Subject: Assessment Of A Foreign Training Certificate As An Equivalent To Transport Canada Training Certificate


Bulletin No.: 02/2009
RDIMS No.: 4545733
Date (Y-M-D): 2009-06-01



Subject: Assessment Of A Foreign Training Certificate As An Equivalent To Transport Canada Training Certificate (amendment 2009-07-31)
This Ship Safety Bulletin (SSB) provides information with regards to the assessment of a foreign training certificate in view of being accepted as an equivalent to Transport Canada Marine Safety (TCMS) recognized training certificate, required under the Marine Personnel Regulations (MPR).

In general, this SSB is relevant to applicants who are holders of Certificates of Competency (CoC), issued by a foreign Administration, and who submit an application to obtain a Canadian CoC through the direct examination process. However, this SSB may be relevant to a “qualified person” (either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada) who may have had reason to obtain training courses through course providers recognized by a foreign Administration.

TCMS office is amending the assessment process, with regards to training certificates, issued by a foreign Administration, to accept authenticated training certificates issued under the “International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended in 1995 and 1997” (STCW) by an Administration recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as being STCW compliant.

A “qualified person”, who is holder of a training certificate issued in compliance with the STCW Convention, by a foreign Administration, may apply to an examiner to have his training qualifications evaluated against the requirements of the MPR.

TCMS examiners will assess the qualifications and experience of each applicant against requirements of the MPR by adhering to the evaluation procedures and criteria set out in the various “TP” publications, related to training courses that are specific to the applicant’s situation.

Where STCW training outlined above has been recognized, the applicant will not be required to complete an “approved” Canadian STCW training course.

TCMS examiners (local office) will forward each application to the Director, Personnel Standards and Pilotage (Ottawa) who will assess their qualifications and experience on a “case-by-case” basis to ensure the requirement of the Canadian Shipping Act, 2001 and the MPR are met prior to the issuance of a Canadian Maritime Document (in respect of a person).