Disclaimer: While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate, this is a guide only and no guarantees for the currency or accuracy of information are made. Marlins does not accept any liability for any cost, loss, disruption or damage caused by using the information below.
The following table lists flag state authorities and their current recognition, acceptance or approval status of Marlins STCW security elearning. Where the table refers to "White List", this means the STCW White List, which includes both Liberia and UK MCA.
Marlins emphasise that companies and individuals should not rely on this list, but must contact the relevant flag state authority to check precise requirements.
Last updated: 28th June 2019 (see end of page for amendments)
| Flag | Security Awareness | Security Duties | Notes / Link |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: http://abregistry.ag/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/STCW-Circ-2013-001-Security-Training-for-Seafarers2.pdf |
| Australia | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia) | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia) | Notice: https://apps.amsa.gov.au/MOReview/Attachment/ShowAttachmentInline/659 |
| Bahamas | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: https://www.bahamasmaritime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/118bulltnrev03.pdf
Additional: https://www.bahamasmaritime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/121bulltn.pdf |
| Barbados | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.barbadosmaritime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bulletin-215.doc |
| Belgium | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia)
| Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia)
| Jan 2018: Advised in email from FPSMT that they accept all EU countries and some other countries under MOU, not including Liberia |
| Bermuda | Recognises White List | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia) | Notice: www.bermudashipping.bm/useful-information/download-forms/doc_download/76-2013-025-security-training/
List: www.bermudashipping.bm/useful-information/download-forms/doc_download/64-2011-015-stcw-endorsement-arrangements-/ |
| Brazil | - | - | Approves and recognises only Brazilian training providers |
| Bulgaria | - | - | Under review |
| Canada | - | - | Approves Canadian training providers only |
| Cayman Islands | Accepted (based on Liberian approval) | Accepted (based on Liberian approval) | Notice: www.cishipping.com/portal/page/portal/srghome/survey/shippingnotices/2013/SN042013R1.1
Notice: www.cishipping.com/portal/page?_pageid=4362,7586525&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL |
| Croatia | - | - | Approves Croatian training providers only |
| Cyprus | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.mcw.gov.cy/mcw/dms/dms.nsf/All/2D66DA892C87AFFDC2257C3D0043617A/$file/30-2013%20(9-12-2013)%20.pdf?OpenElement |
| Denmark | Recognises EU countries only | Recognises EU countries only
| Notice: www.dma.dk/Vaekst/Rammevilkaar/Legislation/Orders/Order%20on%20maritime%20security%20training%20on%20board%20ships.pdf#search=STCW%20security |
| Germany | Recognises White List | Recognises White List |
|
| Gibraltar | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.mantamaritime.com/downloads/flag_news/SGN%20045%20STCW%20Security%20related%20training.pdf |
| Hong Kong | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia) | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia) | Notice: www.mardep.gov.hk/en/msnote/pdf/msin1250.pdf
List: http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/msnotice/stcw_hke.html |
| Ireland | - | - | Approves Irish training providers only |
| Isle of Man | Formally approved since April 2014 (Cruise ship version is exempt) | Formally approved since April 2014 (Cruise ship version is exempt) | Notice: www.gov.im/lib/docs/ded/shipregistry/survey/shippingNotices/msn046stcwregulationvi6securit.pdf
Notice: www.gov.im/lib/docs/ded/shipregistry/survey/shippingNotices/msn046stcwconventionregulation.pdf |
| Italy | - | - |
|
| Liberia | Formally approved since 5th March 2014 | Formally approved since 5th March 2014 | Notice: www.liscr.com/liscr/Portals/0/MarineOperationsNote_01-2013.pdf |
| Luxembourg | Recognises Member Parties to STCW Convention | Recognises Member Parties to STCW Convention | Notice: www.maritime.lu//sites/maritime.lu/files/files/pdf/legislation/reg_circulaires/005%20Security%20Training%20STCW.pdf |
| Marshall Islands | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.register-iri.com/forms/upload/MSAdvisory_66-13.pdf |
| Malta | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.transport.gov.mt/admin/uploads/media-library/files/Notice%20109%20-%20Implementation%20of%20the%20International%20Convention%20on%20Standards%20of%20training,%20Certification%20and%20Watchkeeping%20for%20Seafarers,%20As%20Amended.pdf |
| Montenegro | - | - | No bilateral agreements with UK MCA or Liberia, so will not recognise either flag approval. |
| Myanmar | Will consider MCA certificate on case-by-case basis | Will consider MCA certificate on case-by-case basis
| |
| Netherlands | Recognises EU/EEA and specific list (includes UK MCA and Liberia) | Recognises EU/EEA and specific list (includes UK MCA and Liberia) | Notice: www.ilent.nl/Images/Information%20Bulletin%20on%20STCW%20Manila%20Amendments_tcm334-329322.pdf
Additional: On 8th May 2014, in telcon with Dutch Kiwa, Marlins confirmed that Liberia is on the specific list of bilateral agreements. |
| New Zealand | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia) | Recognises specific list (including UK MCA, not Liberia) | Notice: www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Commercial/Seafarer-licensing/Revalidate-STCW.asp#Security_training |
| Norway NMD | Recognises Liberia | Recognises Liberia |
|
| Panama | Recognises White List, not Liberia
| Recognises White List, not Liberia | Notice: www.panamaconsul.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Circular-No-021-2013.pdf
Additional: Panama Registry approves all courses that are issued and approved by an administration of a country under the IMO white list. All courses issued by a school or institution approved by the UK are approved and accepted by Panama.
Aug 2016: We have been informed that issuing authority for the Panamanian discharge book ask specifically for security awareness training certificates to be issued in the country of domicile.
Mar 2018: We have been informed about Circular DGGM-UCC-030-2017, which states the Panamanian Administration does not recognize course certificates issued to non-nationals by the Maritime Administration of Liberia. |
| Philippines | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.marina.gov.ph/policies/MCs/MC%202013-09.pdf |
| Poland | - | - |
|
| Romania | - | - |
|
| Singapore MPA | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/circulars_and_notices/pdfs/shipping_circulars/sc_no_16_of_2013.pdf |
| South Africa | tbc | tbc | Advice being sought from SAMSA for clarification of certificate recognition notice: www.samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/files/MN%2022%20of%202015.pdf
Also: www.samsa.org.za/sites/samsa.org.za/files/MN%204%20of%202014.pdf |
| Spain | Recognises Member Parties to STCW Convention
| Recognises Member Parties to STCW Convention
| Notice: www.fomento.gob.es/NR/rdonlyres/8FC49409-22AF-4ED1-AC86-671F273F0DD4/122014/FORMACIONBASICAENPROTECCIONMARITIMACOMUNICADO1.pdf |
| Sri Lanka | - | - | Recognises Sri Lankan training providers only
Notice: www.dgshipping.gov.lk/web/images/pdf/rules/1818_37_2013.pdf |
| St Vincent & the Grendines | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.svg-marad.com/Downloads/Circulars/STCW/STCW%20005%20Security%20Related%20Training%20and%20Instructions%20for%20Seafarers.pdf |
| Switzerland | Recognises White List | Recognises White List |
|
| Turkey | - | - |
|
| UK MCA | Formally approved, for Approved Test Centre assessments only, since 1st April 2014 | Formally approved, for Approved Test Centre assessments only, since 1st April 2014 | Notice: www.dft.gov.uk/mca/min480.pdf
Notice (superceded): www.dft.gov.uk/mca/min472-2.pdf
List: www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/workingatsea/mcga-trainingandcert/mcga-cec/dqs-st-stc-cecinfo.htm |
| Vanuatu | Recognises White List | Recognises White List | Notice: www.vanuatumaritimeships.com/Documents/FleetSafetyLetters/091713.GEN.pdf |
List of changes:
28/06/2019: Removal of broken link relating to German guidance
05/03/2018: Updated Panama guidance to state Liberia is no longer accepted
22/01/2018: Refreshed links for Panama guidance
04/01/2018: Added guidance for Belgium
14/06/2017: Refreshed links for Bahamas guidance
28/04/2017: Added guidance for Denmark
23/03/2017: Added guidance for Spain
22/02/2017: Added guidance for Montenegro
17/01/2017: Added guidance for South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
26/01/2016: IOM and Cayman Island links updated due to URL changes
28/05/2015: Panama guidance revised
22/12/2014: Myanmar advice added, based on client feedback
13/05/2014: Luxembourg row added, with circular
12/05/2014: Link to Panama notice added and other links refreshed
08/05/2014: Netherlands acceptance of Liberian approval confirmed by telcon
30/04/2014: First version published to Marlins Support
06/02/2014: Revised UK MCA notice [MIN 480(M)] added
