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Seafarer certificate of competency Translation
Our team of sworn translators prepares your seafarer certificate of competency translation for notarisation where the receiving institution requires it. We provide information about apostilles and consular legalisation; we do not submit or manage these applications.
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A seafarer certificate of competency is a professional document issued under STCW standards showing the duties and tonnage limits within which a seafarer may work. Its translation is required for employment on a foreign-flagged vessel, recognition of the certificate abroad and agency registration.
Names of competency grades are the most sensitive part of the translation: their equivalents must use STCW's international terminology so the flag state administration can match the certificate to the correct level. The certificate number, validity date and restrictions are reproduced exactly.
Which institutions request this document?
- Foreign flag administrations — for certificate recognition (endorsement) applications
- International ship operators and crewing agencies
- Foreign port and maritime administrations
- Educational institutions — for overseas maritime education applications
Certification requirements
Notarized translations are common in flag state applications and official files; a sworn translation is usually sufficient for agency registration.
Some flag administrations require an apostille on the certificate or translation; the applying administration's current list governs.
There is no universal rule. The institution requesting the document determines its certification requirements. The information above describes common practice. Tell us which institution you are applying to and we will help clarify the required certification.
Preparing your document
- Send the front and back of the certificate, including any lines specifying restrictions
- Specify the flag state to which you will apply; terminology will be selected accordingly
- If your STCW certificates (safety training) are also required, send them together
Frequently asked questions
What is my competency grade called in English?
The equivalent is selected from STCW's international terminology; for example, a watchkeeping officer is rendered as "Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch." The scope of your grade is matched precisely to the wording on the certificate.
What other documents are translated for a certificate recognition application?
Although this varies by administration, seafarer medical certificates, service records and safety training certificates are frequently required. If you send the application list, the file can be prepared in one go.
Other documents in the same category
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