Endorsements attesting the recognition of non-Cyprus certificates of competency

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Cyprus Ship and FlagThe Department of Merchant Shipping (DMS) has announced changes to the application procedure and application forms for the issue, renewal and replacement of endorsements attesting the recognition of non-Cyprus certificates of competency under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended.

The new simplified form of proof of application for the Cyprus endorsement attesting to the recognition of non-Cyprus certificates of competency may be used immediately, and is mandatory from December 1 2014. The new form no longer requires countersignature and stamping by the DMS. The DMS will no longer accept the old form after December 1.

In accordance with Article 8(2) of the Merchant Shipping (Safe Manning, Hours of Work and Watchkeeping) Law 105(I) of 2000 and Regulation I/14 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended, the shipowner – or any other organisation or person, such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, which has assumed responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner – is responsible for safe manning. Before employing a new crew member, it must verify the authenticity of his or her professional certificates and documentary evidence of training with the issuing body. This obligation is now reflected in the new version of the application form for Cyprus endorsement attesting to the recognition of non-Cyprus certificates. Further revisions have also been made in order to prevent errors that have commonly arisen.

Port state control authorities or any other foreign authorities may not delay or detain Cyprus-registered ships on account of any discrepancies related to Cyprus proofs of application unless the DMS explicitly confirms that the proof of application in question is fraudulent. Authenticity can be verified by emailing seafarers@dms.mcw.gov.cy

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