Interim measure for holders of a Canadian fishing master Certificate of Competency who seeks recognition under the STCW-F - SSB No.: 10/2018

RDIMS No .: 13946164
Date (Y-M-D) : 2018-07-24

Purpose

This bulletin aims to inform fishing vessel personnel of an interim measure available to holders of a Canadian Fishing Master Certificate of Competency (CoC) wishing to have their certificate recognized as valid for service under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995 (STCW-F).

Scope

This bulletin applies to masters who:

• navigate a Canadian fishing vessel of 24 metres in length and over,
• engage on international voyages, and
• hold a valid Canadian Fishing Master Certificate of Competency.

Canadian fishing masters who wish to be in full compliance of the STCW-F in the event of vessel inspections during an international voyage, are encouraged to follow the measure outlined in this ship safety bulletin. Such masters, however, have no legal obligation to fully meet the STCW-F requirements until Canadian regulations are made to fully implement the Convention.

Background

The STCW-F came into force on September 29, 2012. The Convention sets out the certification and training requirements for the master and deck officers of a fishing vessel of 24 metres in length and over. Since September 29, 2017, Canada – as a party to the STCW-F – is expected to issue CoCs which are in full compliance with the requirements of the STCW-F.

Interim measure

Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) is developing regulations to ensure full compliance with the STCW-F.

Until these regulations come into force, TCMSS encourages holders of fishing vessel certificate of competency described in the following Annex to carry documentation indicating the appropriate validity of their CoC under STCW-F.

How to follow the measure

Holders of Canadian Fishing Master CoCs who are engaged on international voyages should:

1. Consult the table in this bulletin to verify that their certificate is included in the interim measure.
2. Request a letter by using any of the contact methods given in this bulletin, or visit a TCMSS Examination Centre to make the request.
   • Pacific Region
   • Prairie and Northern Region
   • Ontario Region
   • Quebec Region
   • Atlantic Region

Annex - Certificates of Competency and their validity under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995 (STCW-F)

“Limited waters” means waters within 200 nautical miles from shore or above the continental shelf, limited to the waters contiguous to Canada, United States (except Hawaii) and St-Pierre and Miquelon including on the west coast of Canada the waters up to Cobb-Eickelberg seamount chain at not more than 260 nautical miles from shore. (eaux limitées)

“Unlimited waters” means waters that extend beyond “Limited waters”. (eaux illimitées).

Keywords

1. STCW-F
2. Marine Personnel Regulations
3. Certificate of Competency
4. Transitional period
5. International voyages

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).