Belgian seafarers can now seek Canadian recognition of their STCW certificates - SSB No.: 03/2025

Purpose

This bulletin is to let you know that:

• Canada has signed reciprocal arrangements with the Kingdom of Belgium. 
• Belgian seafarers holding a valid STCW certificate^{Footnote 1} of competency can now apply for a Canadian endorsement.

Scope

This bulletin applies to:

• owners and operators of Canadian-flagged vessels, and
• seafarers from Belgium who want a Canadian endorsement.

What you need to know

Seafarers with a valid STCW certificate issued by the Directorate-general Shipping of the Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport of Belgium can now apply for a Canadian endorsement. This is similar to reciprocal arrangements Canada has already signed with Australia, France, Norway, Ukraine, Georgia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Jamaica, Panama, Ireland and Brunei Darussalam.

Please note that Canadian seafarers can also seek a Belgian endorsement of a valid Canadian STCW certificate by writing to the Directorate-general Shipping of the Federal Public Service of Mobility and Transport of Belgium using the one of following email addresses: STCW95@mobilit.fgov.be.

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)

You are 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

Keywords:

1. Reciprocal arrangement
2. STCW
3. Canadian endorsement

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).