On 1 July 2018, executive order on qualification requirements to manning on ships operating in polar waters entered into force.
According to the provisions of the executive order, the masters and all navigation officers on ships operating in polar waters shall hold a certificate of proficiency for service on these ships. Furthermore, it is stipulated that masters and chief mates on mentioned ships shall hold a certificate of proficiency in the management.
The requirements apply to manning on merchant ships with a gross tonnage of 500 or more.
The executive order includes transitional provisions. According to these provisions, seafarers who already have completed seagoing service in the position of master or navigational officer on ships operating in polar waters, or seafarers who have completed other similar seagoing service may, under further stipulated conditions, acquire a certificate of proficiency and certificate of proficiency in the management. These certificates will be a requirement after 1 July 2018.
Seafarers who have not completed seagoing service shall, in order to acquire said certificates, complete a basic training course and advanced training course respectively for service on ships operating in polar waters.
Specificly, the transitional period is from 1 July 2013 until 1 July 2018. The transitional provision is valid until 1 July 2020.
The Faroese Maritime Authority issues the abovementioned certificates.
The executive order is an implementation of the new provisions of the STCW Convention, which entered into force on 1 July 2018.
The executive order is available here
