As per Transport Canada’s latest bulletin, Canada and Ukraine have signed a reciprocal arrangement for the recognition of certain STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) certificates. This arrangement shall allow Ukrainian seafarers with valid STCW certificates to apply online for a Canadian endorsement if they intend to work on Canadian-flagged vessels. The arrangement is similar to those already in place between Canada and Australia, France, Georgia, Norway, the Philippines, and the U.K.
An IMO Circular Letter will be taken into consideration when determining the expiry date of a Canadian endorsement for a Ukrainian seafarer with an expired certificate of competency. The requirement to renew the endorsement six months before the expiry date does not apply to Ukrainian seafarers.
To apply for a Canadian endorsement, Ukrainian seafarers need to download and follow the instructions provided in the Application for a Canadian Endorsement form and the Declaration from an Authorized Representative form. They must also demonstrate relevant in-service experience related to the STCW certificate they are seeking endorsement for.
