Recognition of non-Hong Kong certificates as equivalent to certificates of proficiency (CoP)

2023-01-09 10:48By： Xinde Marine News

The purpose of this Note is to advise the parties concerned on the recognition of non-Hong Kong certificates issued by, or under the authority of, the government of a state party of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW Convention), as equivalent to certificates of proficiency.

There is no nationality or residential requirements for seafarers (officers and ratings) serving on Hong Kong registered ships.

Officers, while serving on board Hong Kong registered ship, are required to hold respective classes of certificates of competency issued by Hong Kong, or Hong Kong Licences issued in recognition of certificates of competency issued by other maritime authorities in accordance with the STCW Convention.

Officers and ratings, while serving on board Hong Kong registered ship, are required to hold respective classes of certificates of proficiency issued by Hong Kong, or certificates of proficiency issued by other maritime authorities of a state party to the STCW Convention in accordance with the STCW Convention.

The Merchant Shipping Regulations provide provision of recognition of non-Hong Kong certificate (i.e. issued by other maritime authorities) as equivalent to certificate of proficiency. The relevant regulations are summarized as following :-

(a) Section 4C of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Engine Room Watch Ratings and Electro-technical Ratings) Regulation;
(b) Section 9 of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Tankers) Regulation;

(c)Section 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Navigational Watch) Regulation;

(d)Section 10 of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Certificates of Proficiency for Able Seafarers) Regulation;

(e)Section 12 of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Safety, Security and Designated Duties Training) Regulation;

(f)Section 9 of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Ships Using Low-flashpoint Fuels)

Regulation; and

(g)Section 9 of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Ships Operating in Polar Waters) Regulation.

In accordance with above relevant regulations, while the non-Hong Kong certificate of proficiency :-

(a) is issued by, or under the authority of, the government of a state party to the STCW Convention;
(b) is issued not on the basis of recognition by such a government of any certificate issued by another government; and
(c) shows that the holder of the non-Hong Kong certificate has satisfied the requirements mentioned in relevant regulations and STCW Convention.
Director of Marine may recognize the non-Hong Kong certificate as being equivalent to the certificate of proficiency for the purpose of relevant regulations.

While serving on Hong Kong registered ships, the officers and ratings holding above relevant certificates of proficiency shall keep the original certificates of proficiency on board the ship. They are not required to apply for certificates of proficiency from Marine Department of Hong Kong.

Any enquiries in relation to this Merchant Shipping Information Note may be directed to the Senior Surveyor of the Seagoing Examination and Mercantile Marine Office at telephone number (852) 2852 4383 or by e-mail to “sssem@mardep.gov.hk”.

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.

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