CES Test for Ukrainian Seafarers: Who Must Take It?

The Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000 of August 30, 2024, introduced significant changes to the process of certifying qualifications and assigning ranks to members of the command staff of maritime vessels. One of the key elements of these changes is the mandatory implementation of the CES (Crew Evaluation System) computer-based exam, which is now a requirement for obtaining, renewing, or replacing seafarer qualification documents. The CES test is designed to ensure that Ukrainian seafarers’ qualifications align with international standards, which is especially important given the increasing demands for safety and professional competence in the maritime industry.

The Resolution No. 1000 amends the previously adopted Resolution No. 1499 of December 30, 2022, and requires seafarers whose documents were issued before the enactment of this resolution (documents with a QR code) to undergo the CES test for certification or renewal of their qualification documents. These changes also apply to seafarers who obtained their qualifications abroad, as well as graduates of maritime educational institutions, making the competency evaluation process more standardized and transparent.

Key Cases in Which Seafarers Are Required to Take the CES Test:

Rank Assignment for Command Staff of Maritime Vessels All seafarers applying for command positions (e.g., captain, senior engineer) are required to take the CES computer-based exam. The exam is conducted using Crew Evaluation System (CES) version 6.0 or its subsequent versions. This requirement applies to all seafarers seeking these ranks for the first time, as well as those confirming their qualifications when updating documents.
- Basis: Clauses 132 and 133, amendments of August 30, 2024, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000.
Certification and Replacement of Qualification Documents Seafarers who obtained their qualification documents before the enactment of Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1499 (documents with QR code) are required to take the CES test when renewing or replacing their documents according to the new standards. This also applies to those who have documents with unlimited validity and wish to update them, as well as to replace lost or damaged documents.
- Basis: Clauses 84, 89, 106, and 107, amendments of August 30, 2024, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000.
Exams for Graduates of Maritime Educational Institutions All graduates of maritime educational institutions applying for command staff positions at the operational level must pass the CES computer-based exam. This is a mandatory requirement until the introduction of a unified state qualification exam, necessary for rank assignment.
- Basis: Clauses 56 and 132, amendments of August 30, 2024, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000.
Renewing Qualification Documents Due to Insufficient Sea Service If a seafarer renewing their qualification documents lacks the required sea service, they must pass the CES test to confirm their professional competence. This is necessary for the seafarer to update their documents and continue working in their position.
- Basis: Clauses 84 and 95, amendments of August 30, 2024, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000.
Seafarers Who Obtained Qualifications in Other Countries Seafarers who obtained their qualification documents in other countries must take the CES test to have their qualifications recognized in Ukraine. This is a mandatory requirement for obtaining Ukrainian qualification documents or confirming their equivalence.
- Basis: Clause 104, amendments of August 30, 2024, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000.
Loss of Qualification Documents Issued Before the Enactment of Resolution No. 1499 If a seafarer loses their qualification documents issued before the enactment of Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1499 of December 30, 2022 (documents with QR code), they must take the CES test to restore and receive new documents. This is necessary to confirm their qualification according to the new standards.
- Basis: Clauses 106, 107, and 109¹, amendments of August 30, 2024, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1000.