Ukrainian seafarers can now seek Canadian recognition of their STCW certificates – Updated May 2023 - SSB No.: 11/2023

This bulletin replaces Ship Safety Bulletin No. 29/2022

Purpose

This bulletin is to let you know that:

• Canada has signed a reciprocal arrangement with Ukraine for the recognition of certain STCW certificates.
• Ukrainian seafarers^{Footnote 1} holding a valid STCW certificate^{Footnote 2} and who intend to work onboard a Canadian-flagged vessel can apply online for a Canadian endorsement.

Scope

This bulletin applies to:

• Authorized representatives (AR) of Canadian-flagged vessels.
• Ukrainian seafarers who want a Canadian endorsement.

What you need to know

On March 23, 2022, Canada entered into a reciprocal arrangement with Ukraine for the recognition of certificates of competency and issuance of endorsements pursuant to regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention.

Seafarers with a valid STCW certificate issued by Ukraine can apply for a Canadian endorsement. This is similar to reciprocal arrangements Canada has already signed with Australia, France, Georgia, Norway, Republic of the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

Ukrainian Seafarers Seeking a Canadian Endorsement

Seafarers holding a valid STCW certificate issued by Ukraine and who intend to work onboard a Canadian flagged vessel as a Master or an officer can apply for a Canadian endorsement. Applying for a Canadian endorsement is similar to the process applicable for seafarers from other countries with which Canada has a reciprocal arrangement, however the following considerations apply:

• IMO Circular Letter No.4232/Add.19, (PDF, 1.1 MB) dated April 21, 2023, 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 Holding a Canadian Endorsement

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

A Ukrainian seafarer who currently holds a Canadian endorsement, which on the face of the document is expired between July 1, 2023  and December 31, 2023 and wants to extend its validity based on the IMO Circular Letter No.4232/Add.19, (PDF, 1.1 MB) 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.19 (PDF, 1.1 MB) 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 a Canadian STCW certificate. 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. 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.19 (PDF, 1.1 MB) are met.

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

How to apply

Ukrainian seafarers are advised to consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website titled, Ukraine immigration measures: Open Work permits for Ukrainians.

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
4. Ukraine

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).