Cyprus-SISR books not needed for certain shipboard personnel

The Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus has issued a circular titled Cyprus Seafarer’s Identification and Sea Service Record Books (SISR Books) not required for certain categories of professionals working on board ocean going passenger ships and cruise ships under the Cyprus flag.

The circular was published on 13 March 2023 and is addressed to all registered owners, registered bareboat charterers, managers, and representatives of ships flying the Cyprus flag and to all holders of certificates of competency, certificates of proficiency, and documentary evidences issued by the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

It is recalled that SISR Books are required and issued for all seafarers serving on board Cyprus ships according to the provisions of sections 3, 5, 6, and 10 of the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Seafarers and Seafarers’ Register) Laws of 2000 to 2012 (Law 108(I)/2000 as amended). Relevant also in this respect is Circular No. 14/2001.

However, section 5(4) of Law 108(I)/2000 amended provides:

“(4) Exceptionally, other professionals who are non-registered seafarers, are allowed to work on Cyprus ships for such specialized positions not included in the organizational structure of the crew.”

Under the expression “non-registered seafarers” the following categories of persons, among others, are exempted:

scientists, ............... ;
harbour pilots, inspectors, surveyors, auditors, superintendents.....;
guest entertainers, repair technicians, port workers whose work is occasional and short term with their principal place of employment being ashore;
non-marine personnel, employed under outsourced service agreements, the terms of which determine the conditions under which the service provider will supply the necessary personnel;

Additionally, under the expression “organizational structure of the crew”, as required under sections 15 and 24 of the Merchant Shipping (Safe Manning, Hours of Work and Watchkeeping) Law of 2000 to 2005 (Law 105(I)/2000 as amended), the following professionals shall not be included, but they may be included in the Ships’ Muster Listas required under section 16 of Law 105(I)/2000 as amended:

guest entertainers,
catering professionals,
professionals of retailing activities on board (e.g. Sale of alcoholic beverages, perfume, tobacco),
professionals in health, sport, beauty, Spa, and wellness,
betting or gambling professionals,
hotel staff,
contractors and riding crew attending the ship for specific projects, including maintenance,
arm guards carried on board.

Also, paragraph 4.9 of the document entitled "Guidance Document and Instructions to Companies for the issue of Seafarer’s Identification and Sea Service Record Books and endorsements attesting the recognition of non-Cyprus Certificates" of Circular No. 14/2001 is deleted and a new paragraph 4.9 is inserted as follows:

“4.9 Employment on board a Cyprus flag vessel without a Seafarer’s Identification and Sea Service Record Book In accordance with the provisions of section 5(4) of Cyprus Law 108(I)/2000 as amended, exceptionally, other professionals who are non-registered seafarers, are allowed to work on Cyprus ships without a Seafarer’s Identification and Sea Service Record Book, for such specialized positions not included in the organizational structure of the crew (on the minimum safe manning). See in this respect for certain categories of professionals working on board oceangoing passenger ships and cruise ships under the Cyprus flag our Circular No. 7 /2023.”

This Circular must be placed on board oceangoing passenger ships and cruise ships flying the Cyprus flag.