Seafarers FAQ
Seafarers FAQ's
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Please find a list of Seafarer frequently asked questions. If you do not find what you are looking for here please contact our Seafarer Training & Certification Department here.
Is the Cook Islands on the STCW White List?
Yes, the Cook Islands are party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended.
How are certificates issued by Maritime Cook Islands?
As of May 2021, Maritime Cook Islands has transitioned to electronic certificates in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines outlined in FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2. Please refer to Maritime Cook Islands Circular 248/2021 for further details.
How to verify the authenticity of seafarer certificates issued by the Cook islands?
Who is required to apply and hold Cook Islands endorsement certificates?
Deck and engineer officers, as well as radio operators as defined in Regulation I/1 of the STCW Convention, must possess STCW or equivalent documentation. Officers specified on the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC) for Cook Islands flagged vessels are required to obtain Cook Islands Endorsement Certificates prior to embarkation.
Which certificates are accepted for service aboard Cook Islands flagged vessels?
Maritime Cook Islands accepts all Certificates of Competency (CoC), Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) and Non-STCW Qualifications issued by states listed on the IMO STCW White List, with an exception of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Are there any nationality restrictions for seafarers serving on Cook Islands flagged vessels?
There are no nationality restrictions for seafarers employed on Cook Islands flagged vessels.
How do I apply for a Cook Islands endorsement?
Applications for Cook Islands endorsements can be submitted via the online endorsement application forms available here.
There are two online endorsement application forms available:
- STCW: For the endorsement of Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) issued in accordance with the STCW, as amended
- NON STCW: For the endorsement of qualifications (Non-STCW) issued in accordance with National legislation, recognized International Maritime Institutions (RYA) or similar.
What is the timeframe for receiving a Letter of Acknowledgement (LOA) after submitting my endorsement application?
Upon successful review of the application and supporting documents, a Letter of Acknowledgement (LOA) will be issued electronically to the email address provided on the endorsement application form within 24 hours. All applications are vetted by our Maritime Cook Islands Seafarer Training & Certification Department. The MSMC must be issued to the vessel to proceed with the endorsement process.
What is a Letter of Acknowledgement (LOA) and what does it allow me to do?
The LOA serves as documentary evidence allowing the seafarer to fulfill the intended capacity aboard the vessel immediately upon issuance. It is valid for 3 months, during which the Administration will complete the authentication, verification, and validation process.
How long does it take to receive the full-term Certificate of Endorsement after receiving the LOA?
Following the successful internal verification and settlement of the application invoice, the Cook Islands Certificate of Endorsement will be electronically issued within the 3-month validity period of the LOA.
If I serve aboard a tanker vessel, do I need to apply for endorsement of my tanker certificate?
Yes, all seafarers serving on tanker vessels must hold the appropriate Certificate of Proficiency as per Regulation V/1 of the STCW Convention. All Officers shall in addition, have the above mentioned Certificate of Proficiency endorsed by the flag.
Do I have to reapply for a new endorsement application if I have renewed my underlying Certificate of Competency?
Yes, a new endorsement application must be submitted if your Certificate of Competency has been revalidated or reissued.
Is it necessary to submit STCW basic safety training certificates (VI/1) along with advanced courses for endorsement applications?
Yes, all seafarers applying for Cook Islands endorsements must provide proof of STCW basic safety training certificates (VI/1) along with the necessary STCW advanced courses.
What is the payment procedure for a Cook Islands endorsement application?
Following the issuance of the LOA, invoices for endorsement applications will be issued against the vessel at the end of each month and must be settled prior to the issuance of the full-term endorsement certificate. Payment can be made via bank telegraphic transfers.
Is it necessary for ship security training certificates of officers serving on Cook Islands ships to be endorsed?
While it is required for all seafarers to hold a Ship Security Training certificate, endorsement of the Ship Security Officer Certificates of Proficiency is not mandatory but can be requested.
What is the process for applying for a Cook Islands Certificate of Competency / Certificate of Proficiency?
Cook Islands Certificates of Competency or Certificates of Proficiency are issued to seafarers who meet the necessary requirements and have completed training at an approved Cook Islands Maritime Training Institution (MTI).
All course requirements and requests for further information must be directed to the necessary approved Cook Islands MTI.
Which maritime training institutions (MTI) are approved by the Cook Islands?
- International Maritime Science Academy (IMS), Egypt
- Maritime Activities Consultants (MAC), Greece & India
- Poseidon Maritime Academy (PMA), Turkey
- Seafarers Training Center Inc. (STC), Panama
- SSM United – Ship Management Ltd, Croatia
- YAK Group, India
Further contact details for each MTI can be found here.
Is it mandatory for seafarers serving aboard a Cook Islands flagged vessel to hold a Seamans Discharge Book?
Yes, all seafarers intending to serve on Cook Islands flagged vessels must hold a Seamans Discharge Book. The Cook Islands accepts Seamans Discharge Books issued by foreign flags and does not require them to be issued in accordance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No.185.
How can I obtain a Cook Islands Seamans Discharge Book?
Applications must be submitted electronically via email to seafarers@maritimecookislands.com, including the following:
- Seamans Discharge Book application form (Form 60, available here)
- Valid passport copy
- Passport-sized photo
- Courier address for delivery
How long is a Cook Islands Seamans Discharge Book valid for?
A Cook Islands Seamans Discharge Book is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
How can I pay for my Cook Islands Seamans Discharge Book application?
Upon receiving all supporting documents and approval, an invoice will be issued for the application fee, which includes the cost of the book and courier fees. Payment can be made via bank telegraphic transfers.
Under what circumstances can a dispensation be issued?
Dispensations can be issued in exceptional circumstances provided that they do not endanger persons, property, or the environment. Examples include genuine cases of force majeure, such as death or incapacitation of a master or chief engineer. Logistical challenges in crewing a vessel with fully-qualified personnel do not qualify for dispensation.
What is the maximum period for which a dispensation can be issued?
A dispensation can be issued for a specified period not exceeding six months.
How do I apply for an STCW Dispensation?
To apply for an STCW Dispensation, you must complete the application form and send it via email to the Seafarer Training & Certification Department at seafarers@maritimecookislands.com.
The application should include a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the dispensation and the steps being taken to crew the ship with qualified personnel.
Who is required to hold a valid Medical Fitness Certificate for service on a Cook Islands flagged vessel?
All seafarers serving or intending to serve on Cook Islands flagged vessels must hold a valid medical fitness certificate issued by an approved medical practitioner. The certificate must certify the seafarer is fit for sea service as per the STCW Convention 1978, as amended, and the Maritime Labour Convention.
Which Medical Fitness Certificates are accepted by the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands accept Medical Certificates issued by approved medical practitioners, approved to conduct medical examinations and issue Medical Certificates, by the state of which they operate. These states must be a party to the STCW White List.