OceanCrew

Flag-State Requirements

These are typical requirements and examples. Exact needs vary by flag, vessel type, and employer SOP. We’ll confirm the specifics during screening.

MLC-aware processes Document guidance

Common baseline (most roles)

  • Valid passport (recommended 12+ months validity)
  • Seafarer’s medical (e.g., ENG1 or accepted equivalent for the flag)
  • STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) — Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Firefighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
  • Security Awareness or Designated Security Duties (per role)
  • Seaman’s Book / CDC (where applicable)
  • Role-appropriate licenses/endorsements & verifications
Passenger/cruise vessels often add: Crowd Management (passenger ships) • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties) • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent).
United Kingdom (UK)MCA-administered; ENG1 or accepted equivalent commonly required.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST (per STCW Code)
  • ENG1 medical (or MCA-accepted equivalent)
  • Security Awareness / Designated Security Duties (per assignment)
  • Qualification/CoC recognition where applicable

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
BahamasWidely used flag in passenger/cruise sector.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST (valid & in-date)
  • Flag-accepted medical (per Bahamas Maritime Authority)
  • Security Awareness or DSD
  • Sea service/competency proofs per rank

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
PanamaLarge open registry; role-specific endorsements vary.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST & relevant refreshers
  • Flag-accepted medical certificate
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • Endorsements/recognitions per position

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
LiberiaCommon on commercial fleets and some passenger vessels.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST & role certificates
  • Flag-accepted medical
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • Endorsements as required

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
Republic of the Marshall IslandsRMI registry; documentation typically verified via employer.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST & updates
  • Flag-accepted medical
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • CoC recognition/endorsement if applicable

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
MaltaEU flag; passenger competencies often emphasized.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST (with refreshers if due)
  • Flag-accepted medical
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • Role endorsements/recognitions

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
Cyprus

Typical documents

  • STCW BST & role-specific STCW certs
  • Flag-accepted medical
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • Recognition/endorsement per role

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
NorwaySome roles require national add-ons; employer will confirm.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST (incl. refresher where relevant)
  • Flag-accepted medical
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • Recognition of CoC per position

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
Singapore

Typical documents

  • STCW BST & updates
  • Flag-accepted medical
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • Endorsements/recognitions per role

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
ItalyPassenger sector requirements confirmed by employer/flag.

Typical documents

  • STCW BST & role certificates
  • Flag-accepted medical
  • Security Awareness / DSD
  • Endorsements/recognitions if needed

Passenger ship extras (often expected)

  • Crowd Management (passenger ships)
  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (if assigned to mustering/emergency duties)
  • Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety & Hull Integrity (role-dependent)
Important: This page is guidance only. Final documentation is confirmed by the employer and the relevant flag administration. We never charge seafarers recruitment/placement fees (MLC 2006).

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