Why you need one
A seafarer must hold an endorsement from the flag of the vessel he serves on, based on his original licence. The original licence can be from his home country or from another country that accepts foreigners.
COC endorsements
- COE
- GOC endorsement
- Security course endorsement
- Oil tanker, chemical tanker and gas carrier endorsements
Rules
- A seafarer needs a separate endorsement for each flag state.
- No endorsement of recognition is granted if the original national certificate is not valid or has expired.
- STCW endorsements are issued only for current STCW certificates.
- A seafarer cannot apply for an endorsement from one country on the basis of an endorsement issued by another country. Endorsements are issued only on the basis of the original certificate.
Grace period
If the seafarer has applied for an endorsement and the flag administration is still processing it, he has a grace period of up to three months from the date he joined the ship. During this period he can serve without the endorsement, provided he has documentary evidence (a letter from the flag administration or consulate) that he has applied.
Documents you need
- Application
- Digital photo (white background)
- Copy of the seaman book
- Copy of the COC
- Copy of the GOC, if required
- Copy of all courses
- Medical certificate
- Copy of STCW courses