SEAFARERS

Bermuda does not issue certificates of competency but does issue endorsements (STCW I/10) recognising certificates issued by a range of other countries. Bermuda meets the STCW Convention fully and is included on the STCW “White List”. As part of maintaining this status Bermuda undergoes an external STCW audit every five years as required by the STCW Convention.

The process for obtaining an endorsement is simple and can be completed electronically. As soon as the application is received BSMA will dispatch a scanned copy of the Certificate of Receipt of Application (CRA) which confirms that the application has been received and is being processed. This acknowledgment satisfies the requirements of the STCW Convention for up to 3 months.

Bermuda also issues Seafarers Discharge Books. Like endorsements the application process can be completed electronically.

It is possible to search for and verify the authenticity of Bermuda Endorsements.

STCW
ENDORSEMENTS

Bermuda does not issue certificates of competency, however the STCW Convention is extended to Bermuda and Bermuda is included on the STCW “White List”.

Bermuda recognizes a wide range of Certificate of Competency issuing countries.

Officers serving on Bermuda registered ships must hold certificates of competency issued by the UK or one of the Accepted STCW, Countries, which must be accompanied by a Bermuda Issued Endorsement.

The process of obtaining an endorsement is simple and can be completed electronically, but the application must be made by the ship manager or owner.

PROCESS

Attach the following clearly scanned documents:

  • The seafarer’s current certificate of competency,
    (in particular the STCW Endorsement page)
  • Any specialized endorsements (oil tankers, etc.)
    that are to be allowed for
  • A copy of the seafarer’s picture as a .jpeg file
  • The seafarer’s signature in the space provided
    on the application form

Please include the STCW endorsements page and ensure that
the certificate of competency includes the photograph page
and the seafarer’s date of birth.

 On receipt the application will be checked and the receipt
page is signed and stamped by the Administration and
returned within 24 hours. This acts as the CRA and serves as
evidence of application for the endorsement as required by
the STCW Convention. It is valid for 3 months while the final
endorsement is prepared and couriered to the manager. 

DISCHARGE
BOOKS

Crew Members serving on Bermuda registered ships are required to have Seaman Discharge Books and Bermuda recognized books issues by the Red Ensign Group ship registries.

Crew managers and ship managers may apply for seaman’s discharge books on behalf of individual seafarers.

IDENTIFICATION
CARDS

Seaman ID cards may be required by the jurisdictions in which the vessel may call or to satisfy company requirements.

Crew managers and ship managers may apply for Seaman ID Cards on behalf of individual seafarers. 

Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority,
4/F Mintflower Place, 8 Par-La-Ville Rd, Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda.
Copyright © 2018. All Rights Reserved.