MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) REGULATIONS

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 234.17

MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND

CERTIFICATION) REGULATIONS

1st July, 2013 *

LEGAL NOTICE 153 of 2013, as amended by Legal Notice 26 of 2021.

(1) The title of these regulations is Merchant Shipping

(Training and Certification) Regulations.

(2) These regulations adopt the measures contained in the

International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended, and in Directive 2008/106/

EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, on the minimum

level of training of seafarers, in its latest amended version.

Regulations 4, 5 and 11

PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS FOR

THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES

1. General Requirements

1.1

Certificates of competence shall only be issued by the

*revoked by these Regulations.

Registrar-General on successful assessment and on passing an

examination consisting of written, oral and where applicable a

practical assessment.

1.2

In order to be issued with a first certificate of

competence, a candidate must

1.2.1

demonstrate the required standard of physical fitness

by passing an approved medical examination and eyesight test

satisfying medical and eyesight examination standards for seafarers

as may be, from time to time, prescribed by the Registrar-General;

1.2.2

have completed the initial training requirements;

1.2.3

have completed the appropriate watchkeeping and/or

sea service;

1.2.4

have successfully completed the approved training

programmes and assessments in an institution which has been

ap p r o v e d b y t h e R eg i s t r a r- G e n e r a l i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e

provisions of regulations I/6 and I/8 in the Annex to the Convention

and relevant codes attached thereto. The Registrar-General may

accept other training arrangements, provided that such

arrangements satisfy the requirements of the Convention;

1.2.5

have passed an oral examination.

1.3

Candidates will be assessed to ensure that they meet the

standards of competence required by the Convention. The levels of

knowledge, understanding and proficiency and the methods to be

used to determine candidates’ competence to undertake different

functions associated with the three levels of responsibility (viz.

management, operational and support) are laid down in the STCW

Code.

1.4

No candidate will be issued with a certificate of

competence without a valid eyesight test certificate except as

specified in paragraph 1.5.

1.5

Candidates for certificates subsequent to their first,

may produce a valid medical certificate in lieu of an eyesight test

certificate.

1.6

A candidate’s eligibility for certification will depend,

inter alia, upon the amount and type of sea service performed and

the type and area of operation of vessel(s) in which employed. The

minimum amount of sea service acceptable for each grade of

certificate of competence is laid down in the relevant section and

will apply only to candidates who have followed an approved

training programme. Unless candidates can prove the full amount

of sea service claimed, they will not normally be considered for

examination. In a case where a candidate completes assessment or

passes an examination prior to having completed the required sea

service, the certificate shall not be issued until the required sea

service has been completed.

1.7

Sea service will be verified through scrutiny of proper

entries in the relevant crew agreement, seaman’s record book,

certificates of discharge or other similar evidence relating to the

service claimed.

1.8

Sea service is to be reckoned by the calendar month,

that is the time included between any given day in any month and

the preceding day of the following month, both inclusive. The

number of complete months from the commencement of the period,

ascertained in this way, should be computed, after which the

number of odd days should be counted. The day on which the crew

agreement commenced, as well as that on which it terminated,

should both be included, all leave of absence excluded and all odd

days added together and reckoned as thirty days to the month.

1.9

Applicants for certificates for which service as a

watchkeeping officer is required must produce certificates of

watchkeeping service incorporating testimonial(s) signed by the

master, chief mate or chief engineer of the vessel(s) in which they

have served. In the case of service as master, the testimonial must

be signed by a responsible official of the company concerned and in

the case of a chief engineer by an engineer superintendent or some

o t h e r r e s p o n s i b l e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h e e m p l o y e r. T h e s e

testimonials should cover character, standards of behaviour

including sobriety, experience and ability on board ship and good

conduct at sea, for at least twelve months of sea service preceding

the date of application.

1.10

Applicants for certificates who have followed an

approved training programme of on board training must produce a

completed Training Record Book. Candidates not undertaking an

approved training programme should obtain an approved Training

Record Book and record as fully as possible the work they have

done on the ship. The master and/or other appropriate officers

should verify all entries wherever possible.

1.11

If in the course of the oral examination the examiner

f i n d s t h a t a c a n d i d a t e i s a ff l i c t e d w i t h d e a f n e s s , w i t h a n

impediment in speech or with some other physical or mental

infirmity, and upon further investigation is satisfied that the degree

of infirmity is such as to render the candidate incapable of

discharging adequately the ordinary seagoing duties of the holder

of a certificate of competence, the examiner will not allow the

candidate to complete the examination and will report every such

case to the Registrar-General. If the candidate subsequently

produces a medical certificate to the specific effect that his hearing,

speech, or physical or mental condition has improved or is normal,

t h e R e g i s t r a r- G e n e r a l w i l l c o n s i d e r t h e c a n d i d a t e f o r r e -

examination.

1.12

Candidates who, after having signed crew agreements,

have neglected to join their vessels, or who, after having joined

have left their ship other than upon discharge, or who have

committed misconduct on board, will be required to produce

satisfactory proof of two years subsequent service with good

conduct at sea, unless the Registrar-General, after investigation,

should see fit to reduce this period.

1.13

For the issue of any GMDSS certificate or VHF (SRC) a

declaration to preserve the secrecy of correspondence in the form

contained in the Fifth Schedule to these regulations shall be presented

with the application.

2. Specific Requirements - Deck Officers

2.1

A Sight Test Certificate that meets the standards in

section A-I/9 of the STCW Code shall indicate success in a sight

test so conducted as to prove, to the satisfaction of the Registrar

General, that the holder is able to reach acceptable standards both

of form and colour vision. A valid pass sight test certificate is valid

for six months.

2.2

Every candidate shall

2.2.1

be not less than 18 years of age;

2.2.2

have approved seagoing service of not less than twelve

months as part of an approved training programme which includes

on board training that meets the requirements of section A-II/1 or

A-II/3 of the STCW Code; this training must be documented in an

approved record book, or otherwise have approved seagoing

service in any acceptable deck capacity for a period of not less than

thirty-six months sea service;

2.2.3

have performed, during the required sea going service,

bridge watch-keeping duties under the supervision of the master or

a qualified officer for a period of not less than six months;

2.2.4

meet the applicable requirements of the regulations in

chapter IV, as appropriate, for performing designated radio duties

in accordance with the Radio Regulations;

2.2.5

have completed approved education and training and

meet the standard of competence specified in the relevant section

A-II/1 or A-II/3 of the STCW Code; and

2.2.6

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.

Officer in charge of a navigational watch on yachts of less than

3000 GT

2A.2

Every candidate shall

2A.2.1

be not less than 18 years of age;

2A.2.2 have approved seagoing service of not less than twelve

months on vessels not less than 15 meters in length or 80 GT as part

of an approved training programme which includes on board

training that meets the requirements of section A-II/1 of the STCW

Code; this training must be documented in an approved record

book, or otherwise have approved seagoing service in any

acceptable deck capacity on vessels not less than 15 meters in

length or 80 GT for a period of not less than thirty-six months sea

service;

2A.2.3 have performed, during the required sea going service,

bridge watch-keeping duties under the supervision of the master or

a qualified officer for a period of not less than six months;

2A.2.4 meet the applicable requirements of the regulations in

chapter IV, as appropriate, for performing designated radio duties

in accordance with the Radio Regulations;

2A.2.5 have completed approved education and training and

meet the standard of competence specified in the relevant section

A-II/1 of the STCW Code; and

2A.2.6 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

Every candidate shall

2.3.1

meet the requirements for certification as an officer in

charge of a navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more; and

2.3.2

have approved sea going service in that capacity

2.3.2.1 for certification as chief mate, not less than twelve

months, and

2.3.2.2 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 sea going service has been served

as chief mate; and

2.3.3

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 3000 GT or more.

2.4

Prior to the grant of a certificate of competence as

Master, the Registrar-General may require a holder of a certificate

of competence as Chief Mate not issued in terms of the 2001

regulations, to prove to the satisfaction of the Registrar-General

that the holder meets the standards of competence required by the

STCW Convention and that the holder has reached the levels of

knowledge, understanding and proficiency as laid down in the

STCW Code.

2.5

Every candidate shall

2.5.1

for certification as chief mate

2.5.1.1 meet the requirements of an officer in charge of a

navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more;

2.5.2

for certification as master -

2.5.2.1 meet the requirements of an officer in charge of a

navigational watch on ships of 500 GT or more, and

2.5.2.2 have approved sea going 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; and

2.5.3

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 between 500

and 3000 GT.

Master on yachts of less than 500 GT

2A.5

Every candidate shall

2A.5.1

meet the requirements of an officer in charge of a

navigational watch on yachts of less than 3000 GT;

2A.5.2 have approved sea going service of not less than 12

months in that capacity; and

2A.5.3 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 between 500and 3000

GT.

2.6

Every candidate shall

2.6.1

be not less than 20 years of age;

2.6.2

have approved seagoing service of not less than 12

months as officer in charge of a navigational watch;

2.6.3

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 GT engaged on

near-coastal voyages; and

2.6.4

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.

2.7

Every rating forming part of a navigational watch on a

seagoing ship of 500 GT 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.

2.7.1

Every candidate for certification shall

2.7.1.1

be not less than 16 years of age;

2.7.1.2

have completed

(i)

approved seagoing service including not less than six

months of training and experience, or

(ii) special training, either pre-sea or on board ship,

including an approved period of seagoing service

which shall not be less than two months; and

2.7.1.3 meet the standard of competence specified in section

A-II/4 of the STCW Code.

2.7.2

The seagoing service, training and experience required

by subparagraphs (i) and (ii) 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.

2.8

Every able seafarer deck serving on a seagoing ship of

500 GT or more shall be duly certificated.

2.8.1

Every candidate for certification shall

2.8.2

be not less than 18 years of age;

2.8.3

meet the requirements for certification as a rating

forming part of a navigational watch;

2.8.4

while qualified to serve as a rating forming part of a

navigational watch have approved seagoing service in the deck

department of

2.8.4.1

not less than 18 months, or

2.8.4.2 not less than 12 months and have completed approved

training; and

2.8.5

meet the standard of competence specified in section

A-II/5 of the STCW Code.

2.9

All candidates will be required to produce documentary

evidence of having obtained certain additional qualifications before

they will be considered as having qualified for the issue of

certificates of competence; the additional qualifications specified

for each grade of certificate are set out in Table 1.

Table 1

Certificate (STCW Regs)

Additional

STCW

Training

II/1

II/2

II/3

II/4

II/5

Code

Requirements

Ref

Personal

A-VI/

Survival

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

1-1

Techniques

Fire

A-VI/

Prevention &

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

1-2

Fire Fighting

Elementary

A-VI/

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

First Aid

1-3

Personal

Safety &

A-VI/

Social

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

1-4

Responsibilit

y

Proficiency in

Survival

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

A-VI/2

Craft &

Rescue Boats

Advanced

⸱

⸱

⸱

A-VI/3

Fire Fighting

Medical First

A-VI/

⸱

⸱

Aid

4-1

A-VI/

Medical Care

⸱

⸱

4-2

Radar &

ARPA

Simulator

⸱

⸱

A-II/1

Training –

Operational

Level

Radar &

ARPA

Simulator

⸱

⸱

A-II/2

Training –

Management

Level

Leadership

and

⸱

A-II/1

Teamwork

Use of

Leadership &

⸱

⸱

A-II/2

Managerial

Skills

ECDIS

⸱

⸱

⸱

A-II/1

Efficient

⸱

⸱

Deck Hand

GMDSS

⸱

⸱

A-IV/2

(GOC)

GMDSS

⸱

A-IV/2

(ROC)

Medical

Fitness

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

A-I/9

(including

eyesight)

3. Specific Requirements - Engineering Officers

3.1

Workshop service or other industrial training

completed before the age of sixteen years will not be accepted.

3.2

Each candidate must have received one of the forms of

training specified in this paragraph.

3.2.1

Each such candidate must have satisfactorily completed

one of the courses of engineer cadet training approved by the

Registrar-General.

3.2.2

Each such candidate must have satisfactorily completed

a full time course of study to at least to the standard of the Higher

National Diploma in Engineering at a recognised training institute

or university together with six months engineering training to the

satisfaction of the Registrar-General.

3.3

Minor deficiencies from the requirements of paragraph

3.2 will be assessed in each case by the Registrar-General and must

be made good by off the job training, or by further workshop

service of a suitable character or by compensatory shipboard

service as an engineer officer or as an engineering officer cadet at

the discretion of the Registrar-General. Compensatory shipboard

service must be performed in motor ships of not less than 350 kW

registered power. Such service may be performed on regular watch

or on day work irrespective of whether a crew agreement is, or is

not, in force. Compensatory shipboard service performed before the

age of nineteen years will not be accepted.

3.4

Each such rating satisfactorily completing a course of

training approved by the Registrar-General may proceed to sea as

an uncertified engineer officer and perform the sea service set out

in paragraph 4.

3.5

Every candidate for certification shall

3.5.1

be not less than 18 years of age;

3.5.2

have completed combined workshop skill training and

an approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months as part of

an approved training program which includes on board training that

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 shall be seagoing service in the engine department;

3.5.3

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 6 months;

3.5.4

have completed approved education and training and

meet the standards of competence specified in section A-III/1 of the

STCW Code; and

3.5.5

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.

3.6

Every candidate for certification shall

3.6.1

meet the requirements for certification as an officer in

charge of an engineering watch on seagoing ships powered by main

propulsion machinery of 750kW propulsion power or more and

have approved seagoing service in that capacity

3.6.1.1 for certification as second engineer officer, have not

less than 12 months as qualified engineer officer, and

3.6.1.2 for certification as chief engineer officer, have 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

3.6.2

have completed approved education and training and

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/2 of the

STCW Code.

3.7

Every candidate for certification shall

3.7.1

meet the requirements for certification as an officer in

charge of an engineering watch and

3.7.1.1 for certification as second engineer officer, have not

less than 12 months approved seagoing service as assistant

engineer officer or engineer officer, and

3.7.1.2 for certification as chief engineer officer, have not less

than 24 months of approved seagoing service of which not less than

12 months shall be served while qualified to serve as second

engineer officer; and

3.7.2

have completed approved education and training and

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/3 of the

STCW Code.

3.8

Every engineer officer who is qualified to serve as

second engineer officer on ships powered by main propulsion

machinery of 3000kW propulsion power or more may serve as

chief engineer officer on ships powered by main propulsion

machinery of less than 3000kW propulsion power, provided the

certificate is so endorsed.

3.9

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 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.

3.9.1

Every candidate for certification shall

3.9.1.1

be not less than 16 years of age;

3.9.1.2

have completed

(i)

approved seagoing service including not less than six

months of training and experience, or

(ii) special training, either pre-sea or on board ship,

including an approved period of seagoing service

which shall not be less than two months; and

3.9.1.3 meet the standard of competence specified in section

A-III/4 of the STCW Code.

3.9.2

The seagoing service, training and experience required

by subparagraphs (i) and (ii) 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.

3.10

Every able seafarer engine serving on a seagoing ship

powered by main propulsion machinery of 750kW propulsion

power or more shall be duly certificated.

3.10.1

Every candidate for certification shall

3.10.2

be not less than 18 years of age;

3.10.3 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;

3.10.4 while qualified to serve as a rating forming part of an

engineering watch, have approved seagoing service in the engine

department of

3.10.4.1 not less than 12 months, or

3.10.4.2 not less than 6 months and have completed approved

training; and

3.10.5

meet the standard of competence specified in section

A-III/5 of the STCW Code.

3.11

Every candidate for certification shall

3.11.1

be not less than 18 years of age;

3.11.2

have completed not less than 12 months of combined

workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of which

not less than 6 months shall 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 shall be

seagoing service in the engine department;

3.11.3

have completed approved educational training and

meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/6 of the

STCW Code; and

3.11.4

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.

3.12

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.

3.12.1

Every candidate for certification shall

3.12.1.1 be not less than 18 years of age;

3.12.1.2 have

(i)

completed approved seagoing service including not

less than 12 months training and experience, or

(ii) completed approved training, including an approved

period of seagoing service which shall not be less than

6 months, or

(iii) qualifications that meet the technical competences in

table A-III/7 and an approved period of seagoing

service, which shall not be less than 3 months; and

3.12.1.3 meet the standard of competence specified in section

A-III/7 of the STCW Code.

3.13

All candidates will be required to produce documentary

evidence of having obtained certain additional qualifications before

they will be considered as having qualified for the issue of

certificates of competence. The additional qualifications specified

for the various grades of certificates are set out in Table 2.

Table 2

Certificate (STCW Regs)

Additional

STCW

Training

III/1

III/2

III/3

III/4

III/5

III/6

III/7

Code

Requirements

Ref

Personal

A-VI/

Survival

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

1-1

Techniques

Fire Prevention

A-VI/

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

& Fire Fighting

1-2

Elementary

A-VI/

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

First Aid

1-3

Personal Safety

A-VI/

& Social

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

1-4

Responsibility

Proficiency in

Survival Craft

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

A-VI/2

& Rescue

Boats

Advanced Fire

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

A-VI/3

Fighting

Medical First

A-VI/

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

Aid

4-1

Leadership &

⸱

⸱

A-III/1

Teamwork

Use of

Leadership &

⸱

⸱

A-III/2

Managerial

Skills

Medical

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

⸱

A-I/9

Fitness

3A. Specific Requirements – Radio Operators

Radio Operator

3A.1 Every candidate shall

3A.1.1 be not less than 18 years of age;

3A.1.2 have completed approved education and training and meet

the standard of competence specified in section A-IV/2 of the STCW

Code.

4. Estimating Sea Service

4.1

The qualifying service specified for any particular deck

officer certificate of competence must be performed in the deck

department and is reckoned from the date of engagement to the date

of discharge. At least 6 months of the qualifying service must have

been performed within the five years preceding the application.

4.2

Except where otherwise specified qualifying service

required for all certificates of competence is service performed in

ships which proceed to sea and are actively engaged in commercial

trading. Certain kinds of non-trading service may be accepted in

part in lieu of a limited amount of service in trading vessels,

alternatively the certificate of competence will be limited, either

temporarily or permanently, for service only on certain types of

ships or trades.

4.3

Qualifying service means time spent on board ship

reckoned from the date of engagement to the date of discharge from

a ship. Subject to verification by the Registrar-General as and when

necessary, certificates of discharge will be accepted as proof of sea

service. Where watchkeeping service is required, candidates must

prove by the production of certificates signed by the masters of the

vessels in which they have served that they acted as watchkeeping

officers for not less than 8 hours out of every 24 hours service

claimed.

4.4

Candidates, including cadets or trainee deck officers,

for certification as officer of a navigational watch are required to

produce a statement from the master(s) under whom the candidate

has served or from their employer(s) that during their sea service at

least 6 months have been spent on duties associated with bridge

watchkeeping under the supervision of a certificated officer; these

duties may include keeping a lookout on the bridge or acting as

helmsman but these tasks should not exceed 2 months out of the

required 6 months.

4.5

Proof of sea service that cannot be verified by the

Registrar-General must be confirmed by the master and either by

the consular officer or by some other recognised official authority

of the foreign country, or by some responsible person having

personal knowledge of the facts to be established. The production

of such proofs will not necessarily be deemed sufficient.

4.6

Service in non-trading vessels may result in a

limitation as to use being placed on the certificate of competence

issued.

4.7

Service performed in deep sea fishing vessels, for

periods in excess of 24 hours, may count in full towards the

qualifying service for certification as officer in charge of a

navigational watch, but candidates must, in addition, have served

for at least 6 months in trading vessels.

4.8

Service in marine craft of the Armed Forces of Malta

and other similar vessels which regularly proceed to sea will count

in full towards the qualifying service for certification as officer of a

navigational watch, but candidates must, in addition, have served

for at least 6 months in trading vessels.

4.9

Service in cable ships, sail training vessels, fishery

cruisers, research vessels, salvage vessels, navigational aids

tenders and other vessels engaged in similar activities will be

counted in full if the time actually spent at sea constitutes or

exceeds two-thirds of the total period of service on board ship. If

the actual sea service falls below this proportion one and one-half

times the actual sea service will be counted as qualifying service.

Candidates will be required to produce, in addition to the evidence

of sea service required of all candidates, a statement or certificate

from the owners of the ship showing the amount of time actually

spent at sea.

4.10

Service standing by a new vessel during the final stages

of co ns t ru c ti on , pr o vid e d th a t an o ff ic e r is the h old e r o f a

certificate of competence as Chief Mate and subsequently serves in

such a vessel on the maiden voyage, will count in full towards the

qualifying service for certificate of competence as Master, up to a

maximum of 6 months.

4.11

Documentary evidence of service in hovercraft,

hydrofoils and other high-speed craft should be submitted to the

Registrar-General for consideration.

4.12

Approved training programmes include an agreed

element of sea service, however, for candidates who do not follow

an approved programme the requirements for 36 months sea service

for certificates of competence may be reduced in respect of

equivalent educational and training arrangements. Candidates for

officer in charge of a navigational watch certificates with either

high academic achievement or relevant technical training may

attract a maximum of 12 months reduction of sea service. The

amount allowed will be determined by the Registrar-General on a

case by case basis.

4.13

The qualifying service specified for any particular

engineer officer certificate of competence must be performed in the

engine room department and is reckoned from the date of

engagement to the date of discharge. At least six months of the

qualifying service must have been performed within the five years

preceding the application. Except where there are particular

limitations or where relaxations are specifically allowed, at least a

portion of the qualifying sea service must be served as a

watchkeeping officer or as a designated duty engineer in a

periodically unmanned engine room (UMS) of ships powered by

main propulsion machinery of 750kW propulsion power, or more.

4.14

Service performed in ships where for considerable

periods the main propulsion machinery is not used, is reckoned as

one and a half times the number of days actually spent under way,

but in no case can it exceed the time served under a crew

agreement. In such cases the testimonials produced in accordance

with paragraph 1.9 of this Schedule must state the number of days

actually spent under way with the main propulsion machinery in

full use.

4.15

Watchkeeping service on auxiliary machinery will be

counted in full towards the overall minimum sea service required.

However, such service will not be accepted as counting towards the

minimum required to be spent as officer in charge on main

propulsion machinery.

4.16

Engineering work carried out at sea, other than that

performed on regular watch, will be counted in full towards the

overall minimum sea service required. However, such service will

not be accepted as counting towards the minimum required to be

spent in watchkeeping on main propulsion machinery.

4.17

Service in ships operating in coastal waters, may be

accepted at half rate.

4.18

Service in self-propelled offshore units where the unit

is undertaking seagoing passages or well shifts or when it is

engaged in maintaining a fixed station by continuous use of the

main propulsion machinery, will be accepted at full rate.

4.18.1 Service in self-propelled offshore units where the unit

is fixed on station in either the drilling or service mode will be

accepted at full rate. Such service will be accepted, up to a

maximum of half the minimum required watchkeeping service, as

counting towards the minimum required to be spent in

watchkeeping or UMS duties on main propulsion machinery.

4.18.2 Service in an offshore unit, which is not self-propelled

but is termed a ship will be considered at half rate. However, such

service will not be accepted as counting towards the minimum

required to be spent in watchkeeping or UMS duties on main

propulsion machinery.

5. Eligibility and Applications for Examination.

5.1.

A person shall not be eligible to take the examination

referred to in paragraph 1.1 of this Schedule unless such person

has

5.1.1

performed the appropriate qualifying service at sea;

5.1.2

followed an approved course of nautical training.

5.2

All applications for examination for a certificate of

competence shall be made to the Registrar-General or to such other

person as the Registrar-General may direct.

5.3

An application to take the said examination shall be

made on a relevant form, which, subject to the provision of this

paragraph, shall be accompanied by

5.3.1

documentary evidence as to applicant’s date of birth;

5.3.2

certificate of discharge and such other certificates as

may be necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the Registrar-

General that the applicant has performed the necessary qualifying

service;

5.3.3

documentary evidence as to applicant’s identity;

5.3.4

a valid certificate, hereinafter referred to in this

Schedule as a pass sight test certificate, indicating success in an

eyesight test so conducted as to prove, to the satisfaction of the

Registrar-General that the applicant is able to reach acceptable

standards both of form and of colour vision

Provided that in special circumstances an application to take the

said examination, not accompanied by a valid pass sight certificate,

might be accepted and the applicant allowed to sit for the said

examination on condition that the examination shall be cancelled if

such a certificate is not produced to the Registrar-General within a

specified period which shall not exceed five months from the date

of the application, and on further condition that until such time as

such a certificate has been produced the applicant shall not be

considered as having passed the examination.

5.4

When all parts of the examination have been passed

and all ancillary qualifications and certificates obtained, they

should all be forwarded to the Registrar-General for the issue of the

appropriate certificate of competence.

6. Conduct of Examinations

6.1

The examinations and assessment for all certificates of

competence are to be conducted in such a way as to test the

candidates understanding of the under pinning knowledge and also

his/her level of competence. Examinations consist of written, oral

and where appropriate practical parts, the exceptions being those

for Master and Chief Engineer. The examination for Master and

Chief Engineer will then consist of the oral part only.

6.2

The written examinations for all certificates of

competence will in all cases be held at an approved nautical

college. It will be necessary for candidates to have completed

approved education and training and have obtained the appropriate

level of competence in their assessment.

6.3

The Registrar-General shall appoint suitable persons to

conduct examinations. The persons appointed to conduct oral

examinations shall hold a certificate of competence not below that

of Master or Chief Engineer as the case may be. Examiners for the

conduct of radio operator examinations shall be appointed by the

Registrar-General from an approved list of persons having a good

knowledge of ships and of maritime safety and search and rescue

matters, and holding a Maritime Radio-communication General

Certificate or an equivalent certificate, and either holding a GMDSS

General Operator ’s Certificate or having, in the opinion of the

Registrar-General, considerable experience in maritime

radiocommunications, including the GMDSS.

6.4

A candidate failing in the oral part of the examination

for any certificate of competence through serious weakness in

practical knowledge may, at the examiner’s discretion, be given a

time penalty which may include a requirement to complete a period

of sea service before becoming eligible for re-examination. A

candidate who does not appear for an oral examination at the

appointed time may be failed by default in the absence of

reasonable proof that failure to attend was unavoidable.

6.5

In the case of deck department personnel, a pass in

each part of every examination, i.e. written, oral and, where

appropriate, signals where more than one part is involved will

remain valid for a period of three years. Engine Department

personnel must pass their Engineering Knowledge and their oral

examinations within a three-year period. Passes in the academic

written examinations remain valid indefinitely.

7. Examination Syllabi

7.1

The syllabi for all certificates of competence for deck,

engineering and electro technical officers are those specified in

section A-II/1, A-II/2, A-II/3 and A-III/1, A-III/2, A-III/3 and A-

III/6 respectively of the STCW Code.

(1)

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise

requires -

"the 2001 Regulations" means the Merchant Shipping (Training

and Certification) Regulations and the Merchant Shipping (A.B.

and E.D.H. Certificates) Regulations;

''the Act'' means the Merchant Shipping Act;

"approved" means approved by the Registrar-General;

"assistant engineer officer" means a person under training to

become an engineer officer;

"CEPT" means the European Conference of Postal and

Telecommunication Administrations;

"certificate of competence" means an appropriate certificate

issued by the Registrar-General for the purposes of regulation 3;

"certificate of proficiency" means a certificate, other than a

certificate of competence issued to a seafarer, stating that the

relevant requirements of training, competencies or seagoing service

in the Convention have been met;

"Convention" means the International Convention on Standards

of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, signed

in London on 7th July 1978, including any amendments or protocol

related thereto as may from time to time be ratified, acceded to or

accepted by the Government of Malta and other instruments,

standards and specifications of a mandatory nature related thereto

adopted or developed by the International Maritime Organization;

"documentary evidence" means documentation, other than a

certificate of competence or certificate of proficiency, as may be

requested by the Registrar-General to establish that the relevant

requirements of the Convention have been met;

*see regulation 1(3) of these Regulations, as originally promulgated.

"ECC" means the Electronic Communications Committee within

CEPT;

"E.D.H." means efficient deck hand;

"electro technical officer cadet" means an electro technical

officer cadet or a trainee electro technical officer undergoing a

course of training to the satisfaction of the Registrar-General;

"engineering officer cadet" means an engineer officer cadet or a

trainee engineer officer undergoing a course of training to the

satisfaction of the Registrar-General;

"fast rescue boat" means a boat which is not less than 6 metres in

length and not more than 8.5 metres in length; and capable of

manoeuvring for at least four hours at a speed of at least 20 knots in

calm water with a suitably qualified crew of three persons and at

least 8 knots with a full complement of persons and equipment;

"GMDSS" means the Global Maritime Distress and Safety

System;

"GMDSS Certificate" means the GMDSS General Operator ’s

Certificate (GOC) or the GMDSS Restricted Operator’s Certificate

(ROC);

"GT" means gross tonnage;

"IGF Code" means the International Code of Safety for Ships using

Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels, as defined in SOLAS 74

Regulation II-1/2.29;

"kW" means kilowatt;

"major ship" means a ship having, in the case of a sailing ship, a

gross tonnage of 40 or more and, in the case of any other ship, a

gross tonnage of 100 or more;

"minor ship" means a ship (not being a ship having a gross

tonnage of less than 15) having, in the case of a sailing ship, a gross

tonnage of less than 40 and, in the case of any other ship, a gross

tonnage of less than 100;

"month" means a calendar month or thirty days made up of

periods of less than one month;

"navigating officer cadet" means a navigating officer cadet or a

trainee deck off icer undergoing a c ou rs e of tr a in in g t o the

satisfaction of the Registrar-General;

"near-coastal voyages" means a voyage during which a vessel is

within a distance not farther than 200 nautical miles from the point

of departure;

"passenger ship" shall have the same meaning as is assigned to it

in the Act;

"Polar Code" means the International Code for Ships Operating

in Polar Waters, as defined in SOLAS 74 Regulation XIV/1.1;

"Polar waters" means Arctic waters and, or the Antarctic area, as

defined in SOLAS 74 Regulations XIV/1.2 to XIV/1.4;

"propulsion power" means the total maximum continuous rated

output power, in kilowatts, of all the ship’s main propulsion

machinery which appears on the ship’s certificate of registry or

other official document;

"P.S.C. & R.B." means proficiency in survival craft and rescue

boats other than fast rescue boats;

"radio duties" include watchkeeping and technical maintenance

and repairs conducted in accordance with the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS), as

amended and, at the discretion of the Registrar-General;

"radio operator" means a person holding an appropriate

certificate issued or recognised by the Registrar-General , engaged

on ships operating in the GMDSS as prescribed by the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended;

"Registrar-General" shall have the same meaning as is assigned to it

in the Act;

"rescue boat" means a boat designed to rescue persons in distress

and to marshal survival craft;

"restricted area" means the waters between one island and

another of any archipelago or within any territorial waters but

outside harbour;

"STCW Code" means the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping Code adopted by the 1995 Conference of Parties to

the Convention, as amended;

"survival craft" means a craft capable of sustaining the lives of

persons in distress from the time of abandoning the ship.

"VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC)" is a certificate related to

Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile Satellite Services according to

Radio Regulations as well as other international and national

regulations;

"yacht" means a vessel propelled by sail or motor, mainly used for

leisure activities in recreational and, or commercial operations.

(2) Unless otherwise defined in the Act, or in these regulations

or unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions

used in these regulations shall have the same meaning assigned to

them in the Convention and in Directive 2008/106/EC, in their latest

amended versions.

(3) Any reference in these regulations to an international

convention or its related protocol or code shall include a reference

to any amendments to such convention, protocol or code accepted

by the Government of Malta.

Regulations 8 and 12

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FURTHER TRAINING

AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. All seamen shall receive familiarization and basic safety

training or instruction in accordance with section A-VI/1 of the

STCW Code and shall meet the appropriate standard of competence

specified therein.

1.1

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.

1.2

Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph 1 in

Basic Training shall be required, every five years, to provide

evidence of having maintained the required standard of

competence, to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities

listed in column 1 of tables A-VI/1-1 and A-VI/1-2 of the STCW

Code.

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.

3. 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

3.1

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

3.2

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.

4. 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.

5. Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for

oil tanker cargo operations shall

5.1

meet the requirements for certification in basic training

for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations; and

5.2

while qualified for certification in basic training for oil

and chemical tanker cargo operations, have

5.3

at least three months of approved seagoing service on oil

tankers, or

5.4

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; and

5.5

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.

6. 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.

7. Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for

chemical tanker cargo operations shall

7.1

meet the requirements for certification in basic training

for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations; and

7.2

while qualified for certification in basic training for oil

and chemical tanker cargo operations, have

7.3

at least three months of approved seagoing service on

chemical tankers, or

7.4

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; and

7.5

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.

8. 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.

9. 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

9.1

at least three months of approved seagoing service on

liquefied gas tankers and meet the standard of comp etence

specified in section A-V/1-2, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code; or

9.2

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.

10. 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.

11. Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for

liquefied gas tanker cargo operations shall

11.1 meet the requirements for certification in basic training

for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations; and

11.2 while qualified for certification in basic training for

liquefied gas tanker cargo operations, have

11.3 at least three months of approved seagoing service on

liquefied gas tankers, or

11.4 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; and

11.5 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.

12. An appropriate certificate shall be issued to masters,

o ff i c e r s a n d r a t i n g s w h o a r e q u a l i f i e d i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h

paragraphs 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 or have their existing certificate

endorsed.

13. Prior to being assigned shipboard duties on board

passenger ships, seafarers shall have completed the training

required by paragraphs 14A to 18 below in accordance with their

capacity, duties and responsibilities.

14. Seafarers who are required to be trained in accordance

wi th paragraphs 16, 17 an d 18 below sh all , at i ntervals 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.

14A. Personnel serving on board passenger ships shall complete

passenger ship emergency familiarisation appropriate to their capacity,

duties and responsibilities as specified in section A-V/2 paragraph 1 of

the STCW Code.

15. Personnel providing direct service to passengers in

passenger spaces on board passenger ships shall complete the safety

training specified in section A-V/2 paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.

16. Masters, officers, ratings qualified in accordance with

chapters II, III and VII and other personnel designated on the muster

list to assist passengers in emergency situations on board passenger

ships, shall complete passenger ship crowd management training as

specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 3 of the STCW Code.

A person is qualified as an officer for the purposes of

article 90(1) of the Act if such person holds a certificate of

competence issued or recognised and endorsed in terms of these

regulations in one of the following capacities

Master

Chief mate

Officer in charge of a navigational watch

Chief engineer officer

Second engineer officer

Officer in charge of an engineering watch

Electro technical officer,

Radio operator.

Issue of E.D.H. Certificates

1. An E.D.H. certificate shall be issued by the Registrar-

General on payment of the prescribed fee, to any person who,

subject to the provisions set out in this Schedule

1.1

has attained the age of 17 years;

1.2

has successfully completed the following basic training

which meets the requirements of section A-VI/1.2 of the STCW

Code

1.2.1

Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code Table A-VI/

1-1);

1.2.2 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code Table A-

VI/1-2);

1.2.3

Elementary First Aid (STCW Code Table A-VI/1-3);

1.2.4 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code

Table A-VI/1-4);

1.3

obtained a navigational watch rating certificate after

meeting the requirements of section A-II/4 of the STCW Code or

holds a steering certificate;

1.4

has performed the appropriate sea-service.

2. Qualifying service at sea

2.1

A 12 month period of sea service in the deck department

is a pre- requisite for taking the qualifying examination for the

issue of an E.D.H. Certificate. Ratings who have sea-service

limited to High Speed Craft (HSC) or Mobile Offshore Units

(MOUs) may be issued with an E.D.H. certificate limited for

service on HSC or MOUs as appropriate. This limitation will be

removed if the holder completes not less than 6 months service on a

conventional ship. Application for the removal of this limitation

should be made to the Registrar-General.

2.2

Qualifying sea service shall be all periods of service at

sea, in ships of not less than 15 gross tonnage.

2.3

In calculating such service the following criteria shall be

adopted

2.3.1 service in a major ship in a restricted area and in a minor

ship outside a restricted area shall count as one half of the period so

served, while service in a minor ship in a restricted area shall be

disregarded;

2.3.2 every period of qualifying service shall include a

proportion of service in a major ship, other than a fishing vessel,

trading outside a restricted area, amounting to not less than twenty

five per cent;

2.3.3 the length of every period of actual service in a ship shall

be calculated separately from the day of its commencement to the

day of its termination, both days included;

2.3.4 every day of actual service in a ship shall be treated as

one-thirtieth of a month of actual service.

3. Application for and Conduct of Examinations

3.1

Applications to take examinations or for the issue of

certificates in terms of these regulations shall be made to the

Registrar-General on the appropriate form accompanied by such

evidence as may be required as proof of the attainment of the

relative qualifications set out in this Schedule.

3.2

If not satisfied of the eligibility of the applicant, the

Registrar-General shall inform the applicant accordingly stating the

grounds on which the application is refused.

3.3

The conduct of examinations and the appointment of

examiners shall be the responsibility of the Registrar-General.

3.4

The examiners shall be appointed from among holders of

a Master Certificate of Competence.

3.5

The syllabus of the qualifying examinations is set out in

the Appendix to this Schedule.

Appendix

Syllabus for the Qualifying Examinations

1. E.D.H. Certificate

1.1

The meaning of common nautical terms.

1.2

duties of a bridge lookout and the reporting of lights and

objects;

1.3

knowledge of the compass card in 360° notation (holders

of Watch Rating and Steering Certificates will not be examined on

this section)

1.4

understand helm orders (holders of steering certificates

will not be examined on this section)

1.5

understand the importance of musters and drills and

know what action to take on hearing alarm signals;

1.6

understand the general agreement and the dangers of

fixed smothering systems;

1.7

understand correct operation, precautions and dangers of

lifeboat release gear;

1.8

understand the procedures for boat preparation and

launching;

1.9

understand the precautions to be observed when

maintaining lifeboats and davits;

1.10

understand the importance of fire and watertight doors;

1.11

common knots, bends and hitches including

reef knot, timber hitch, clove hitch, bowline, bowline on the

bight, sheet bend, double sheet bend, sheepshank, rolling hitch,

round hitch, round turn and two half hitches, figure of eight knot,

fisherman’s bend, monkey’s fist, wall and crown knot;

1.12

common splices including

eye splice in eight strand plaited rope; eye, back and short splice

in three strand rope; eye splice with locking tuck in wire rope;

1.13

parcel and serve a splice;

1.14

whippings and seizings;

1.15

care, use and storage of ropes and wire;

1.16

the correct fitting of wire grips (e.g. ‘bulldog’ grips);

1.17

use and selection of stoppers for wires and ropes;

1.18

slinging of stages and bosun’s chair;

1.19

rigging of pilot ladders, gangways and accommodation

ladders;

1.20

rigging of a hydrostatic release unit;

1.21

rigging a derrick;

1.22

securing the deck for severe weather;

1.23 opening and closing of hatches and watertight doors

including bow, stern and other shell doors;

1.24

marking of anchor cables.

1.25 Good working knowledge of safe working practices

relevant to a seaman’s duties and responsibilities. Reference in the

sections below to the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant

Seamen (COSWP) published in 1988 in the United Kingdom serves

as a guideline.

Duty and Responsibility

Relevant

section of

COSWP

Protective clothing and equipment

chapter 4

Safety signs and to include standard signs and colours chapter 5

for dangerous goods, pipe lines, fire extinguishers

and gas cylinders

Safety introduction

chapter 8

Fire precautions

chapter 9

Emergency procedure

chapter 10,

sections 1-6

Safe movement on board ship

chapter 13

Working aloft and outboard

chapter 15,

sections 1-6

Work in machinery spaces

chapter 15,

sections 7-

Permit of work

chapter 16,

sections 1-2

Enclosed spaces

chapter 17,

sections 1-5

& 8-11

Boarding arrangements

chapter 18

Manual lifting and carrying

chapter 19

Use of work equipment

chapter 20,

sections 1-4

& 7-10

Lifting plant

chapter 21,

sections 1-7

& annex

21.1

Hydraulic & pneumatic equipment

chapter 22,

section 10

Batteries

chapter 22,

section 16

Anchoring and mooring

chapter 25

Hatches

chapter 26

These regulations provide for the issue of appropriate

certificates of competence for any officer serving in the capacity

set out in column 1 of the table below. A person shall only be

entitled to be issued with such an appropriate certificate if such

person complies with the criteria in regulations annexed to the

Convention set out in column 2 of the table in relation to that entry

and in accordance with the conditions set out in the First Schedule.

TABLE OF CRITERIA FOR APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATES

Column 1

Column 2

Master and Deck Department

Regulations

annexed to the

STCW Convention

Officer in charge of a navigational watch on Regulation II/1

ships of 500 GT or more

Officer in charge of a navigational watch on Regulation II/1

yachts less than 3000GT

Master or chief mate on ships of 3000 GT or Regulation II/2

more

Master or chief mate on ships of between 500 Regulation II/2

GT and 3000 GT

Master on yachts less than 500 GT

Regulation II/2

Officer in charge of a navigational watch on Regulation II/3

ships of less than 500 GT engaged on near-

coastal voyages

Master on ships of less than 500 GT engaged Regulation II/3

on near- coastal voyages

Engine Department

Regulations

annexed to the

STCW Convention

Officer in charge of an engineering watch in a Regulation III/1

manned engine room, or designated duty

engineer officer in a periodically unmanned

engine room, on a ship powered by main

propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion

power or more

Chief engineer officer or second engineer Regulation III/2

officer on a ship powered by main propulsion

machinery of 3000 kW propulsion power or

more

Chief engineer officer or second engineer Regulation III/3

officer on a ship powered by main propulsion

m a c hi ne ry o f be t wee n 750 a nd 30 00 k W

propulsion power

Electro technical officer serving on a seagoing Regulation III/6

ship powered by main propulsion machinery

of 750 kW propulsion power or more

Radio operator

Regulation IV/2

Issue of VHF Short Range Certificate (SRC)

1. A person shall only qualify for a VHF (SRC) if such

person

(a)

is at least sixteen years of age; and

(b)

demonstrates in an approved manner knowledge

and understanding of and proficiency in the material specified

in the syllabus annexed to the latest version of CEPT/ECC

Recommendation 31-04 on the harmonised CEPT examination

procedures for the short range certificate for non-SOLAS

vessels.

2. The provisions of the First Schedule relating to the

certification and examination shall apply mutatis mutandis to this

Schedule.

3. The Registrar-General may recognize a VHF (SRC) if

satisfied that the requirements for the issue of such certificate are

equivalent to the provisions of paragraph 1 above and the system of

record keeping maintained by the issuing authority of the certificate is,

in the opinion of the Registrar-General, equally efficient to the system

of record keeping maintained in terms of the provisions of regulation

10 (6).

These regulations also provide for the issue of appropriate

certificates for any seafarer serving in the capacity set out in

column 1 of the table below. A person shall only be entitled to be

issued with such an appropriate certificate if such person complies

with the criteria in regulations annexed to the Convention set out in

column 2 of the table in relation to that entry and in accordance

with the conditions set out in the First Schedule.

TABLE OF CRITERIA FOR APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATES

Column 1

Column 2

Deck Department

Regulations

annexed to the

STCW Convention

Rating forming part of a navigational watch Regulation II/4

on a seagoing ship of 500 GT or more

Able seafarer deck serving on a seagoing ship Regulation II/5

of 500 GT or more

Engine Department

Regulations

Annexed to the

STCW Convention

Rating forming part of an engine room watch Regulation III/4

or designated to perform duties in a

periodically unmanned engine room on a

seagoing ship powered by main propulsion

machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or

more

Able seafarer engine serving on a seagoing Regulation III/5

ship powered by main propulsion machinery

of 750 kW propulsion power or more

Electro technical rating serving on a seagoing Regulation III/7

ship powered by main propulsion machinery

of 750 kW propulsion power or more

Other Certificates

Regulations

Annexed to the

STCW Convention

Proficiency in basic safety training

Regulation VI/1

Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats Regulation VI/2

other than fast rescue boats

Proficiency in fast rescue boats

Regulation VI/2

Proficiency in advanced fire fighting

Regulation VI/3

Proficiency in medical first aid

Regulation VI/4

Proficiency in medical care

Regulation VI/4

Proficiency as ship security officer

Regulation VI/5

Proficiency in security awareness for all Regulation VI/6

seafarers

Proficiency in designated security duties

Regulation VI/6

P r o fi c ie nc y i n ba s i c t r a i n i ng f o r o i l a n d Regulation V/1-1.1

chemical tanker cargo operations –

Proficiency in advanced training for oil tanker Regulation V/1-1.3

cargo operations –

Proficiency in advanced training for chemical Regulation V/1-1.5

tanker cargo operations –

Proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas Regulation V/1-2.1

tanker cargo operations –

Proficiency in advanced training for liquefied Regulation V/1-2.3

gas tanker cargo operations –

Proficiency in basic training for service on ships Regulation V/3.4

subject to the IGF Code –

Proficiency in advanced training for service on Regulation V/3.7

ships subject to the IGF Code –

Proficiency in basic training for ships operating Regulation V/4.1

in Polar Waters –

Proficiency in advanced training for ships Regulation V/4.3

operating in Polar Waters –

Declaration of secrecy of correspondence

(Paragraph 1.13 of the First Schedule)

I,_________________do solemnly and sincerely declare that I

(a)

only intercept or receive, however so described,

radiocommunications which are either intended for the general

use of the public or directed to the vessel on which the

radiocommunications apparatus operated by me is installed;

and

(b)

not divulge the contents, simple disclosure of the

MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)

existence or publication, however so described, without

authorization of received or intercepted communications by

means of the use of radiocommunications apparatus referred to

in (a) above.

Date ________________

Signature of Declarant ________________________

Any person designated to perform watchkeeping duties in a

manned or periodically unmanned engine room on a ship powered

by main propulsion machinery of 350kW propulsion power, or

more, but less than 750kW shall be the holder of one of the

engineering certificates of competence referred to in regulation 4.

(1) No person engaged on a Maltese ship shall be rated as

E.D.H. unless such person is in possession of a certificate as

E.D.H. issued or recognized under these regulations.

(2) The procedure and conditions for the issue of an E.D.H.

certificate provided for in these regulations shall be as set out in the

Third Schedule.

(1)No person shall operate VHF (SRC) apparatus unless

such person is in possession of a VHF Short Range Certificate

issued or recognized under these regulations.

(2) The procedure and conditions for the issue of a VHF Short

Range Certificate provided for in these regulations shall be as set out

in the Fourth Schedule.

Masters, officers and ratings on board ships should also

meet the applicable mandatory requirements pertaining to training

and qualifications set out in the Second Schedule.

(1) The Registrar-General may recognise a certificate of

competence issued by or under the authority of another Party to the

Convention to any officer referred to in regulation 3 if satisfied that

the requirements of the Convention concerning standards of

training, competence, the issue and endorsement of certificates and

record keeping are fully complied with.

(2) Where the Registrar-General recognises a certificate of

competence pursuant to sub-regulation (1), the Registrar-General

shall, on payment of the prescribed fee, endorse such certificate

accordingly.

(3) The Registrar-General may recognise any other certificate

issued by or under the authority of another Party to the Convention

if satisfied that the requirements of the Convention concerning

standards of training, competence, the issue and endorsement of

certificates and record keeping are fully complied with.

(4) Certificates issued by or under the authority of a non-Party

to the Convention shall not be recognised.

(5) The Registrar-General may withdraw or suspend the

recognition of a certificate effected in terms of these regulations.

(1) Certificates and endorsements under these regulations

shall be issued by the Registrar-General on payment of the

prescribed fee.

(2) Certificates and endorsements shall be issued bearing the

date when the applicant has satisfied all the requirements set out in

these regulations for the issue of such certificate or endorsement.

(3) Certificates of competence and endorsements shall be

issued in the form required by regulation I/2 in the Annex to the

Convention.

(4) Certificates and endorsements shall remain valid for

seagoing service only so long as the holder can comply with the

standards and conditions as to medical fitness and professional

competence as specified by the Registrar-General to act in the

appropriate capacity.

(5) Where the holder of a certificate is issued with an

appropriate certificate at a higher level, the first-mentioned

certificate shall first be surrendered to the Registrar-General for

cancellation.

(6) A record of all certificates and endorsements which are

issued under these regulations, have expired or have been

revalidated, suspended, cancelled, or reported lost or destroyed and

any alteration of or any other matter affecting any such certificates

or endorsements, shall be kept by the Registrar-General.

(7) The Registrar-General shall make available information on

the status of certificates or endorsements issued under these

regulations to other Parties to the Convention and companies

requesting information for the purposes of paragraph 15 of

regulation I/2 in the Annex to the Convention.

(8) The Registrar General, following a breach of these

regulations, may temporarily or permanently withdraw or suspend any

certificate issued under these regulations with immediate effect.

In the case of a certificate of competence issued by the

R e g is t r a r- G e n e r a l, t he ce rt i fi c a t e s h a ll be en d or s e d b y t he

Registrar-General in accordance with the Convention if satisfied

that the holder of the certificate complies with the requirements of

regulation 4 and with the conditions set out in the First Schedule.

(1) The certificate or endorsement of a master or other

officer issued under regulation 3 shall not be valid for seagoing

service unless revalidated at intervals not exceeding five years to

establish continued professional competence in accordance with

section A-I/11 of the STCW Code.

(2) For continuing seagoing service on ships referred to in the

Second Schedule, every master and officer shall successfully

complete approved relevant training at intervals not exceeding five

years.

(1) If a certificate or endorsement issued under these

regulations is lost or destroyed, the holder thereof shall, as soon as

practicable, notify the Registrar-General, who shall, if satisfied that

it has been so lost or destroyed, issue a copy of the certificate or

endorsement, so marked, against payment of the prescribed fee, and

such certificate shall have the same effect as the certificate

originally issued.

(2) Any certificate notified as aforesaid as lost or destroyed

shall, if subsequently recovered, be delivered forthwith to the

Registrar-General.

The provisions of article 98 of the Act shall apply in

relation to certificates issued or recognised under these regulations,

and to any certificate or document referred to in these regulations.

Any matter relating to certificates and endorsements not

provided for in these regulations shall be governed by the provisions

of the Convention, the STCW Code and Directive 2008/106/EC in

their latest amended versions, as the case may be.

Any certificate of competency issued under the 2001

Regulations * shall retain its full validity until such time that the

holder of the relevant certificate undergoes appropriate training to

comply with the requirements of the Convention and is issued with

a certificate of competence under these regulations, but in no case

beyond the 31st December 2016.

Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second

engineer officers and any person designated on the muster list of

having responsibility for the safety of passengers in emergency

situations on board passenger ships shall complete approved training

in crisis management and human behaviour as specified in section A-

V/2, paragraph 4 of the STCW Code.

Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second

engineer officers and every person assigned immediate responsibility

for embarking and disembarking passengers, for loading, discharging

or securing cargo, or for closing hull openings on board ro-ro

passenger ships, shall complete approved training in passenger safety,

cargo safety and hull integrity as specified in section A-V/2, paragraph

5 of the STCW Code.

Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and

qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on

ships subject to the IGF Code.

All seafarers serving on board ships subject to the IGF

Code shall, prior to being assigned shipboard duties, receive

appropriate ship and equipment specific familiarization as specified

in Regulation I/14, paragraph 1.5. of the Convention.

Seafarers responsible for designated safety duties

associated with the care, use or in emergency response to the fuel

on board ships subject to the IGF Code shall hold a certificate in

basic training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code.

Every candidate for a certificate in basic training for

service on ships subject to the IGF Code shall have completed basic

training in accordance with the provisions of section A-V/3,

paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.

Masters, engineer officers and all personnel with

immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels and fuel

systems on ships subject to the IGF Code shall hold a certificate in

advanced training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code.

Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for

service on ships subject to the IGF Code shall, while holding the

Certificate of Proficiency described in paragraph 18B, have

18E.1 completed approved advanced training for service on

ships subject to the IGF Code and meet the standard of competence

as specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code; and

18E.2 completed at least one month of approved seagoing

service that includes a minimum of three bunkering operations on

board ships subject to the IGF Code. Two of the three bunkering

operations may be replaced by approved simulator training on

bunkering operations as part of the training in paragraph 18E.1

above.

Seafarers holding Certificates of Proficiency in

accordance with paragraph 18B or 18D above 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.

Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and

qualifications of masters and deck officers on ships operating in

polar waters.

Masters, chief mates and officers in charge of a

navigational watch on ships operating in polar waters shall hold a

certificate in basic training for ships operating in polar waters, as

required by the Polar Code.

Every candidate for a certificate in basic training for

ships operating in polar waters shall have completed an approved

basic training for ships operating in polar waters and meet the

standard of competence specified in section A-V/4, paragraph 1, of

the STCW Code.

Masters and chief mates on ships operating in polar

waters, shall hold a certificate in advanced training for ships

operating in polar waters, as required by the Polar Code.

Every candidate for a certificate in advanced training for

ships operating in polar waters shall

18J.1 meet the requirements for certification in basic training

for ships in polar waters;

18J.2 have at least two months of approved seagoing service in

the deck department, at management level or while performing

watch keeping duties at the operational level, within polar waters or

other equivalent approved seagoing service; and

18J.3 have completed approved advanced training for ships

operating in polar waters and meet the standard of competence

specified in section A-V/4, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.

Seafarers holding Certificates of Proficiency in accordance

with paragraph 18G or 18I above shall be required, at intervals not

exceeding five years, to establish continued professional competence

for ships operating in polar waters in accordance with section A-1/11,

paragraph 4 of the STCW Code.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in survival

craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats shall

19.1 be not less than 18 years of age;

19.2 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

19.3 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.

19.4 Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph 19 in

Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats shall

be required, every five years, to provide evidence of having

maintained the required standard of competence, to undertake the

tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-VI/2-

1 of the STCW Code.

20 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;

20.2 have attended an approved training course; and

20.3 meet the standard of competence for certificates of

proficiency in fast rescue boats, set out in sect ion A-VI/2,

paragraphs 7 to 10 of the STCW Code.

20.4 Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph 20 in Fast

Rescue Boats shall be required, every five years, to provide

evidence of having maintained the required standard of

competence, to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities

listed in column 1 of table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code.

Seafarers designated to control fire-fighting operations

shall have successfully completed advanced training in techniques

for fighting fire, with particular emphasis on organization, 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.

21.1 Where training in advanced fire fighting 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 fire fighting.

21.2 Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph 21 in

Advanced Fire Fighting shall be required, every five years, to

provide evidence of having maintained the required standard of

competence, to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities

listed in column 1 of table A-VI/3of the STCW Code.

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 to 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 to 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.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency as ship

security officer shall

25.1 have approved seagoing service of not less than 12

months or appropriate seagoing service and knowledge of ship

operations; and

25.2 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.

Seafarers shall receive security-related familiarization

and security-awareness training or instruction in accordance with

section A-VI/6, paragraphs 1 to 4 of the STCW Code and shall

meet the appropriate standard of competence specified therein.

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 a

course in security awareness training.

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.

This paragraph applies to masters and officers, ratings

and other personnel serving on board high speed craft which are

ships constructed on or after 1st January, 1996.

30.1 Prior to being assigned shipboard duties on board high

speed craft, masters, officers, ratings and other personnel shall

have completed the training specified in the Appendix to this

Schedule.

30.2 It shall be the duty of any person providing the training

referred to in this regulation to issue documentary evidence to

every person successfully completing such training.

Appendix

TRAINING OF PERSONNEL ON HIGH SPEED CRAFT

1. The training for the master and all officers having an

operational role on a high speed craft (HSC) must cover at least the

following subjects -

1.1

knowledge of all on-board propulsion and control

systems, including communication and navigational equipment,

steering, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and bilge and

fire pumping;

1.2

the failure mode of the control, steering and propulsion

systems and proper response to such failures;

1.3

handling characteristics of the craft and the limiting

operational conditions;

1.4

bridge communication and navigation procedures;

1.5

intact and damage stability and survivability of the craft

in damage condition;

1.6

location and use of the craft’s life-saving appliances,

including survival craft equipment;

1.7

location and use of escapes in the craft and the

evacuation of passengers;

1.8

location and use of fire protection and fire extinguishing

appliances and systems in the event of fire on board;

1.9

knowledge of all on-board propulsion and control

systems, including communication and navigational equipment,

steering, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and bilge and

fire pumping;

1.10 the failure mode of the control, steering and propulsion

systems and proper response to such failures;

1.11 handling characteristics of the craft and the limiting

operational conditions;

1.12 knowledge of all on-board propulsion and control

systems, including communication and navigational equipment,

steering, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and bilge and

fire pumping;

1.13 the failure mode of the control, steering and propulsion

systems and proper response to such failures;

1.14 handling characteristics of the craft and the limiting

operational conditions;

1.15

bridge communication and navigation procedures;

1.16 intact and damage stability and survivability of the craft

in damage condition;

1.17 location and use of the craft’s life-saving appliances,

including survival craft equipment;

1.18 location and use of escapes in the craft and the

evacuation of passengers;

1.19 location and use of fire protection and fire extinguishing

appliances and systems in the event of fire on board;

1.20 location and use of damage control appliances and

systems, including operation of watertight doors and bilge pumps;

1.21

cargo and vehicle stowage securement systems;

1.22 methods for control

of

and

communication

with

passengers in an emergency;

1.23

location and use of all other items in the training manual.

2. Ratings and other personnel employed on HSC must

undergo a training programme appropriate to their duties on board

and may be trained solely for HSC service without sea going

experience on other types of ships. This training should include the

familiarisation and appropriate basic training required by section

A-VI/1 of the STCW Code.