MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 234.17
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND 
CERTIFICATION) REGULATIONS
31st August, 2001
LEGAL NOTICE 197 of 2001.
Title.
(Training and Certification) Regulations.
Interpretation.
requires -
Cap. 234.
L.N. 71 of 1979.
of Deck Officers) Regulations, 1979;
''approved'' (and ''approved'' in the STCW Convention so far as
given effect by these regulations) means approved by the Registrar-
General;
''certificate of competence'' means an appropriate certificate
issued by the Registrar-General for the purposes of regulation 3
hereof;
''GT'' means gross tonnage;
''kW'' means kilowatt;
''near coastal voyages'' means a voyage during which a vessel is
never more than 200 nautical miles from the nearest coast;
''oil'' means petroleum in any form including crude oil, fuel oil,
sludge, oil refuse and refined products;
''passenger ship'' means a ship carrying more than 12 passengers;
''STCW Code'' means the Seafarers' Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping Code adopted by the 1995 Conference of Parties to
the STCW Convention;
''STCW Convention'' means the International Convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers, signed in London on 7th July, 1978;
''tanker'' means a chemical tanker, a liquefied gas tanker or an oil
tanker.
(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 STCW Convention.
(3) Any reference in these regulations to an international
convention or its related protocol or code shall include reference to
any amendments to such convention, protocol or code accepted by
the Government of Malta.
2 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
Qualification as an 
officer.
3. 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 recognized 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,
S.L.49.04
or if such person holds a GMDSS Certificate issued or recognized
and endorsed in terms of the Wireless Telegraphy (Certificates of
Operators) Regulations.
Grades and form of 
certificates of 
competence.
4. 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
STCW 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 any ship on
voyages not limited to near coastal voyages Regulation II/1
Master or chief mate on a ship of 3000 GT or more Regulation II/2
Master or chief mate on a ship of less than 3000 GT Regulation II/2
Master or chief mate on a ship of less than 3000 GT engaged
on near coastal voyages Regulation II/3
Officer in charge of a navigational watch on a ship of less than
500 GT engaged on near-coastal voyages Regulation II/3
Master on a ship of less than 500 GT engaged on near-coastal
voyages Regulation II/3
Engine Department Regulations 
annexed to the 
STCW 
Convention
Officer in charge of an engineering watch in a 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 Regulation III/1
Chief engineer officer or second engineer officer on a ship
powered by main propulsion machinery of 3000 kW propulsion
power or more Regulation III/2
Chief engineer officer or second engineer officer on a ship
powered by main propulsion machinery of between 750 and 3000
kW propulsion power Regulation III/3
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 3
Engineer officers 
in a manned or 
periodically 
unmanned engine 
room.
5. Any person designated to perform watchkeeping duties in a
manned or periodically unmanned engine room on a ship powered
by main propulsion machinery of 350 kW propulsion power, or
more, but less than 750 kW shall be the holder of one of the
engineering certificates of competence referred to in regulation 4
hereof.
Ratings.
watch on a ship of 500 GT or more, other than ratings
under training and ratings whose duties while on watch are
of an unskilled nature, shall hold a certificate issued or
recognised under these regulations.
( b ) No person shall be entitled to be issued with a
certificate as such a rating unless such person complies
with the criteria set out in regulation II/4.2 in the Annex to
the STCW Convention.
(2) ( a ) Every rating forming part of an engine room
watch or designated to perform duties in a periodically
unmanned engine room on a ship powered by main
propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or
more, other than ratings under training and ratings whose
duties while on watch are of an unskilled nature, shall hold
a certificate issued or recognised under these regulations.
( b ) No person shall be entitled to be issued with a
certificate as such a rating unless such person complies
with the criteria set out in regulation III/4.2 in the Annex
to the STCW Convention. 
Further training 
and qualifications.
7. 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.
Recognition of 
foreign certificates.
8. (1) The Registrar-General may recognise a certificate of
competence issued by or under the authority of another Party to the
STCW Convention to any officer referred to in regulation 3 if
satisfied that the requirements of the STCW 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 subregulation (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 STCW
Convention if satisfied that the requirements of the STCW
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 STCW Convention shall not be recognised.
(5) The Registrar-General may withdraw or suspend the
recognition of a certificate effected in terms of these regulations.
4 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
Form, date, 
validity, record and 
surrender of 
certificates or 
endorsements.
9. (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
STCW 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 STCW Convention and
companies requesting information for the purposes of paragraph
4.2 of regulation I/9 in the Annex to the STCW Convention.
Endorsement of 
certificates of 
competence issued 
by the Registrar-
General.
10. In the case of a certificate of competence issued by the
Registrar-General, the certificate shall be endorsed by the
Registrar-General in accordance with the STCW Convention if
satisfied that the holder of the certificate complies with the
requirements of regulations 4 and with the conditions set out in the
First Schedule.
Revalidation of 
certificates and 
endorsements.
11. (1) The certificate or endorsement of a master or other
officer issued under regulation 3 hereof 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
paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Second Schedule, every master and
officer shall successfully complete approved relevant training at
intervals not exceeding five years.
Lost or destroyed 
certificates.
12. (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.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 5
(2) Any certificate notified as aforesaid as lost or destroyed
shall, if subsequently recovered, be delivered forthwith to the
Registrar-General.
Forgery of 
certificates or 
documents.
13. 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.
Matters not 
provided for in 
these regulations.
14. Any matter relating to certificates and endorsements not
provided for in these regulations shall be governed by the
provisions of the STCW Convention or the STCW Code as the case
may be.
Saving.
Shipping (Certification of Deck Officers) Regulations, 1979 and
the Merchant Shipping (Certification of Marine Engineer Officers)
Regulations, 1981, which are revoked by these regulations - as
Master (Class 1 Deck), First-Mate (Class 2 Deck) and Second-Mate
(Class 3 Deck and Class 4 Deck) shall be equivalent to Master,
Chief Mate and Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch and, any
certificate of competency as First Engineer (Class 1 Engineer),
Second Engineer (Class 2 Engineer) and Class 3 and Class 4
Engineer shall be equivalent to Chief Engineer Officer, Second
Engineer Officer and Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch.
These certificates shall retain their full validity until such time that
the holder of the relevant certificate undergoes appropriate training
to comply with the requirements of the STCW Convention and is
issued with a certificate of competence under these regulations but
in no case beyond the 31st January, 2002:
Provided that certificates limited by tonnage, power or area
shall also retain their full validity until such time that the holder of
the relevant certificate undergoes appropriate training as shown in
the Third Schedule to these regulations and is issued with a
certificate of competence under these regulations but in no case
beyond the 31st January, 2002.
FIRST SCHEDULE
Regulations 4 and 10
PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF 
CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCE
Interpretation
For the purpose of this Schedule, unless the context
otherwise requires -
''navigating officer cadet'' means a navigating officer
cadet or a trainee deck 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.
6 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
2. General Requirements
Examinations. 1.1 Certificates of competence shall only be issued 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
approved by the Registrar-General in accordance with the
provisions of regulations I/6 and I/8 in the Annex to the STCW
Convention and relevant codes attached thereto;
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 STCW 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.
Particulars of sea 
service.
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.
Verification of 
service.
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.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 7
Calculation of 
service.
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.
Watchkeeping 
certificates and 
testimonials.
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 other responsible representative of the employer. These
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. A specimen form of certificate is shown at
Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 hereof.
Training record 
book.
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.
Deafness and other 
physical and 
mental disabilities.
1.11 If in the course of the oral examination the examiner
finds that a candidate is afflicted with deafness, with an
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,
the Registrar-General will consider the candidate for re-
examination.
Unsatisfactory 
conduct.
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.
2. Specific Requirements - Deck Officers
Sight test 
certificate.
2.1 A Sight Test Certificate shall indicate success in a sight
test so conducted as to prove, to the satisfaction of the Registrar-
8 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
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.
Officer in charge 
of a navigational 
watch - on ships of 
500 GT or more;
on ships of less 
than 500 GT not 
engaged on near 
coastal voyages;
on ships of less 
than 500 GT 
engaged on near 
coastal voyages.
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 which 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 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.
Master and chief 
mate on ships of 
3000 GT or more.
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;
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 First-Mate not issued in terms of the 1979
regulations, or issued in terms of the 1979 regulations but prior to
the 1st June 1989, 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.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 9
Master and chief 
mate - on ships of 
between 500 and 
3000 GT;
on ships of 
between 500 and 
3000 GT engaged 
on near coastal 
voyages;
on ships of less 
than 500 GT not 
engaged on near 
coastal voyages.
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, and
2.5.1.2 have approved sea going service of not less than twelve
months;
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;
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 ships of 
less than 500 GT 
engaged on near 
coastal voyages.
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.
Additional 
qualifications.
2.7 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 95 Regs)
Additional Training Requirements II II II II STCW
/1 /2 /3 /4 Code Ref
Personal Survival Techniques • • • A-VI/1-1
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting • • • A-VI/1-2
Elementary First Aid • • • A-VI/1-3
Personal Safety & Social Responsibility • • • A-VI/1-4
Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue
Boats • • A-VI/2
Advanced Fire Fighting • • A-VI/3
Medical First Aid • • A-VI/4-1
Medical Care • • A-VI/4-2
Radar & ARPA Simulator Training -
Operational Level • • A-II/1
Radar & ARPA Simulator Training -
Management Level • • A-II/2
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) • •
10 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
3. Specific Requirements - Engineering Officers
Initial training. 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.
Engineering officer 
cadet.
3.2.1 Each such candidate must have satisfactorily
completed one of the courses of engineer cadet training approved
by the Registrar-General.
Engineering 
craftsman.
3.2.2 Each such candidate must have satisfactorily
completed at least three years training in engineering craft practice
to the satisfaction of the Registrar-General.
Engineering 
graduate.
3.2.3 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
technical institute, polytechnic or university together with six
months engineering training to the satisfaction of the Registrar-
General.
Deficiency in 
training.
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
kilowatt 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.
Engine room rating 
to engineer officer 
scheme.
3.4 Each such rating satisfactorily completing a course of
training approved by the Registrar-General may proceed to sea as
an uncertificated engineer officer and perform the sea service set
out in paragraph 4.
Officer in charge 
of an engineering 
watch in a manned 
engine room or 
designated duty 
engineer officer in 
a periodically 
unmanned engine 
room.
3.5 Every candidate for certification shall -
3.5.1 be not less than 18 years of age;
3.5.2 have completed not less than six months seagoing
service in the engine department in accordance with section A-III/1
of the STCW Code;
3.5.3 have completed approved education and training of at
least 30 months, which period could include the initial training and
on-board training documented in an approved record book and meet
the standards of competence specified in section A-III/1 of the
STCW Code.
GMDSS (GOC) • A-IV/2
GMDSS (ROC) • A-IV/2
Medical Fitness (including eyesight) • • •
Certificate (STCW 95 Regs)
Additional Training Requirements II II II II STCW
/1 /2 /3 /4 Code Ref
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 11
Chief engineer 
officers and second 
engineer officers 
on ships powered 
by main propulsion 
machinery of 3,000 
kW propulsion 
power or more.
3.6 Every candidate for certification shall -
3.6.1 meet the requirements for certification as an officer in
charge of an engineering watch;
3.6.2 for certification as second engineer officer, shall have
not less than 12 months’ approved seagoing service as assistant
engineer officer or engineer officer; 
3.6.3 for certification as chief engineer officer, shall have
not less than 36 months’ approved seagoing service of which not
less than 12 months shall have been served as an engineer officer in
a position of responsibility while qualified to serve as second
engineer officer;
3.6.4 have completed approved education and training and
meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/2 of the
STCW Code.
Chief engineer 
officers and second 
engineer officers 
on ships powered 
by main propulsion 
machinery of 
between 750 and 
3,000 kW 
propulsion power.
3.7 Every candidate for certification shall -
3.7.1 meet the requirements for certification as an officer in
charge of an engineering watch;
3.7.2 for certification as second engineer officer, shall have
not less than 12 months approved seagoing service as assistant
engineer officer or engineer officer;
3.7.3 for certification as chief engineer officer, shall have
not less than 24 months’ approved seagoing service of which not
less than 12 months shall have been served as an engineer officer; 
3.7.4 have completed approved education and training and
meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/3 of the
STCW Code. 
Additional 
qualifications.
3.8 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
4. Estimating Sea Service
Deck department.
officer certificate of competence  must be performed in the deck
Certificate (STCW 95 Regs)
Additional Training Requirements III III III III STCW
/1 /2 /3 /4 Code Ref
Personal Survival Techniques • • A-VI/1-1
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting • • A-VI/1-2
Elementary First Aid • • A-VI/1-3
Personal Safety & Social Responsibility • • A-VI/1-4
Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue
Boats • A-VI/2
Advanced Fire Fighting • A-VI/3
Medical First Aid • A-VI/4-1
Medical Care • • A-VI/4-2
Medical Fitness • • • •
12 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
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. 
Service in non-
trading vessels.
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
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 13
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 construction, provided that an officer is the holder of 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.
High speed craft.
hydrofoils and other high-speed craft should be submitted to the
Registrar-General for consideration.
Remission of sea 
service.
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.
Engine room 
department.
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.
14 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
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.
4.18.1 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.
4.18.2 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.
4.18.3 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
Eligibility 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. 
Applications for 
examination.
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
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 15
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
General.
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.
Written 
examinations.
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.
Exemptions from 
written 
examinations.
6.3 A candidate holding a First-Mate (Class 2 Deck)
certificate issued following examinations under the syllabus in
force prior to 1st June, 1989 is exempt from the appropriate Ship
Construction, Meteorology and Ship-board Operations papers when
sitting the examination for a certificate of competence as Master. A
candidate holding a First-Mate (Class 2 Deck) certificate issued
following examination after 1st June, 1989 under the syllabus
incorporating Master (Class 1) requirements is exempt from the
entire written examination.
Appointment of 
examiners.
6.4 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.
6.5 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.
Validity of partial 
passes.
6.6 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
16 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
written examinations remain valid indefinitely.
7. Examination Syllabi
7.1 The syllabi for all certificates of competence for deck
and engineering officers are those specified in section A-II/1, A-II/
2, A-II/3 and A-III/1, A-III/2 and A-III/3 respectively of the STCW
Code.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 17
Appendix 1
18 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
Appendix 2
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 19
SECOND SCHEDULE
Regulations 7 and 11
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR FURTHER TRAINING 
AND QUALIFICATIONS
Familiarisation, 
basic safety 
training and 
instruction for all 
seafarers.
1.1 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.
Training and 
qualification of 
masters, officers 
and ratings on 
tankers.
2.1 Masters, officers and ratings assigned specific duties
and responsibilities related to cargo or cargo equipment on tankers
shall have completed an approved shore-based advanced fire-
fighting course in addition to the training required by section A-VI/
1 of the STCW Code and shall have completed -
2.1.1 at least three months of approved seagoing service on
tankers in order to acquire adequate knowledge of safe operational
practices; or
2.1.2 an approved tanker familiarization course covering at
least the syllabus given for that course in section A-V/1 of the
STCW Code.
2.2 The period of three months referred to in sub-paragraph
2.1.1 may be reduced to not less than one month if -
2.2.1 the tanker on which such service is performed is of less
than 3,000 GT; and
2.2.2 the duration of each voyage of the tanker on which
such approved service is performed does not exceed 72 hours; and
2.2.3 the operational characteristics of the tanker on which
such approved service is performed and the number of voyages and
loading and discharging operations completed during the period ,
allow the same level of knowledge and experience to be acquired as
would have been acquired in approved service performed in
accordance with sub-paragraph 2.1.1 on a tanker of a size, and
performing voyages, not falling within sub-paragraphs 2.2.1 and
2.2.2
2.3 Masters, chief engineer officers, chief mates, second
engineer officers and any person with immediate responsibility for
loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo on
tankers shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph
2.1 have -
2.3.1 experience appropriate to their duties on the type of
tanker on which they serve; and
2.3.2 completed an approved specialized training programme
which at least covers the subjects set out in section A-V/1 of the
STCW Code that are appropriate to their duties on the tanker on
which they serve. 
2.4 An appropriate certificate shall be issued to masters
and officers who are qualified in accordance with paragraph 2.1 or
2.3, or their existing certificate shall be endorsed, and every rating
20 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
who is so qualified shall be certificated. 
Training and 
qualification of 
masters, officers 
ratings and other 
personnel on ro-ro 
passenger ships.
3.1 This paragraph applies to masters, officers ratings and
other personnel serving on board ro-ro passenger ships.
3.2 Prior to being assigned shipboard duties on board ro-ro
passenger ships, seafarers shall have completed the training
required by paragraphs 3.4 to 3.8 in accordance with their capacity,
duties and responsibilities.
3.3 Seafarers who are required to be trained in accordance
with paragraphs 3.4, 3.7 and 3.8 shall, at intervals not exceeding
five years, undertake appropriate refresher training.
3.4 Masters, officers and other personnel designated on
muster lists to assist passengers in emergency situations on board
ro-ro passenger ships shall have completed the safety training
specified in section A-V/2, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.
3.5 Masters, officers and other personnel assigned specific
duties and responsibilities on board ro-ro passenger ships shall
have completed the familiarization training specified in section A-
V/2, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.
3.6 Personnel providing direct service to passengers in
passenger spaces on board ro-ro passenger ships shall have
completed the safety training specified in section A-V/2, paragraph
3 of the STCW Code.
3.7 Masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second
engineer officers and every person assigned immediate
responsibility for embarking and disembarking passengers, loading,
discharging or securing cargo, or closing hull openings on board
ro-ro passenger ships shall have completed approved training in
passenger safety, cargo safety and hull integrity as specified in
section A-V/2, paragraph 4 of the STCW Code.
3.8 Masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second
engineer officers and any person having responsibility for the
safety of passengers, in emergency situations on board ro-ro
passenger ships shall have completed approved training in crisis
management and human behaviour as specified in section A-V/2,
paragraph 5 of the STCW Code.
3.9 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.
Training and 
qualification of 
masters, officers 
and ratings and 
other personnel on 
passenger ships 
other than ro-ro 
passenger ships.
4.1 This paragraph applies to masters, officers, ratings and
other personnel serving in board passenger ships, other than ro-ro
passenger ships.
4.2 Prior to being assigned shipboard duties on board
passenger ships, seafarers shall have completed the training
required by paragraphs 4.4 to 4.8 in accordance with their capacity
duties and responsibilities.
4.3 Seafarers who are required to be trained in accordance
with paragraphs 4.4, 4.7 and 4.8 shall at intervals not exceeding
five years, undertake appropriate refresher training or be required
to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 21
competence within the previous five years.
4.4 Personnel designated on muster lists to assist
passengers in emergency situations on board passenger ships shall
have completed training in crowd management as specified in
section A-V/3, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.
4.5 Masters, officers and other personnel assigned specific
duties and responsibilities on board passenger ships shall have
completed the familiarization training specified in section A-V/3,
paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.
4.6 Personnel providing direct service to passengers on
board passenger ships in passenger spaces shall have completed the
safety training specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 3 of the
STCW Code.
4.7 Masters, chief mates, and every person assigned
immediate responsibility for embarking and disembarking
passengers shall have completed approved training in passenger
safety as specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 4, of the STCW
Code.
4.8 Masters, chief mates, chief engineers, second engineer
officers and any person having responsibility for the safety of
passengers in emergency situations on board passenger ships shall
have completed approved training in crisis management and human
behaviour as specified in section A-V/3, paragraph 5 of the STCW
Code. 
Training and 
qualification of 
masters, officers 
ratings and other 
personnel on high 
speed craft.
5.1 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.
5.2 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.
5.3 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.
Issue of certificates 
of proficiency in 
survival craft 
rescue boats and 
fast rescue boats.
6.1 Every person designated to launch or take charge of
survival craft or rescue boats other than fast rescue boats shall have
a certificate of proficiency in such craft.
6.1.1 No person shall be granted such a certificate unless
such person meets the criteria specified in regulation VI/2.1 in the
Annex to the STCW Convention.
6.2 Every person designated to launch or take charge of a
fast rescue boat shall have a certificate of proficiency in such boats.
6.2.2 No person shall be granted such a certificate unless
such person meets the criteria specified in regulation VI/2.1 in the
Annex to the STCW Convention. 
6.3 In this paragraph -
''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
22 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
manoeuvrering for at least four hours at a speed of at least 20 knots
in calm water with a suitably qualified crew of 3 persons and at
least 8 knots with a full complement of persons and equipment;
''rescue boat'' means a boat designed to rescue persons in distress
and to marshal survival craft;
''survival craft'' means a craft capable of sustaining the lives of
persons in distress from the time of abandoning the ship;
Training in 
advanced fire 
fighting.
7.1 Seamen 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
of the STCW Code and shall meet the standard of competence
specified therein.
7.2 Where training in advanced fire fighting is not included
in the qualifications for the certificate to be issued, a special
certificate or documentary evidence, as appropriate, shall be issued
indicating that the holder has attended a course of training in
advanced fire fighting.
Medical first aid 
and medical care.
8.1 Seamen 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.
8.2 Seamen designated to take charge of medical care on
board ship shall meet the standard of competence in medical care
on board ship specified in section A-VI/4, paragraphs 4 to 6 of the
STCW Code.
8.3 Where training in medical first aid or medical care is
not included in the qualifications for the certificate to be issued, a
special certificate or documentary evidence, as appropriate, shall
be issued indicating that the holder has attended a course of
training in medical first aid or in medical care.
Appendix
TRAINING OF PERSONNEL ON HIGH SPEED CRAFT
Masters and 
officers.
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;
MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION) ġ S.L.234.17 23
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.
Ratings and other 
personnel.
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.
24 ġ S.L.234.17 MERCHANT SHIPPING (TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION)
THIRD SCHEDULE
Regulation 15
CERTIFICATES LIMITED BY TONNAGE, POWER OR AREA 
AND THEIR STCW CONVENTION EQUIVALENT
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Present Certificate
STCW Convention equivalent following 
successful completion of additional 
training set out in column 3
Additional Training 
required
Padrone Officer in charge of a navigational watch
on a ship of less than 500 GT engaged on
near coastal voyages
Courses listed under
column II/1, Table 1 of
the First Schedule to
these regulations
Second Class engineer
on a ship powered by
main propulsion
machinery of less than
6,000 kW propulsion
power
Officer in charge of a an engineering
watch; second engineer officer on a ship
powered by main propulsion machinery
of less than 3000 kW propulsion power*
Courses listed under
column III/1, Table 2 of
the First Schedule to
these regulations
* Where the certificate holder can prove at least six months sea service in the preceding
five years on a ship and in a capacity to which the holder was entitled to serve by virtue of an
existing certificate, a higher power limitation may be issued reflecting the limitations of the
existing certificate.
