In order to reflect the acceptance of the Seafarer Portal as the only direct connection to apply for seafarer paperwork, Transport Malta has issued an updated version of the Merchant Shipping Notice. The notice also updates a few provisions that were added to the STCW Convention in 2010 as a result of the Manila Amendments, as reported by Safety4Sea.
Manila Amendments
As explained, the Manila Amendments were transposed into the Laws of Malta, through the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification Regulations, 2013 (L.N 153 of 2013) while the portal for seafarer documentation is https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Certificate of Competency (Deck)
Deck officers on ECDIS-equipped ships are now required to hold an ECDIS training certificate, according to a revised Convention. Maltese certificate of competency revalidation also requires an approved Generic ECDIS Certificate. Those without an ECDIS training certificate will receive a certificate of competency stating “Not valid on vessels equipped with ECDIS from 1 January 2017”.
Tanker Training
Seafarers on tankers must have a valid tanker certificate/endorsement, and at least 3 months of approved seagoing service in the last 5 years for revalidation. New tanker certificates require completion of approved training courses, and advanced tanker training certificates require additional evidence of 3 months of approved seagoing service on relevant tankers.
Applications for the issue of any Tanker Certificate are to be submitted through the Seafarer Portal https://seafarers.transport.gov.mt
Online applications shall be accompanied by those documents prescribed in the Seafarer Portal and are to be uploaded in their respective areas.
Security Related Training
Every employee employed or engaged onboard ships to whom the ISPS Code applies must have security-related training certification as of 1 January 2014, according to the updated STCW Convention. The 2010 amendments introduce three tiers of security training:
Security Related Familiarization
Before being assigned any shipboard duty on ISPS-compliant ships, all personnel must undergo security-related familiarization training. The training can be conducted by either the Ship Security Officer or another equally qualified individual as part of the safety familiarization training mandated by the ISM Code. It is necessary to keep documentary evidence onboard to demonstrate that the training has been completed
Certificate of Proficiency in Security Awareness
Seafarers working on ISPS-compliant ships must possess a Certificate of Proficiency in Security-Awareness, while those with designated security duties, such as anti-piracy and anti-armed-robbery tasks, must have a Certificate of Proficiency in Designated Security Duties. To obtain these certificates, applicants must meet the competence standards stated in Section A-VI/6, paragraph 4 or paragraph 6 of the STCW Code. It is necessary to maintain proper documentation to prove that such certificates have been acquired.
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Source: Safety4Sea
