Certificate of Competency applications
Is the application or renewal of your Certificate of Competency or seaman’s book more complicated than expected? We are happy to assist you with expert advice and can also fully manage the entire application process for you. Below is more information about the different types of applications.
Has your Certificate of Competency expired? These are the possibilities
Depending on how long your Certificate of Competency has been expired, different routes apply to obtain a valid certificate again.
Certificate of Competency expired for less than 5 years
If your Certificate of Competency has been invalid for less than five years, there are three ways to obtain a valid certificate again:
- Obtain a new certificate of knowledge: you retake the required examination.
- Gain sea service: at least 3 months of relevant experience within the 6 months prior to the application.
- Use an ex-officio Certificate of Competency: this allows you to gain 3 months of sea service in a lower position than the one for which your expired certificate was valid.
- Please note: a captain cannot sail as chief mate with an ex-officio Certificate of Competency, because the chief mate is the captain’s substitute. In that case, 3 months are served as a watchkeeping officer.
A Certificate of Competency that has been expired for more than 5 years:
Only one possibility: obtain a new certificate of proficiency…
This can be done in two ways:
1. Retake all examinations on the designated dates. With the sea service gained (in the past 5 years), you can then apply for a certificate of proficiency.
2. Start an EVC (Recognition of Prior Learning) process: this is a personal trajectory. Depending on current sea service, experience, and knowledge, you will be invited (after an intake at the school) to complete a knowledge test at the school and/or assignments on board that include components of the most important subjects.
