Article 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Safe Manning, Hours of Work and Watchkeeping) Law 105(I) of 2000, requires that “Every Company is responsible and shall ensure that:

1. Every seafarer assigned to any of its ships holds, an appropriate certificate in respect of any function he is to perform on that ship.

2. Every seafarer on any of its ships has undergone training as specified in the Merchant Shipping (Issue and Recognition of Certificates and Marine Training) Law 109 (I) of 2000 and holds the relevant certificates and training documentary evidence.”

Contravention of the provision of the above Law is punishable with a fine varying from one hundred to five thousand Cyprus pounds depending on the seriousness of the contravention.

In view of the above, Companies are required to apply to the Cyprus Maritime Administration, for the issue of an endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate for each Master, Chief Officer, Officer in charge of a navigational watch, Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Officer in charge of an engine room watch and Radio Operator, serving on board their vessels, not later than the 1st November 2001.

It should be noted that the above requirement applies only to Masters and Officers holding valid certificates of competency issued in accordance with the relevant provisions of the STCW78 Convention as amended (STCW95 Certificates), by or on behalf of a competent Authority whose certificates of competency are recognised by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus at the time of the application.

As from the, 1st November 2001 Companies when employing new Masters and Officers holding valid STCW95 Certificates must apply to  the Cyprus Maritime Administration for the issue of an endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate, within 30 days from the engagement of such a seafarer on board a Cyprus flag vessel.

As from the, 1st January 2002 no Master or Officer shall serve on board Cyprus flag vessels without a valid STCW95 Certificate of competency and Cyprus Endorsement attesting the recognition of the non Cyprus Certificate (for holders of non Cyprus Certificates of competency) or a valid proof that an application for the issue of an endorsement has been made to the Cyprus Maritime Administration.

Notwithstanding the above, in exceptional circumstances, the Cyprus Maritime Administration may allow the continuation of the employment of Masters or Officers on board a Cyprus flag vessel without a valid STCW95 Certificate, until the 30th January 2002.

Companies are required to establish policies and maintain procedures to ensure compliance with the aforesaid requirements.

Application for the issue of an endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate

Documents to be submitted with each application for the issue of an endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate

Delivery of an endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate

Validity , Replacement and Renewal of an endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate

Rejection of an application for the issue of an endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate

Suspension and withdrawal of endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate

Proof of application for the issue of endorsement attesting the recognition of a non Cyprus Certificate

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