Ukrainian seafarers can now seek Canadian recognition of their STCW Certificates

Transport Canada has issued a ship safety bulletin regarding Ukrainian seafarers and their STCW Certificates.

This bulletin has been issued on December 8th, 2022.

Purpose

The bulletin is to let you know that:

• Canada has signed a reciprocal arrangement with Ukraine.  
• Ukrainian seafarers* holding a valid STCW certificate** and who intend to work onboard a Canadian-flagged vessel can now apply online for a Canadian endorsement.

* Ukrainian Seafarer means a Seafarer who holds a STCW certificate issued by the State Service for Maritime and River Transport of Ukraine.

** STCW certificate means a certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, 1978, as amended and excludes any certificate or endorsement issued under the provisions of Regulation I/10.

Scope

This bulletin applies to:

• Authorized representatives (AR)of Canadian-flagged vessels, and
• Ukrainian Seafarers that want a Canadian endorsement.

What you need to know

Ukrainian Seafarers Seeking a Canadian Endorsement

Seafarers with a valid STCW certificate issued by Ukraine and who intends to work onboard a Canadian flagged vessel as a Master or an officer can apply for a Canadian endorsement.

This is similar to reciprocal arrangements Canada has already signed with Australia, France, Georgia and Norway except:

• The Canadian endorsement will be valid for a period that does not exceed the expiry date on the face of the Ukrainian certificate it endorses; however, the IMO Circular letter No.4232/Add.18 will be taken into consideration, when determining the expiry date of a Canadian  endorsement, for a Ukrainian seafarer who is in possession of an expired certificate of competency.
• The requirement for renewal 6 months before the expiry date, as stated at section 1.6 of the guidance notes on the Transport Canada form Application for a Canadian Endorsement form do not apply.
• Ukrainian seafarers are advised to consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website titled, Ukraine immigration measures: Open Work permits for Ukrainians.

Ukrainian Seafarers Holding a Canadian Endorsement

A Ukrainian seafarer who currently holds a Canadian endorsement, which on the face of the document expires on December 31, 2022, will receive a new Canadian endorsement with an expiry date of June 30, 2023.  

A Ukrainian seafarer who currently holds a Canadian endorsement, which on the face of the document expires between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023 and wants to extend its validity based on the IMO Circular letter No.4232/Add.18, must submit to Transport Canada:

• A completed and signed application for a Canadian Endorsement form (Parts 1 and 8 only) including a current mailing address for mailing of the replacement endorsement(s); and
• a copy of the seafarer’s discharge book and seafarer’s testimonials of sea service in order to demonstrate that the requirements of IMO Circular letter No.4232/Add.18 are met.

A Ukrainian seafarer who made arrangement to renew his certificates may also follow the instructions contained withing the Application for a Canadian Endorsement (Form #82-0786) in order to proceed with the renewal of the related Canadian endorsement.  

Canadian Seafarers Seeking a Ukrainian Endorsement

A Canadian seafarer can seek a Ukrainian recognition of Canadian STCW certificates. Please contact the State Service for Maritime and River Transport of Ukraine.

Documents you need to apply

To apply for a Canadian endorsement, please download and follow the instructions contained within the following Transport Canada forms:

• Application for a Canadian endorsement (Form #82-0786)  
• Declaration from an Authorized Representative (Form #82-0787)

Also, a Ukrainian seafarer must demonstrate the relevant accumulated in-service experience related to the STCW certificate for which Canadian endorsement is sought. i

In the case that the:  

• certificate has not expired, provide the following:  

- Copy of seafarer’s discharge book and seafarer’s testimonials of sea service, or  

- A letter from authorized representative, on company letter head, attesting that the seafarer worked while holding that certificate for the company and the length of time.  

• certificate has expired, provide a copy of the seafarer’s discharge book and seafarer’s testimonials of sea service in order to demonstrate that the requirements of IMO Circular letter No.4232/Add.18 are met.  

You are also invited to visit the following website which provides relevant information regarding Recognition of a Foreign Certificate Through a Reciprocal Arrangement.

How to apply

Send your completed application and supporting documents, using one of the following methods:

• email to RecognitionofCertificates-Reconnaissancedesbrevets@tc.gc.ca
• mail to:
  Transport Canada, Seafarer Certification (AMSP),  
  330 Sparks Street, Place de Ville, Tower C,
  Ottawa ON K1A 0N5

RELEVANT DOCUMENT (AVAILABLE ONLY TO SUBSCRIBERS):

Ukrainian Seafarers Can Now Seek Canadian Recognition Of Their STCW Certificates – Updated December 2022