Is it possible to have equivalency between military title and STCW certification of competency?

The issuance of Certificates of Competency (CoCs) is regulated by the Ministerial Decree of July 25, 2016, which sets out the requirements for access to a maritime career; it “applies to seafarers registered in the seafarers’ rolls who intend to embark on merchant ships subject to the provisions of the STCW Convention, pursuant to Article 115 of the Navigation Code.”

The provisions contained in the aforementioned decree do not cover either equivalency with military qualifications or recognition of completed military navigation, since, as is well known, certificates of competency are issued in accordance with the provisions of STCW Convention 78 as amended. This Convention does not apply to warships, fishing vessels and yachts not used in commercial navigation, nor does it consider navigation accrued as embarked military to be valid.

What are the procedures for issuing the certificate of higher competence?

The Ministerial Decree of July 25, 2016 states that to obtain the higher certification, the candidate must meet the requirements for the certification held and the certification to be obtained.

For example, those who hold the certificate of competency of Master on ships between 500 and 3,000 GT achieved by passing the examination required by the DD Nov. 22, 2016, and who want to obtain the higher certificate will have to be in possession of all the other requirements required by Article 6 of the M.D. July 25, 2016, namely STCW training courses and navigation, without having to retake the A-II/2 examination of the STCW Code, which is identical for certifications of competency with management functions.

How does one access the position of Chief Mate on ships of 3000 GT or more?

To qualify for certification as a Chief Mate on ships of 3000 GT or more, it is required to have eighteen months as an officer in charge of a watch on ships of 3000 GT or more subject to the provisions of STCW Convention 78 as amended.

EXAMS’ PROCEDURES

FAQ 4.3.1 Is admission to the exam possible in the absence of training certificates?

Admission to the examinations ” with reserve” is granted only and exclusively without the certification of proficency of First Aid and Medical Care training, issued by the Ministry of Health. However, these trainings must be completed before the certification of competency (CoC) is issued.