One of the main documents required for a seafarer to work at sea is a working diploma (COC) and confirmation (endorsement) to it (for officers). The working diploma is issued unanimously and expiration date, unlike confirmation to it. The validity of the endorsement to the working diploma is 5 years. See guideline on how to check validity or verification of your Ukrainian seaman work certificate
If the sailor does not plan to assign a new, higher rank, after 5 years, he needs to update the endorsement to the already existing working diploma (COC).
Updating work documents is a long process that requires time and effort.
Current requirements for renewing Ukraine Certificate of competency (COC) and endorsement to the working diploma:
- STCW 78 certificates: At the time of updating the working documents, the validity period of certificates must be at least 12 months. If sea certificates are expired or validity period less than 12 months, they must be updated. The list of certificates differs depending on the position you have occupied.
- Training courses: The training courses most take place by all sailors when updating or increase in rank. The exception of this rule is the situation when the sailor updates the working diploma obtained on the basis of the junior specialist’s, Bachelor’s academic diploma or master’s degree (academic diploma), received no more than 12 months ago.
- Current conclusion of the physical medical examination: The all seafarers planning to update working diploma requires to pass physical medical examination and validity period must expire not earlier than 4 months. The conclusion of the medical examination should be consistent with the updated seafarer position. If you updating the endorsement to the working diploma of a Navigator officer, and in medical conclusion you have the position of able seaman (AB) because you worked last contracts on this position, then you will have to go through the medical Commission again and specify the appropriate position – Navigator or engineer.
- Protocol after exam meeting of the qualification Commission: At the moment there are two ways to obtain the protocol.
- 1) Update the endorsement base on sea experience. Quite a simple option of updating in understanding, but hiding a lot of pitfalls. The main difficulty is incorrect filling of experience in the record book by sailors. Requirement to update the experience of experience: the availability of the experience of at least 12 months in the last 5 years in the post corresponding to the working diploma. If you are the third engineer and 5 years worked as motorman, this experience unfortunately will not be suitable for updating endorsement and COC.
The elements of incorrect filling of the track are also included: incorrect name of the ship owner, incorrect specified type of vessel, data concerning the vessel and power plant: engine type, power gau, official vessel numbers, the position is not as indicated in the crew list, no date of sign-on on the ship or date of the sign-off specified. - 2) Updating the endorsement to the working diploma seems more difficult to perceive sailors, but the procedure itself is much more understandable – Just passing electronic testing. It is not necessary to verify the sea experience. You must update certificates that are required for your position, undergo the qualification upgrade course and apply for the examination. On an agreed day, you will need to go to the exam and after successful delivery you receive your protocol.
To obtain a new endorsement to the working diploma, you must contact the working diploma and passport Department of the port and make a exchange of your protocol.
If you still in need of how you better update your endorsement to your work diploma (COC), our team of professionals will gladly consult and assist you.
Help in the registration and receipt of sea documents and certificates · Seafarer passport; · protocol; the Sailor’s record book with confirmation of the experience.
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