Changes in the Maritime Certification and Rank Assignment System from August 30, 2024
Key Changes and Updates in Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000 of August 30, 2024
Resolution No. 1000, which comes into effect on August 30, 2024, introduces significant changes to the existing system of maritime certification, rank assignment, and the issuance of qualification documents. These changes aim to simplify procedures, increase transparency, and bring Ukrainian legislation in line with international standards.
The resolution amends two key documents that regulate maritime certification and rank assignment: Resolution No. 460 of June 30, 2015, and Resolution No. 1499 of December 30, 2022.
1. Extended Deadlines for Submitting Applications and Updating Documents The resolution extends the period during which seafarers can apply for the renewal of their qualification documents based on service time from 6 to 12 months before the expiration of their current documents (Clause 84). This change gives seafarers more time to prepare and submit documents, helping to avoid situations where documents expire before a new one is issued.
2. Renewal and Replacement of Documents Qualification documents issued before the new changes remain valid until their expiration or indefinitely if they were issued for an unlimited period. Seafarers may choose to replace old documents with new ones at any time during their validity period (Clause 2).
3. Use of the CES System for Competency Verification The CES (Crew Evaluation System) test has been approved as the main and permanent tool for verifying the professional competency of seafarers. It is applied both for assigning new qualifications and ranks, as well as for confirming competency when replacing old documents or in cases of lost documents (Clauses 105, 106, 132).
4. Application Procedures via the Diia Portal One of the key innovations is the introduction of the ability to submit applications for qualification documents and seafarer’s discharge books through the Diia portal. This simplifies the process, eliminates the need for in-person visits to offices, and reduces administrative barriers. There is also the option to receive documents by mail (Clauses 106, 107).
5. Correction of Qualification Requirements The resolution makes adjustments to the list of positions that individuals with a second engineer’s diploma (over 3000 kW) can hold and removes errors that prevented senior deck officers from applying for a captain’s diploma (Clauses 27 and 32). This removes barriers to career progression for seafarers.
6. New Forms and Procedural Changes The resolution introduces new forms for applications, streamlining the submission process. It also clarifies procedures for reviewing applications, correcting errors, and interacting with the electronic document management system (Appendices 7 and 11). These changes aim to increase the efficiency of processing applications and minimize errors.
7. Abolition of Previous Resolutions Resolution No. 1000 cancels several previous resolutions, including Resolution No. 734 of June 30, 2021, which introduced an experimental project on computerized testing to confirm the qualifications of seafarers. This decision is linked to the transition to a more stable and unified certification system (Clause 2).
Conclusion
The changes introduced by Resolution No. 1000 represent a significant step forward in reforming the system of seafarer certification in Ukraine. They are aimed at improving the transparency of processes, simplifying administrative procedures, and ensuring alignment with international standards. These innovations will substantially ease the lives of seafarers, simplify the acquisition and renewal of qualification documents, and enhance trust in the Ukrainian certification system at the international level.
To review the full text of the resolution and the changes made, you can access it via the provided link.
Our portal will soon update articles related to the process of exchanging seafarer diplomas with QR codes and obtaining a Seafarer’s Discharge Book (PCB). We will carefully analyze the latest legislative changes and provide you with the most up-to-date information on new procedures, requirements, and necessary documents. Stay tuned for updates on our portal to stay informed about important changes and innovations.