17-01-2012 Simplification of procedures for the recognition of certificates of competency

The Portuguese flag has reviewed the procedures of recognition of the certificates of competency of the crew, at management level, on board vessels flying the Portuguese flag, including those registered in MAR - Madeira's International Shipping Register.

The process has now been simplified, with the dispensation of exams under direct supervision of inspectors from the Portuguese maritime authority - IPTM, from the 1st of February onwards. Seafarers will now be provided with a booklet of the Portuguese maritime legislation with a detachable written exam, which must be filed and signed by the seafarer, with the additional signature by the master of the vessel, and sent back to the Portuguese authorities for evaluation.

These new procedures represent a welcomed simplification of this mandatory procedure introduced by paragraph 2, Rule I/10 of the STCW 78 Convention.

Circular nº 001_STCW_2012