Officers Licensing & Certifications

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).
The process and issuance of officers certificate is based on two methods:

1.By Certificate of Equivalent Endorsement
National STCW certificates from the IMO White listed countries which are recognized for the issuance of equivalent St.Maarten Certificates under the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended. Equivalent endorsement certificates issued under the provisions of the STCW Convention, as amended, will be issued for the unexpired term of the national STCW certificate which has been recognized.

2.By Examination
The Seafarer who do not hold an acceptable national certificate or who desire original St.Maarten Certificate must pass written and practical examination.

The examination consists of all required topics as per various conventions and is in multiple choice formats. This examination also covers the material specified by the STCW Convention, as amended.

Guidelines for the seafarer’s certification can be found below.
SEAFARER WISHING TO GET THE CERTIFICATE ON THE BASIS OF EXAMINATION MUST SEND THE COMPLETED EXAMINATION REQUEST FORM ALONG WITH THE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BY E.MAIL :
Note: ORIGINAL SIGNED FORM WITH ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE IMRR OFFICE
All documents submitted must be NOTARIZED, unless they are ORIGINALS.

DECK & ENGINEERING OFFICERS (STCW 95):
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 in the back.
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime authority of the Home country..

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (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 photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with applicant name written in the back
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9) .
STCW 95/2010 Update or Refresher course or alternatively documents demonstrating at least five 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
Advanced Fire Fighting Course (MASTERS & FIRST DECK OFFICERS ONLY)
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime authority of the Home country.

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement

RADIO OPERATORS / GMDSS:
Original Application Form.
Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.
Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with applicant name written in the back.
Radio Operator Title (License) GMDSS or Radio/Electronics,
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime authority of the Home country..

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

RATINGS: (Including Ordinary Seamen, Fitters, Carpenters, Electric Engineers, Electricians, Firemen, Pumpmen, Reefermen and 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) with applicant name written in the back.

Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)
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)
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime administration of the Home country..

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement

RATINGS FORMING PART OF NAVIGATION OR ENGINE WATCH ROOM(Able Seaman/AB, Bosun/Boatswain, Oiler and Motorman):
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) with applicant name written in the back.
Watchkeeping Certificates (Reg. II/4 and III/4 of STCW 95) NOTE: if those certificates were issued under STCW 78, applicants should seek their endorsement. In such case, they should include a copy of their valid Seaman's Book, their current certificate and an additional
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)
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime authority of the Home country..

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)

RATINGS – COOKS AND STEWARDS/WAITERS
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) with applicant name written in the back.

Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)
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)
Endorsed Training Course recognized by the Home country maritime administration, covering Practical Cookery, Food and Personal Hygiene, Food Storage, Stock Control, Environmental Protection and Catering Health and Safety.
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime authority of the Home country.

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement

MARINE TECHNICIANS: (and all individuals that do not fit one of the above categories)
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) with applicant name written in the back.
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9) .
Letter of experience or other document evidencing position held on board (company's letterhead).
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime authority of the Home country.

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement
MOU (Mobile Offshore Units): Offshore Installation Manager, Barge Supervisor, Ballast Control Operator, Chief Engineer MOU, Engineer in Charge, Barge Engineer, Subsea Engineer)
Original Application Form.
Copy of passport, or Seaman's Passport.
Six color photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with applicant name written in the back.
Title or valid training course.
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)
Letter of experience (company's letterhead) indicating current and previous positions held on board, OIM: 4 years of experience required -Barge Supervisor: 3 years - Ballast Control Operator: 1 year.
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)
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime administration of the Home country..

-or-

Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement
MOU (Mobile Offshore Units): (Marine Technician MOU, AB MOU)
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) with applicant name written in the back.
Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a physician recognized by the White List country as authorized to carry out seafarers examinations. (Regulation I/9)
Letter of experience (company's letterhead). Indicating current and previous positions held on board One year of experience required for AB MOU.
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)
Ship security awareness with designated duties issued by a training center approved by the Maritime authority of the Home country..
-or-
Copy of ship security officer certificate of competency or certificate of endorsement.

A. EVERY APPLICATION FOR A SSO CERTIFICATE OR ENDORSEMENT SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING (ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS):
Application form.
Four (4) color photos 3.5 cm x4.5 cm.
Copy of passport
Medical Fitness Certificate (Regulation I/9)

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE SHIP SECURITY OFFICER CERTIFICATE, THE APPLICANT SHALL HOLD:
Documents mentioned in section A.
Valid Appropriate Certificate, issued by the maritime administration of home countryfor Officer who render services in the navigation bridge or the engine room, according to provisions of the STCW
To perform an approved seagoing service of not less than twelve (12) months in the last five (5) years, carrying out chief engineer or bridge officer duties onboard.
Valid Training Course to obtain the Ship Security Officer Certificate, at a Training Center recognized by the home country maritime administration.

THE APPLICATION FOR SSO CERTIFICATE ENDORSEMENT (REGULATION I/10), SHALL PRESENT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
Documents mentioned in section A.
Original and Copy of the Certificate (of Home Country License) in accordance with the STCW Convention (Regulation I/12) from the applicant’s country.

TO RENEW THE SHIP SECURITY OFFICER CERTIFICATE THE APPLICANT SHALL:
Documents mentioned in section A.
To perform an approved seagoing service of not less that twelve (12) month in the last five (5) years, carrying out chief engineer or bridge Officer duties onboard.
Valid Training Course to obtain the Ship Security Officer Certificate, at a Training Center

APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF COURSE FOR SHIP SECURITY OFFICER ENDORSEMENT REQUIRES:
Documents mentioned in section 3.2.
Original and Copy of the Certificate of Course for Ship Security Officer.

Filling Agents & Responsibilities
The Filing agents are authorized official to receive and file applications to IMRR office for any seafarer’s certifications. Ship-owners may apply directly to the IMRR office of the Director General for authorization to act as a filing agent. A filing agent’s responsibilities include:
Reviewing the application form for completeness and accuracy
Verify that the photographs and identity documents of applicant is similar and actual.
Ensuring that the required physical examination is current and in correct format.
Reviewing the original qualifying documentation
Witness the signing of the application and completing the section reserved for the filing agent