As of new year, seafarers can sail internationally with electronic certificates
From 1 January 2025, seafarers will be able to sail internationally using electronic certificates. This change, hailed as a New Year’s gift to the maritime industry, is set to simplify daily operations significantly.
DIGITALISATION: Irene Mortveit Ellingsen, product owner for APS (Automatic Issuance of Personal Certificates) at the Norwegian Maritime Authority, believes this update will be welcomed by shipping companies.
"The documentation process will become easier and more accessible for crew members worldwide", says Ellingsen. "This development follows updates to the STCW Convention, which now recognises electronic certificates as equivalent to physical documents."
The updated Convention explicitly defines the original certificate format as both physical (plastic card) and digital.
Greater flexibility
In line with section 20 of the Regulations on qualifications and certificates for seafarers, certificates must be available in their original format on board.
Starting in 2025, this will include electronic certificates, which can be accessed via the «NMA Seafarer» mobile app or "My page for Seafarers".
During inspections, crew members will need to present their certificates either in physical card format or as an approved electronic version.
"This digitalisation of seafarers' certificates is expected to provide greater flexibility and streamline processes for both seafarers and shipping companies in the years to come", concludes Ellingsen.