Operations Bulletins
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2014-002
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2014-004
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2014-003
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2014-001
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2013-003
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2013-002
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2013-001
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2012-004
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2012-003
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin 2012-002
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2012-001
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2008-003
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2008-001
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2007–002
- Marine Security Operations - 2007-001
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2005–002
- Marine Security Operations Bulletin - 2005-001
File number: 4303-12
No : 2008-001
ISSUE
Amendment to STCW Convention regarding the training and certification of Ship Security Officers.
Purpose:
To outline new requirements and implementation procedures subject to the provisions of Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR) and regulatory amendments which came into effect January 1, 2008 on the subject of training and certification of Ship Security Officers.
Directive:
Transport Canada (TC) advises all vessel owners, operators, agents, masters and the company / ship security officers, of Canadian-flagged vessels and surveyors that the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at its 81st session on 18 May 2006, had approved amendments to the International Convention on Standards, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (STCW Convention), to include the training and certification of Ship Security Officers.
Amendments to the STCW Convention and Seafarers’ Training Certification and Watchkeeping Code ( STCW Code) specify standards for the issue of Certificates of Proficiency to Ship Security Officers, effective January 1, 2008, with transitional provisions.
In keeping with the changes to the STCW Code, Transport Canada has amended the MTSRs and has also introduced the new “Recognition Program for Approved Ship Security Officers Training” based on those amendments.
Starting January 1, 2008, all seafarers sailing in the capacity of Ship Security Officer will have to show evidence of being qualified to serve in that position. The Ship Security Officer mandatory requirement only applies to SOLAS ship as defined in the (MTSR) . As of July 1, 2009, a vessel security officer on a SOLAS ship will be required to hold a certificate of proficiency as a ship security officer, issued under Part 8 of the (MTSR) . Until then, the regulation allows two alternatives :
Alternative 1: Before January 1, 2008
Individuals who have successfully completed Ship Security Officer training through the “Voluntary Program for Marine Security Course Acceptance”*, before January 1, 2008 at an Institution that is listed in Schedule 0.1, Part 8 of the (MTSR) , may use their previous training certificates as proof of qualification until they obtain their Certificate of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer from a regional TC Marine Safety examiner center. This grandfather clause will end July 1, 2009.
Alternative 2: After January 1, 2008
Starting January 1, 2008, seafarers who will have successfully completed their Approved Ship Security Officer Training course at a recognized institution, under the “Recognition Program for Approved Ship Security Officer Training”, and who will have met TC requirements (sea service, age, citizenship and training) will be issued a MTSR and STCW compliant Certificate of Proficiency as Ship Security Officer, which will be issued at a regional TC Marine Safety examiner center.
Please be aware that pursuant to Part 2, Division 8, sections 275 and 276 of the Marine Personnel Regulations, no person shall be employed as a seafarer, unless that person provides the minister with :
- a completed medical examination report form.
OR
- a provisional medical certificate for the Minister in the form established by him.
It is important to note that other requirements apply to Canadian Seafarers. For additional information on those requirements, please contact Transport Canada, Marine Safety
Vessel owners, operators, masters and agents are requested to bring this bulletin to the attention of Company Security Officers and Ship Security Officers. They must ensure that Ship Security Officers of Canadian-flagged vessels hold MTSR and STCW compliant Certificates of Proficiency by July 1, 2009.
Further information are available on the TC Marine Security website: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesecurity
Any comments, suggestions or concerns can be addressed to Transport Canada, Marine Security Operations by e-mail at dirops.marsec@tc.gc.ca.
Original signed
Daniel Michaud
Acting Director Marine Security Operations
Dated
Related source documents
- MSC .203(81) - Adoption of amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended
- MSC .209(81) - Adoption of amendments to Part A of the Seafarers' Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code ( STCW Code)
- Amendment to the (MTSR) , Canada Gazette II published December 26, 2007 http://gazette.gc.ca/archives/p2/2007/2007-12-26/html/sor-dors275-eng.html