Seafarers Certifications Requirements
Official regulations and document requirements for the issuance of Sint Maarten STCW certificates, officer equivalent endorsements, ratings endorsements, and SSO licenses.
Issuance Methods & Process
Seafarers working on board a ship are required to have a valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) or endorsement, which comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
1. By Certificate of Equivalent Endorsement
National STCW certificates from IMO White-listed countries are recognized for the issuance of equivalent St. Maarten Certificates. Issued for the unexpired term of the recognized national STCW certificate.
2. By Examination
Seafarers without acceptable national certificates must pass written and practical examinations covering required STCW topics in multiple choice format.
Category Specific Requirements
DECK & ENGINEERING OFFICERS (STCW 95 / 2010)
- •Original Application Form.
- •Home country title with STCW 95/2010 endorsement.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with applicant name written on back.
- •Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by an approved training center -or- copy of Ship Security Officer (SSO) certificate.
- •Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by an IMO White List country (Regulation I/9).
DECK & ENGINEERING OFFICERS CARRYING CERTIFICATE OBTAINED BY EXAM (STCW 78)
- •Original Application Form.
- •Home country title with STCW endorsement.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with applicant name written on back.
- •Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).
- •STCW 95/2010 Update or Refresher course (or 5 years of professional experience).
- •Personal Survival Techniques Course (IMO 1.19)
- •Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20)
- •Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)
- •Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)
- •Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (IMO 1.23)
- •ARPA Course (DECK OFFICERS ONLY)
- •Radar Observer Course (DECK OFFICERS ONLY)
- •GMDSS Course (DECK OFFICERS ONLY)
- •Medical Care Course (MASTERS & FIRST DECK OFFICERS ONLY)
- •Advanced Fire Fighting Course (MASTERS & FIRST DECK OFFICERS ONLY)
- •Ship security awareness with designated duties or SSO Certificate.
RADIO OPERATORS / GMDSS
- •Original Application Form.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- •Radio Operator Title (License) GMDSS or Radio/Electronics.
- •Ship security awareness with designated duties or SSO Certificate.
- •Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).
RATINGS (Ordinary Seamen, Fitters, Carpenters, Electricians, Firemen, Pumpmen, Reefermen, Welders)
- •Original Application Form.
- •Discharge books with last two years of experience, or a letter demonstrating experience.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- •Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).
- •Personal Survival Techniques (IMO 1.19)
- •Fire Prevention & Basic Fire Fighting (IMO 1.20)
- •Elementary First Aid (IMO 1.13)
- •Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (IMO 1.21)
- •Ship security awareness with designated duties.
RATINGS FORMING PART OF NAVIGATION OR ENGINE WATCHROOM (AB, Bosun, Oiler, Motorman)
- •Original Application Form.
- •Discharge books with last two years of experience.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- •Watchkeeping Certificates (Reg. II/4 and III/4 of STCW 95).
- •Basic Safety Training (IMO 1.19, 1.20, 1.13, 1.21).
- •Ship security awareness or SSO certificate.
- •Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).
RATINGS – COOKS AND STEWARDS / WAITERS
- •Original Application Form.
- •Discharge books with last two years of experience.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- •Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).
- •Basic Safety Training (IMO 1.19, 1.20, 1.13, 1.21).
- •Endorsed Training Course covering Practical Cookery, Food & Personal Hygiene, Food Storage, Catering Safety.
- •Ship security awareness or SSO certificate.
MARINE TECHNICIANS
- •Original Application Form.
- •Discharge books with last 2 years experience or company letterhead letter.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- •Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).
- •Letter of experience evidencing position held on board.
- •Ship security awareness or SSO certificate.
MOU (MOBILE OFFSHORE UNITS: OIM, Barge Supervisor, Ballast Operator, Chief Engineer MOU)
- •Original Application Form.
- •Copy of passport, or Seaman’s Passport.
- •Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm).
- •Title or valid training course.
- •Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9).
- •Letter of experience on company letterhead (OIM: 4 yrs, Barge Sup: 3 yrs, Ballast Control: 1 yr).
- •Basic Safety Training (IMO 1.19, 1.20, 1.13, 1.21).
- •Ship security awareness or SSO certificate.
Ship Security Officer (SSO) Certificate & Endorsement
A. Required Administrative Documents
Application form, 4 color photos (3.5x4.5 cm), Copy of passport, Medical Fitness Certificate (Reg. I/9).
To Obtain SSO Certificate:
Section A docs, Valid STCW Officer CoC, at least 12 months approved seagoing service in the last 5 years as chief engineer or bridge officer, and valid SSO training course from an approved training center.
To Renew or Endorse SSO Certificate (Reg. I/10 & Reg. I/12):
Section A docs, Original & copy of Home Country SSO license, proof of 12 months seagoing service in last 5 years.
Filing Agents Authorization
Filing agents are authorized officials to receive and file applications to the IMRR office for seafarers’ certifications. Shipowners may apply directly to the Director General for authorization.