Seafarers Recruitment

Seafarers by Nationality

Each country has its own maritime administration, certificates and rules for working abroad. These pages explain, for seafarers of each nationality, who issues the Certificate of Competency and seaman’s book, how foreign flags recognise the certificates under STCW Regulation I/10, and what employers ask for. The rules change from time to time, so always confirm details with the issuing authority.

How flag recognition works

A Certificate of Competency is issued by the seafarer’s own country. To serve as an officer on a ship of another flag, the seafarer needs that flag’s endorsement attesting recognition (STCW Reg. I/10). The flag first satisfies itself that the issuing country meets the STCW standards, then verifies the individual certificate with the issuing administration. Ratings usually need the flag’s or the home country’s seaman’s book and the STCW proficiency certificates for their duties.

How to register

Create a free seafarer account, choose your nationality and add your rank, sea service and certificates once. Employers search crew by rank, nationality and vessel experience.

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Jobs by department

Seafarers: see how Seafarers Recruitment works for seafarers. Employers and crewing agencies: post a vacancy or search crew.