This is a new certificate requirement which is being introduced in the wake of the IGF Code (International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels), which entered into force on 1 January 2017. It led to amendments to the Regulations on qualifications, with additional requirements for crews on ships using fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C. They now have to be issued with a certificate of proficiency in basic training for service on ships using fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C (certificate for basic LFF training) or a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for service on ships using fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C (certificate for advanced LFF training) to be allowed to serve on this type of ships. The certificate requirement is also made applicable to vessels constructed before 1 January 2017 which are using low-flashpoint fuels. That means that the crew on board ships constructed before 1 January 2017 must also be issued with a certificate of proficiency for LFF.

 

Two different levels

The certificates of proficiency are divided into two levels. These levels reflect the seafarer's responsibility related to handling low-flashpoint fuels. The certificate for basic LFF training is issued to seafarers who are assigned specific duties and responsibilities associated with the care of, use of or in emergency response to fuel. The certificate for advanced LFF training is issued to masters, engineer officers and other personnel with immediate responsibility for the care and use of fuels and fuel systems.

The certificates of proficiency are issued by the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The training required in order to be issued with a certificate of proficiency is carried out at a course centre in accordance with curricula approved by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

 

What you need

There are several ways of meeting the requirements for being issued with a certificate of proficiency for LFF. Some of the alternatives require seagoing service or participation in bunkering operations. The completion of seagoing service and bunkering operations must be confirmed by a testimonial from the company/master. All training must be documented by a course certificate or the like.

 

The initial issue of certificate of proficiency for basic LFF training

Valid safety training is a requirement for the issue of a certificate for basic LFF training. Additionally, one of the following is required:

 

  • Completed basic LFF course at an approved training centre or school.

 

  • Certificate of proficiency in basic or advanced training for gas carrier cargo operations.  

 

  • A minimum of three months of seagoing service in the period from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017 on ships using low-flashpoint fuel, and documentation of training which at least covers the competences of the now repealed Regulations on the construction and operation of gas-fuelled passenger ships and the Regulations on cargo ships with natural gas fuelled internal combustion engines (ABC courses).

 

The initial issue of certificate of proficiency in advanced LFF training

In order to be issued with a certificate for advanced LFF training, the candidate has to have a certificate for basic LFF training or a basic LFF course, valid safety training and in addition satisfy one of the following alternatives:

 

  • Completed advanced LFF course at an approved training centre or school according to approved course plans and a minimum of one month of seagoing service that includes three bunkering operations on board a ship using low-flashpoint fuel.

 

  • Valid certificate of proficiency in advanced training for gas carrier cargo operations, a minimum of three months of seagoing service during the last five years on ships using low-flashpoint fuel, and participation in three bunkering operations on board ships using low-flashpoint fuel.

 

  • Valid certificate of proficiency in advanced training for gas carrier cargo operations, a minimum of three months of seagoing service during the last five years on ships using low-flashpoint fuel, and participation in minimum three bunkering operations during the seagoing service on board ships using low-flashpoint fuel, where two of the three bunkering operations may be replaced by approved simulator training.

 

  • Valid certificate of proficiency in advanced training for gas carrier cargo operations, a minimum of three months of seagoing service during the last five years on ships using or carrying low-flashpoint fuel, and participation in at least three cargo operations on board a gas carrier.

 

  • A minimum of three months of seagoing service in the period from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017 on ships using low-flashpoint fuel and documented training which as a minimum covers the competences of the now repealed Regulations on the construction and operation of gas-fuelled passenger ships and the Regulations on cargo ships with natural gas fuelled internal combustion engines (ABC courses).

 

 

Further information about the certificates of proficiency for LFF and provisions for ships using low-flashpoint fuel is included in the Regulations on qualifications for seafarers, the Regulations on ships using fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C, the Regulations on the construction of ships and the Circular RSR 18-2016 on ships using fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C, etc.