/3 

Principles governing the issue of alternative certificates 

1. 

A Member State which elects to issue or authorise the issue of alternative certificates 
shall ensure that the following principles are observed: 

(1)  no  alternative  certification  system  shall  be  implemented  unless  it  ensures  a 
degree of safety at sea and has a preventive effect as regards pollution at least 
equivalent to that provided by the other chapters; 

(2) 

any  arrangement  for  alternative  certification  issued  under  this  chapter  shall 
provide  for  the  interchangeability  of  certificates  with  those  issued  under  the 
other chapters. 

2. 

The principle of interchangeability in point 1 shall ensure that: 

(1) 

seafarers certificated under the arrangements of Chapters II and/or III and those 
certificated  under  Chapter  VII  are  able  to  serve  on  ships  which  have  either 
traditional or other forms of shipboard organisation; 

(2) 

seafarers are not trained for specific shipboard arrangements in such a way as 
would impair their ability to take their skills elsewhere. 

3. 

In issuing any certificate under the provisions of this chapter the following principles 
shall be taken into account: 

(1) 

the issue of alternative certificates shall not be used in itself: 

EN 

42 

   EN 

 
(a) 

to reduce the number of crew on board; 

(b) 

to lower the integrity of the profession or "deskill" seafarers; or 

(c) 

(2) 

to  justify  the  assignment  of  the  combined  duties  of  the  engine  and  deck 
watchkeeping officers to a single certificate holder during any particular watch; 

the person in command shall be designated as the master and the legal position 
and  authority  of  the  master  and  others  shall  not  be  adversely  affected  by  the 
implementation of any arrangement for alternative certification. 

4. 

The principles contained in points 1 and 2 shall ensure that the competency of both 
deck and engineer officers is maintained.' 

EN 

43 

   EN 

 
Point 3 of Annex II is replaced by the following: 

Annex II 

'3. The Commission, assisted by the European Maritime Safety Agency and with the possible 
involvement  of  any  Member  State  concerned,  has  confirmed,  through  an  evaluation  of  that 
Party, which may include inspection of facilities and procedures, that the requirements of the 
Convention  regarding  standards  of  competence,  training  and  certification  and  quality 
standards are fully complied with.'. 

EN 

44 

   EN 

 
Annex III 

'ANNEX V 
TYPE OF INFORMATION TO BE COMMUNICATED TO THE COMMISSION FOR 
STATISTICAL PURPOSES 

1. 

Where  reference  is  made  to  this  Annex,  the  following  information  specified  in 
Section A-I/2, paragraph 9 of the STCW Code for all certificates of competency or 
endorsements  attesting  their  issue,  all  endorsements  attesting  the  recognition  of 
certificates  of  competency  issued  by  other  countries,  and  all  certificates  of 
proficiency issued to ratings, shall be provided:  

Certificates of competency (CoC) / Endorsements attesting their issue (EaI): 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

seafarer’s unique identifier; 

seafarer’s name; 

seafarer’s date of birth; 

seafarer’s nationality; 

seafarer’s gender; 

CoC endorsed number; 

EaI number; 

capacity(ies); 

date of issue or the most recent date of revalidation of the document; 

date of expiry; 

status of the certificate (valid, suspended, cancelled, reported lost, destroyed); 

limitations. 

Endorsements attesting the recognition of certificates of competency issued by other countries 
(EaR):  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

seafarer’s unique identifier; 

seafarer’s name; 

seafarer’s date of birth; 

seafarer’s nationality; 

seafarer’s gender; 

country issuing the original CoC; 

original CoC number; 

EN 

45 

   EN 

 
 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

EaR number; 

capacity(ies); 

date of issue or the most recent date of revalidation of the document; 

date of expiry; 

status; 

limitations. 

Certificates of proficiency for ratings (CoP) (if available):  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

seafarer’s unique identifier; 

seafarer’s name; 

seafarer’s date of birth; 

seafarer’s nationality; 

seafarer’s gender; 

CoP number; 

capacity(ies); 

date of issue or date of the most recent revalidation of the document; 

date of expiry; 

status.  

2. 

The items of information subject to data protection legislation can be provided in an 
anonymised format.  

EN 

46 

   EN