Captain — Changes in the Procedure for Obtaining Documents in Ukraine (2024)

Starting from September 2024, new requirements for obtaining captain’s documents in Ukraine came into effect. This significantly changed the process for preparing and issuing qualifications for sailors. The changes were implemented under the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000, adopted on August 30, 2024. In this article, we will explore how the rules have changed and what is now required from candidates.

Key Changes in Requirements for Captains

Previously, according to Resolution No. 1499, a candidate for the captain’s position had to meet a number of criteria:

• At least 20 years of age.
• A valid seafarer’s medical certificate.
• A specialist, bachelor’s, or bachelor’s and master’s degree in the relevant field, as listed in Annex 4.
• A professional watchkeeping officer diploma and at least 36 months of sea service on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 or more. Alternatively, a senior officer’s diploma and 24 months of service, including 12 months as a senior officer.
• A professional general radio operator diploma.
• Completion of a qualification upgrade course for captains and senior officers.
• A successful professional competence test through a computer-based exam.

Changes in Educational Requirements

According to the new rules, the requirements for educational documents are now clearer. The third point now states that the candidate must have either a specialist or a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, a bachelor’s and master’s degree, as specified in Annex 4, may be required. This clarification specifies that different combinations of degrees are possible for those aspiring to become captains.

Corrections in Experience Requirements for Captains

The changes also addressed the experience requirements. Previously, to obtain a captain’s diploma, a candidate needed only a watchkeeping officer diploma and 36 months of service in that role. This caused difficulties for those who already had a senior officer diploma but wanted to count their watchkeeping officer service. This issue has now been resolved.

Under the new rules, a candidate can have:

• 36 months of service as a watchkeeping officer on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 or more.
• Or 24 months of service, with at least 12 months as a senior officer.

Thus, sailors with a senior officer diploma can now count their watchkeeping officer service toward obtaining a captain’s diploma.

Required Documents and Checks for Captains

According to the updated requirements, sailors must provide the following documents:

• A valid medical certificate.
• Diplomas of maritime higher education.
• A professional watchkeeping officer or senior officer diploma.
• A general radio operator diploma.
• A certificate of completion of a qualification upgrade course (if there is no master’s or senior officer diploma).
• Results from the computer-based exam (CES test) to assess professional competence.

The CES test can be taken in Warsaw.

In addition, the new requirements specify that training in safety is now referred to as “safety-related training,” emphasizing the importance of adhering to standards on ships.

Conclusion

September 2024 marked a significant milestone in the update of the captain’s qualification system in Ukraine. The revised requirements made the process of obtaining documents clearer and fairer. It is important to note that sailors with varying levels of experience and qualifications now have more opportunities to meet the new standards. These changes contribute to improving the level of captain training and enhancing the safety of maritime operations.