In view of reports that there are manning agencies deploying crew on board foreign flag vessels without a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in Basic Safety issued by the National Assessment Center (NAC), all concerned manning agencies are hereby reminded that such deployment circumvents the Maritime Training Council ™s policy on the issuance of certificates as provided for under MTC Memo Circular 09, Series of 2002 and violates Regulation I/14 of the STCW Convention and Section A-VI/I of the STCW Code.

It is therefore reiterated that shipping companies ensure that seafarers assigned to any of its ships, hold an appropriate certificate of proficiency and that seafarers before being assigned on board shall have achieved the required standards of competency in basic safety in accordance with the provisions of the SCTW Convention and as established by this Administration.

Further, all concerned are reminded that the vessel and crew are subject to vetting inspection by the Port State Authorities at the port of destination. Furthermore, if a seafarer is not a holder of the appropriate certificate of proficiency, the manning agency will be compelled to send said crew back home and may be replaced by a certificated seafarer. The vessel may also be put on hold  unless said deficiency is complied with.

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: 15 Jan. 2010