Amendments to the STCW Code, in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.560(108), entered into force on January 1, 2026. In this regard, the Shipping Administration announced that existing safety certificates remain valid only if additional training is completed in accordance with the new requirements.
On January 8, 2026, the Maritime Transport Workers’ Union of Ukraine contacted the Administration for clarification regarding the validity of Basic Safety certificates and changes following the entry into force of the IMO resolution. The union also emphasized the importance of preventing additional barriers to the employment of Ukrainian seafarers during wartime.
📋 Today, we received an official response:
Seafarers holding valid certificates for the following programs:
▪️ “Basic Safety Training”
▪️ “Basic Safety Training (Abridged Program)”
▪️ “Familiarization, Basic Safety Training”
may undergo additional training at any approved training and training facility whose program complies with the amendments to MSC.560(108)
💻 A list of such training and training facilities is posted on the Shipping Administration website in the “Activities” → “Training and Training Facilities” section (with a corresponding note about the program under MSC.560(108))
❗️With this response, the Shipping Administration effectively confirms that there is no requirement to complete the supplemental certificate only at the center where it was previously obtained.
🔗 Check You can check the validity of your document through the qualifications verification service – LINK
🔗 Full text of the letter – READ
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