Seafarers

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended.

The Cook Islands are party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978, as amended.

The Seafarer Training & Certification Department of Maritime Cook Islands is responsible for the implementation of the STCW across the Cook Islands Ships Registry, in ensuring that all seafarers serving aboard Cook Islands vessels are appropriately trained, qualified and certified in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the STCW.

The STCW requires deck and engineer officers and radio operators as defined in Regulation I/1 of the STCW Convention, as amended, to possess STCW or STCW equivalent (Non-STCW) documentation. This includes officers and seafarers fulfilling capacities indicated on the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC) issued for the vessel.

Seafarers intending to serve in Officer capacities aboard Cook Islands vessels to which the STCW applies, are required to apply for Flag Endorsement prior to embarkation.

Maritime Cook Islands accepts CoC’s, CoPs and Non-STCW Qualifications issued by States listed on the IMO STCW Whitelist for Endorsement and service aboard Cook Islands vessels.