Discover what is Certificate of Competency or CoC

We have earlier explained what is a Seaman's Book. This post will highlight what is Certificate of Competency.

A Certificate of Competence (CoC) is issued and endorsed by the administration, for masters, officer and GMDSS radio operators in accordance with the provisions of chapters II, III, IV or VII and entitles the lawful holder thereof to serve in the capacity and perform the functions involved at the level of responsibility specified.

Seafarers working on board a ship are required to have a valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) or endorsement, which comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW).

The International Convention on STCW, 1978, as amended, sets the standards of competence for seafarers internationally which deals with assessments of seafarers to ensure that they have acquired acceptable standards of skills and competence to perform the required tasks onboard ships.

A CoC is valid for 5 years and has to be re-validated every 5 years (after passing medical, period of sea service, additional training if required) to enable the holder to qualify for sea service. The Competent Issuing Authorities issues endorsements to seafarers (who have completed specialized training in approved institutes, and for Seafarers who have met other requirements as prescribed to work on specialized ships such as petroleum, gas and chemical tankers (Tanker Endorsements) and passenger ships.

.

What is BOSIET or Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training ?

BOSIET stands for basic offshore safety induction and emergency training.

It is a course created to assist in meeting the initial 

• onshore safety training
• emergency response training 
• assessment requirements 

for personnel new to the offshore oil and gas industry.

The course includes helicopter survival, emergency first aid, sea survival, fire fighting, self rescue and TEMPSC (lifeboat) training. TEMPSC stands for Totally Enclosed Motor Propelled Survival Craft

What are the Requirements for applying for a Seaman's Book ?

The following are the required documents one should have before initiating an application for Seaman's Record Book or CDC.

• Passport copy 

      Note : Coloured copy of first page and address page of Passport. Soft copy is fine. The copy can be in image format or scanned copy in PDF format is also accepted

• One Passport size Photograph with white background (scanned color),

• STCW - 95 basic courses certificates (PST, PSSR, FPFF, EFA) or Bosiet/Huet certification - (scanned colour)

• ·Medical Fitness certificate as per ILO/IMA format (scanned copy)

• ·Basic Bio data containing contact information

STCW Certification is important. Let us know what it is

STCW stands for Standard of Training Certification and Watch keeping. This is a basic safety course regulated by the IMO for all seafarers. One must attend this course in order to be able to work onboard a ship regardless of whatever certification you have as this is the basic primary certification needed to set a feet on board any ship around the world. This certificate is internationally recognized and includes four basic modules, which are:-

·         Personal Survival techniques (PST) - This module will give the candidate knowledge of essential prevention and survival .techniques, It includes both theoretical and practical sessions; investigating causes of distress, knowledge and use of equipment, launch and recovery of life raft, preparation of survival, personal survival skills, and use of search and rescue organizations.

·         Fire Fighting & Fire Prevention (FPFF) - This module deals with the precautions to be taken to minimize the risk of fires aboard the ship, the way in which fires are caused and first means of extinguishing them. The module includes practical training in the use of firefighting equipment, and use of breathing apparatus for firefighting and rescue.

·         Elementary First Aid (EFA) - This module is a mixture of theory and practical sessions, training basic first aid and lifesaving skills.

·         Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR): - This module gives basic induction training in safety procedures and accident prevention and familiarizes new seafarers and working conditions aboard the ship.

What is a Seaman's Record Book or Continuous Discharge Certificate or CDC

A Seaman Record Book or Continuous Discharge Certificate is a continuous record of a seaman's service. This document certifies that the person holding is a seaman as per The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended 1995. Every seafarer must carry this document while on board, which is also an official and legal record of his sea experience. The master of the vessel signs the document each time a seaman is signed off from the vessel certifying his experience on board. This is one of the most important documents while a seaman is travelling on board. Even if a person has just this document, they have been called 'Seaman'.

·     Leading cruise lines and manning agents prefer applicants for shortlisting interview who hold valid seaman book

·       Passport, STCW-95 certification and a Seaman Book are considered essential travel documents for applying for a shipping or cruise line job or career.

·       To join any port-of-entry around the world, a seafarer may require crew transit visa. Seaman Book is one of the compulsory document for applying such transit visas

     At Reich Solutions we can assist you in filling and processing of your Seaman Book efficiently. Contact us at seamanbook@reich.in