The Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 1997

Recognition of certificates

5.—(1) The Secretary of State may recognise a certificate issued by or under the authority of another Party to the STCW Convention to a master, officer or radio operator if he is satisfied:

(a) that the requirements of the STCW Convention concerning standards of competence, the issue and endorsement of certificates and record keeping are fully complied with; and

(b) that prompt notification will be given to the Marine Safety Agency of any significant change in the arrangements for training and certification provided in compliance with the Convention.

(2) Where the Secretary of State recognises a certificate pursuant to paragraph (1) he shall endorse such a certificate to attest its recognistion if he is satisfied that the requirements of the STCW Convention in paragaph (1)(a) and (b) have been complied with.

(3) The endorsement shall be in the form of a separate document, entitled ‘certificate of equivalent competency’.

(4) Where, pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary of State has recognised the standard of competence required for the issue of a certificate by an authority of a Party to the STCW Convention outside the United Kingdom as being in part the standard to be attained for officers qualified for the purposes of these Regulations, any conditions specified by the Secretary of State for the issue of a certificate of equivalent competency shall be limited to—

(a) aptitude tests for the purpose of assessing the applicant’s ability to pursue the profession of officer on United Kingdom ships, in the light of subjects and training and related assessment procedures, which differ substantially from those covered by the applicant’s certificate issued by that State; or

(b) in the case of applicants who are nationals of a member State of the European Economic Area (at the applicant’s option) an adaptation period, as specified by the Secretary of State.