Crew Certification Control


CMM	Crew Management Manual (CMM) Crew Certification Control	Doc No.: CMM-6.11 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

6.11 CREW CERTIFICATION CONTROL

6.11.1 Verification Of Qualification, Certification And Medical Fitness Of Personnel Appointed To Serve Onboard The Vessel

As a minimum standard, all sea-going personnel must be qualified to meet the requirements set out in the Seafarer’s Appointment Matrix (Annex II).

The Crew Manager or their designate must sight all the relevant certificates in their original version and initial the Selection and Engagement Procedure to cross-check with Seafarer Application and CRW02-Checklist for STCW Certificates to be completed.

The Crew Manager shall not mobilise a person (in any capacity) to a vessel, if the person is pregnant.

In addition, for new personnel, the Crew Manager shall verify the authenticity and validity of all officers’ Certificates of Competency (COC) from the issuing authority.

The Crew Manager shall check all seafarers’ certificates and documents valid for the entire duration of the proposed contract plus one month. Before approving extension requests, validity of certificates and documents shall be checked and confirmed that they are valid till the extended date by one month.

The Crew Manager should be informed if the seafarer’s documentation cannot be authenticated.

All other requirements as appropriate in the Selection and Engagement Checklist must also be met.

6.11.2 Flag State Endorsements

It is the responsibility of the Crew Manager / Coordinator to ensure that the vessel is in compliance with Flag State Certification requirements.

If a joining seafarer does not hold the necessary Flag State endorsement(s), valid for the entire duration of the proposed contract plus one month, an application shall be made to the relevant Flag State Authority.

The application shall be prepared and forwarded by the Crew Cell personnel according to the specific Flag State authority instructions.

If the specific Flag State authority issues CRAs (Certificates of Recognition of Approval), these will be promptly distributed to the seafarer by the Crew Manager with a copy retained in the relevant Seafarer File. The seafarer shall be in possession of the CRA before taking over shipboard responsibilities, with the exception as shown below.

Where a CRA is not obtainable on time or in the case of urgency, the Crew Manager shall notify the FLP (Fleet Personnel Manager) in writing, providing full details. The FLP has the option NOT to dispatch the seafarer to the vessel.

If the specific Flag State authority does not issue CRAs, the Crew Cell shall ensure that the seafarer is in possession of the ‘proof of application’ when joining the vessel.

Relevant Information on Expiry Date of CRA or Flag State Endorsement

Relevant information including the expiry date of the CRA (Certificate of Recognition of Approval) or Flag State Endorsement shall be maintained and controlled.

The Crew Manager shall monitor the expiry date of CRAs to ensure that the original license is forwarded to the vessel in good time or provided in due time if a renewal of CRA is required.

6.11.3 Catering Staff Certification

Until such time that global training standards are defined for Ships' Cooks, seafarers who are engaged as Cooks should be trained, qualified, and found competent for the position in accordance with flag state requirements for certification and qualifications of ships’ Cook.

The certification shall include completion of a training course approved or recognized by a competent authority and/or vessel flag state, which covers practical cookery, food & personal hygiene, food storage, stock control, and environmental protection and catering health & safety.

It is recommended that seafarers should only be qualified as ships' Cooks if they have:

Served at sea for a minimum period as prescribed by the competent authority/ National Administration requirements, which could be varied to take into account existing relevant qualifications or experience as defined by the National Administration of the seafarer's domicile country;
Passed an examination prescribed by the competent authority or passed an equivalent examination at an approved training course for Cooks.

Other catering staff in addition to the Ships' Chief Cook should also be properly trained and instructed for their positions.

Note: It is recommended that any seafarer providing on-the-job support to catering/galley staff (i.e., stewards/Mess boys) should have completed the Marlins Catering & Hygiene training package.

On ships operating with a prescribed manning of less than ten, which, by virtue of the size of the crew or the trading pattern, may not be required by the competent authority to carry a fully qualified Cook, anyone processing food in the galley shall be trained or instructed in areas including food & personal hygiene as well as handling & storage of food on board the ship.