No. 8 of 2024 - IMPLEMENTATION AND ISSUANCE OF STCW ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES FOR SEAFARERS
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
SHIPPING CIRCULAR
NO. 08 OF 2024
MPA Shipping Division
460 Alexandra Road
21st Storey mTower
Singapore 119963
http://www.mpa.gov.sg
30 August 2024
Applicable to: Holders of International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers certificates issued by the Maritime
and Port Authority of Singapore
IMPLEMENTATION AND ISSUANCE OF STCW ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES
FOR SEAFARERS
1 The International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee has
approved the amendment of the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (“STCW Convention”) to recognise the
use of electronic certificates for seafarers, effective 1 January 2025. The Maritime and
Port Authority of Singapore (“the Administration”) issues various types of seafarers’
certificates as prescribed under the Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification and
Manning) Regulations, such as Certificate of Competency (“COC”), Certificate of
Proficiency (“COP”), and endorsements to meet the STCW Convention requirements.
Recognising the benefits of issuing seafarer’s certificates electronically which includes
enhanced reliability, efficiency, and security in seafarer certification, the Administration
has begun the issuance of electronic certificates for seafarers since 1 June 2024.
2 The electronic certificates of seafarers issued by the Administration contain all
features that are required by the STCW Code Section A-I/2 and in accordance with
the MSC.1/Circ.1665 (Guidelines on the use of electronic certificate of seafarers). The
electronic certificates are provided in portable document format (“PDF”) protected with
the security ribbon on top. In addition, the electronic certificates contain a Quick
Response (“QR”) Code to facilitate the verification process.
3 Relevant parties seeking to verify the authenticity and validity of the electronic
certificates can do so online either by scanning the QR Code provided in each
electronic certificate or by entering the unique tracking number at the following online
verification system:
• COC, COP and endorsements - https://digitalport-
service.mpa.gov.sg/mc/cert/status
• Certificate of endorsement attesting recognition (COE) - https://digitalport-
service.mpa.gov.sg/sr-vs
4 The Annex illustrates the methods for verifying the electronic COC, COP, and
endorsements issued by the Administration.
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5 Any existing original hardcopy of seafarer’s certificates issued by the
Administration shall remain valid and be carried on board.
6 Notwithstanding the implementation and issuance of the electronic certificates
for seafarers, the owners, managers and masters shall continue to comply with the
port entry and clearance requirements specific to each port of call. A copy of this
Shipping Circular should be placed on board to facilitate the acceptance of electronic
certificates for seafarers by other relevant authorities.
7 Any queries regarding this Circular should be directed to coc@mpa.gov.sg (for
COC and COP) or mmo@mpa.gov.sg (for COE of foreign-issued COC).
CHEAH AUN AUN
DIRECTOR OF MARINE
MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
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Annex
VERIFICATION OF MPA-ISSUED ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES OF SEAFARERS
When internet connectivity is available
(1) Verification by scanning the QR Code
(2) Verification by entering the Certificate number (unique tracking number) at
the Online Verification System at https://digitalport-
service.mpa.gov.sg/mc/cert/status or https://digitalport-
service.mpa.gov.sg/sr-vs.
When internet connectivity is not available
(3) Ensure that the digital signature ribbon located on the top of the electronic
certificate in digital format is displayed, which indicates the authenticity of the
electronic certificate.
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