Marine Operations Note: 03/2017 - STCW regulations regarding the availability of original certificates on board ships

11 May 2017

MARINE OPERATIONS NOTE 03/2017

Subject: STCW regulations regarding the availability of original certificates on board ships

Ref: Marine Operations Note 1/2017

Dear Shipowners/Operators, Masters and Recognized Organization Purpose:

This Marine Operations Note provides clarification on references to the paragraph in regulation I/2 relating to requirement that a Convention certificate must be kept available in its original form on board the ship on which the holder is serving.

Background:

As a reminder to seafarers, the Liberian Administration included a reference to regulation I/2 and the specific paragraph related to the availability of original certificates, at the bottom of each Certificate of Competency and Special Qualification Certificate. The number of the applicable paragraph in regulation I/2 was revised from paragraph “9” to paragraph “11”, as part of the 2010 Manila amendments. The text in the previous STCW Regulation I/2, paragraph 9 and amended Regulation I/2, paragraph 11 is identical; only the paragraph number has changed.

It has been noted that there is a discrepancy in Certificates of Competency issued between May 10, 2012 and August 29^th 2013 and Special Qualification Certificates issued between May 10, 2012 and June 22, 2016. The reference in these certificates is to regulation I/2, paragraph “9”. Liberian Certificates of Competency issued after August 29, 2013 and Special Qualification Certificates issued after June 23, 2016 contain the correct reference to I/2, paragraph 11.

Administration’s Action:

The Liberian Administration is aware of this discrepancy and is ensuring the reference is corrected during the normal certificate renewal, replacement process.

Since the reference to I/2 on availability of original certificates, only serves as a reminder for the certificate holder and the text of the current and previous paragraph is identical, the Liberian Administration considers that, until it is renewed or reissued, certificates with reference to I/2, paragraph 9 shall be read as meeting I/2, paragraph 11. “Any certificate required by the Convention must be kept available in its original form on board the ship on which the holder is serving”.

A copy of this letter may be maintained onboard and available should any questions arise.

If you have any questions please contact the Seafarers Department at seafarers@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434.

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