Canadian recognition of STCW certificates for Irish seafarers

Transport Canada has issued a ship safety bulletin No. 07/2024 that Irish seafarers can now seek Canadian recognition of their STCW certificates.

This bulletin was published on 28 February 2024.

Purpose:

The bulletin is to let you know that:

  • Canada has signed reciprocal arrangements with Ireland.
  • Irish seafarers holding a valid STCW certificate1 of competency can now apply for a Canadian endorsement.
  1. STCW certificate means a certificate issued in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, 1978, as amended, and excludes any certificate or endorsement under the provisions of Rule I/10.

Scope:

This bulletin applies to:

  • Owners and operators of Canadian-flagged vessels
  • Seafarers from Ireland who want a Canadian endorsement

What you need to know:

Seafarers with a valid STCW certificate issued by the Department of Transport of Ireland can now apply for a Canadian endorsement. This is similar to reciprocal arrangements Canada has already signed with Australia, France, Norway, Ukraine, Georgia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Jamaica and Panama.

Documents you need to apply:

To apply for a Canadian endorsement, please download and follow the instructions contained within the following Transport Canada forms:

You are invited to visit the following website which provides relevant information regarding Recognition of a Foreign Certificate Through a Reciprocal Arrangement.

How to apply:

Send your completed application and supporting documents, using one of the following methods:


For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):


Irish seafarers can now seek Canadian recognition of their STCW certificates