Gabon: Recognition of COCs issued by China

The Gabon Maritime Administration has published a circular regarding the recognition of Certificates of Competency issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration.

This Maritime Circular serves to verify the recognition of Certificates of Competency (CoC) issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration, in compliance with Regulation I/10 of The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended.

The Gabon Maritime Administration grants Flag State Endorsements to Masters, Officers, GMDSS Radio Operators, and/or other eligible seafarers certified by the China Maritime Safety Administration.

Details:

a. The Gabon Maritime Administration affirms the acknowledgment of Certificates of Competency (CoC) issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA).
b. Seafarers possessing a valid Certificate of Competency issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) and holding a Certificate of Endorsement (CoE) issued by the Gabon Maritime Administration are permitted to serve on Gabonese-flagged vessels.
c. The Gabon Administration acknowledges CoCs issued by the China MSA, contingent upon the China MSA providing complete information as outlined in article IV and section A-I/7 of the STCW Code to the Secretary-General of the IMO. This information must be confirmed by the Maritime Safety Committee to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Convention.
d. The Gabon Administration confirms its intention to initiate negotiations for signing an undertaking agreement between the Government of the Republic of Gabon and the Government of China, in accordance with the requirements of STCW Regulation I/10 and IMO Guidelines MSC.1/Circ.1450.

This circular was published on 1 December 2023 and entered into force on the same date. It is applicable to all vessels registered under the Gabon Flag.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):