No. 3 of 2026 - REVALIDATION OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978 (STCW 1978), AS AMENDED BY SINGAPORE
No.3 of 2026 - REVALIDATION OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978 (STCW 1978), AS AMENDED BY SINGAPORE
Published 01 Mar 2026
Shipping Circulars
No.3 of 2026
1 March 26
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MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
SHIPPING CIRCULAR
NO. 3 OF 2026
MPA Shipping Division
460 Alexandra Road
#21-00, mTower
Singapore 119963
http://www.mpa.gov.sg
01 March 2026
Applicable to: Holders of STCW Certificates issued by Singapore
REVALIDATION OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND
WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978 (STCW 1978), AS AMENDED BY
SINGAPORE
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), as Singapore's maritime
administration, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), as
Singapore's national telecommunications regulator, issue seafarer’s certificates
prescribed under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW 1978), as amended, under each
authority’s respective regulatory frameworks.
2 This circular provides guidance to applicants on the specific requirements for
revalidating Singapore-issued STCW certificates required by the respective
authorities, as detailed in the following annexes:
Issuing
Annex STCW Certificate
Authority
A Deck Officers Certificate of Competency MPA
B Marine Engineer Officers and Electro Technical Officer
Certificate of Competency
C Tanker Endorsement
D Certificate of Proficiency issued under the International Code
for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code)
E Certificate of Proficiency issued under International Code of
Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels
(IGF Code)
F Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) IMDA
General/Restricted Operator Certificate (GOC/ROC)
Page 1 of 11
3 Applicants are reminded to not submit applications for certificate revalidation
more than twelve months prior to the certificate expiration date(s).
4 Any enquiries regarding this circular should be directed to MPA (Email:
COC@mpa.gov.sg) or IMDA (Email: info@imda.gov.sg) for the respective certificate
revalidations.
5 This circular supersedes Shipping Circulars No. 26 of 2016 and 09 of 2020.
CHEAH AUN AUN (MR)
DIRECTOR OF MARINE
THE MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
YUVARANI THANGAVELU (MS)
DIRECTOR OF LICENSING & ENFORCEMENT, INVESTIGATION, AND
PROSECUTION
THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Page 2 of 11
Annex A
REQUIREMENTS FOR REVALIDATION OF DECK OFFICER CERTIFICATES OF
COMPETENCY (COC) ISSUED BY SINGAPORE
Professional competence
Continued professional competence for revalidation of Singapore-issued Deck officer
COCs shall be established by:
a. approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate
held, for a period of at least:
i) twelve months in total during the preceding five years, or
ii) three months in total during the preceding six months immediately prior to
revalidating; or
b. having performed duties deemed equivalent to seagoing service for a minimum
of thirty months within the five years preceding the revalidation application.
Occupations considered to provide essential updates in professional
knowledge may include marine surveyor, marine officer, marine
superintendent, nautical studies lecturer, deck officer examiner, ship surveyor,
cargo surveyor, licensed harbour pilot, or other related professions that may be
assessed on a case-by-case basis; or
c. passing an approved test(s) by MPA; or
d. successfully completing an MPA-approved training course(s); or
e. having completed approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate
to the certificate held, for a period of not less than three months in a
supernumerary capacity, or in a lower officer rank than that for which the
certificate held is valid immediately prior to taking up the rank for which it is
valid.
Page 3 of 11
Completion of refresher / updating courses
This table provides a list of certificates required for revalidating Deck Officer COCs
issued by Singapore.
COC classes Required refresher /
updating courses
certificates
Deck officer COC Class 1 (Master Mariner) A,B,C,E,F,H
Deck officer COC Class 2 A,B,C,E,F,H
Deck officer COC Class 3 A,B,C,D,F,H
Deck officer COC Class 4 A,B,C,D,F,H
Deck officer COC Class 5 A,B,C,D,F,H
Deck officer COC Class 5 (Special Limits) A,B,C,D,G,H
Deck officer COC Class 4 (Special Limits) A,B,C,D,G,H
Deck officer COC Class 6 A,B,C,D,G,H
Legend:
A. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training for
competencies in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats, in
accordance with STCW Code Part A, Section A-VI/2.5.
B. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training for
competencies in advanced firefighting, in accordance with STCW Code Part A,
Section A-VI/3.5.
C. The certificate of completion for revised personal safety and social
responsibilities training that includes prevention and response to Sexual Assault
and Sexual Harassment (SASH), in accordance with IMO Resolution
MSC.560(108), or completion of a standalone SASH prevention and response
training module.
D. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training for
competencies in providing medical first aid on board ship, as specified in STCW
Code Part A, table A-VI/4-1.
E. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training for
competencies in medical care on board ship, as specified in STCW Code Part
A, table A-VI/4-2.
F. GMDSS-General Operator Certificate (GOC).
G. GMDSS-Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC).
H. Seafarer medical fitness certificate.
Notes:
• Certificates listed in this table must be issued with a validity period not
exceeding five years.
• Certificates listed in this table must have at least six months remaining validity
to be eligible for the COC revalidation process.
• MPA may accept certificates issued by or on behalf of administrations that
have established STCW certificate recognition arrangements with Singapore
(refer to relevant shipping circular for specific details).
• Please refer to the relevant shipping circular for Seafarer medical fitness
certificate requirements
Page 4 of 11
Annex B
REQUIREMENTS FOR REVALIDATION OF MARINE ENGINEER OFFICER AND
ELECTRO TECHNICAL OFFICER CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY (COC)
ISSUED BY SINGAPORE
Professional competence
Continued professional competence for revalidation of Singapore issued Marine
Engineer Officer and Electro Technical Officer COCs shall be established by:
a. approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate
held, for a period of at least:
i) twelve months in total during the preceding five years, or
ii) three months in total during the preceding six months immediately prior to
revalidating; or
b. having performed duties deemed equivalent to seagoing service for a minimum
of thirty months within the five years preceding the revalidation application.
Occupations considered to provide essential updates in professional
knowledge may include marine surveyor, technical superintendent, lecturer in
a marine engineering discipline, an examiner of marine engineer officers and
marine repairer, or other related professions that may be assessed on a case-
by-case basis; or
c. passing an approved test(s) by MPA; or
d. successfully completing an MPA-approved training course(s); or
e. having completed approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate
to the certificate held, for a period of not less than three months in a
supernumerary capacity, or in a lower officer rank than that for which the
certificate held is valid immediately prior to taking up the rank for which it is
valid.
Page 5 of 11
The refresher and updating courses
The following table provides the list of the certificates required for revalidating Marine
Engineer Officer COCs issued by Singapore.
COC classes Required refresher /
updating courses
certificates
Marine Engineer officer COC Class 1 A,B,C,D,E
Marine Engineer officer COC Class 2 A,B,C,D,E
Marine Engineer officer COC Class 3 A,B,C,D,E
Marine Engineer officer COC Class 4 A,B,C,D,E
Marine Engineer officer COC Class 5 A,B,C,D,E
Marine Engineer officer COC Class 5 (Special Limit) A,B,C,D,E
Marine Engineer officer COC Class 4 (Special Limit) A,B,C,D,E
Electro Technical Officer (ETO) COC A,B,C,D,E
Legend:
A. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training for
competencies in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats, in
accordance with STCW Code Part A, Section A-VI/2.5.
B. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training for
competencies in advanced firefighting, in accordance with STCW Code Part A,
Section A-VI/3.5.
C. The certificate of completion for revised personal safety and social
responsibilities training that includes prevention and response to Sexual Assault
and Sexual Harassment (SASH), in accordance with IMO Resolution
MSC.560(108), or completion of a standalone SASH prevention and response
training module.
D. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresher training for
competencies in providing medical first aid on board ship, as specified in STCW
Code Part A, table A-VI/4-1.
E. Seafarer medical fitness certificate.
Notes:
• Certificates listed in this table must be issued with a validity period not
exceeding five years.
• Certificates listed in this table must have at least six months remaining validity
to be eligible for the COC revalidation process.
• MPA may accept certificates issued by or on behalf of administrations that
have established STCW certificate recognition arrangements with Singapore
(refer to relevant shipping circular for specific details).
• Please refer to relevant shipping circular for Seafarer medical fitness
certificate requirements
Annex C
Page 6 of 11
REQUIREMENTS FOR REVALIDATION OF TANKER ENDORSEMENTS ISSUED
BY SINGAPORE
Professional competence
Continued professional competence for revalidation of Singapore issued tanker
endorsements shall be established by:
a. approved seagoing service, performing duties appropriate to the tanker
certificate or endorsement held, for a period of at least 3 months in total during
the preceding 5 years; or
b. successfully completing an MPA-approved/recognised relevant training
course(s) or courses.
Note:
• MPA may accept certificates issued by or on behalf of administrations that have
established STCW certificate recognition arrangements with Singapore (refer
to relevant shipping circular for specific details).
Annex D
Page 7 of 11
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REVALIDATION OF CERTIFICATE OF
PROFICIENCY(COP) ISSUED BY SINGAPORE UNDER THE POLAR CODE
Professional competence
Continued professional competence for revalidation of Singapore issued COP under
the Polar Code shall be established by:
a. approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate
held, for a period of at least two months in total during the preceding five years;
or
b. having performed functions deemed equivalent to seagoing service, which will
be assessed on a case-by-case basis by MPA; or
c. passing an MPA-approved/recognised test; or
d. successfully completing an MPA-approved/recognised training course or
courses.
Note:
• MPA may accept certificates issued by or on behalf of administrations that have
established STCW certificate recognition arrangements with Singapore (refer
to relevant shipping circular for specific details).
• If accepted, MPA would not issue a separate endorsement for the recognition
of COPs that are issued by foreign maritime administrations.
Page 8 of 11
Annex E
REQUIREMENTS FOR REVALIDATION OF CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY
(COP) ISSUED BY SINGAPORE UNDER THE IGF CODE
Professional competence
Continued professional for revalidation of Singapore issued COP under the IGF Code
shall be established by:
a. approved seagoing service, performing duties appropriate to the IGF COP held,
for a period of at least 3 months in total during the preceding 5 years; or
b. successfully completing an MPA-approved/recognised relevant training course
or courses.
Notes:
• MPA may accept certificates issued by or on behalf of administrations that have
established STCW certificate recognition arrangements with Singapore (refer
to relevant shipping circular for specific details).
• If accepted, MPA would not issue a separate endorsement for the recognition
of COPs that are issued by foreign maritime administrations.
Page 9 of 11
Annex F
REQUIREMENTS FOR REVALIDATION OF GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) GENERAL
OPERATOR’S CERTIFICATE (GOC) OR RESTRICTED OPERATOR’S CERTIFICATE (ROC) ISSUED BY SINGAPORE
The holder of GOC or ROC who is serving on board ship at sea or intending to serve on board ship after a period ashore, shall
have the certificate revalidated by IMDA or obtain a new certificate if required in order to continue to qualify for sea service as a
radio operator. The seafarer medical fitness certificate must be provided during the new or revalidation application. Please refer
to relevant shipping circular for Seafarer medical fitness certificate requirements.
S/N Scenarios Criteria Company Letter and Relevant Procedures
Job scope
1 Revalidation Working on board ship for at Proceed to submit application to
of GOC or least 12 months in total during IMDA for revalidation of certificate.
ROC within 12 the preceding five (5) years or
months before three (3) months in total during
its expiry date the preceding six (6) months
immediately prior to revalidation.
Working on board ship for less A company letter certifying that IMDA will assess based on relevant
than 12 months or no sea the certificate holder has worked experience.
service. for at least 30 months in a
relevant maritime industry within
the five (5) years preceding the
revalidation application.
A company letter stating the Attend a refresher course for GMDSS
certificate holder’s employment GOC at IMDA’s appointed training
commencement date and role in institution.
a relevant maritime industry
within the five years preceding
Page 10 of 11
S/N Scenarios Criteria Company Letter and Relevant Procedures
Job scope
the revalidation application is Attend full GMDSS ROC course at
required, for IMDA’s assessment IMDA’s appointed training institution.
of the employment duration (Refresher not available unless there
(where it is less than 30 months). is demand from the industry and to
formulate one with appointed training
institution).
Or no company letter provided.
2 GOC or ROC Working on board ship for at IMDA will assess based on relevant
expired least a period of 12 months. experience.
Working on board ship for less A company letter certifying Attend a refresher course for GMDSS
than 12 months or no sea certificate holder has been GOC at IMDA’s appointed training
service. working in company for at least institution.
30 months in a relevant maritime
industry within the five years
Attend full GMDSS ROC course at
preceding the revalidation
IMDA’s appointed training institution.
application.
(Refresher not available unless there
is demand from the industry and to
formulate one with appointed training
institution).
Has no sea service record within Attend a full course for GMDSS GOC
the last five years and/or has or GMDSS ROC at IMDA’s appointed
less than 30 months of relevant training institution.
maritime industry experience.
Page 11 of 11
| Annex | STCW Certificate | Issuing | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authority | ||||
| A | Deck Officers Certificate of Competency | MPA | ||
| B | Marine Engineer Officers and Electro Technical Officer Certificate of Competency | |||
| C | Tanker Endorsement | |||
| D | Certificate of Proficiency issued under the International Code for Shi… | |||
| E | Certificate of Proficiency issued under International Code of Safety f… | |||
| F | Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) General/Restricted … | IMDA | ||
| COC classes | Required refresher / | |||
| updating courses | ||||
| certificates | ||||
| Deck officer COC Class 1 (Master Mariner) | A,B,C,E,F,H | |||
| Deck officer COC Class 2 | A,B,C,E,F,H | |||
| Deck officer COC Class 3 | A,B,C,D,F,H | |||
| Deck officer COC Class 4 | A,B,C,D,F,H | |||
| Deck officer COC Class 5 | A,B,C,D,F,H | |||
| Deck officer COC Class 5 (Special Limits) | A,B,C,D,G,H | |||
| Deck officer COC Class 4 (Special Limits) | A,B,C,D,G,H | |||
| Deck officer COC Class 6 | A,B,C,D,G,H | |||
| Legend: A. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresh… | ||||
| COC classes | Required refresher / | |||
| updating courses | ||||
| certificates | ||||
| Marine Engineer officer COC Class 1 | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Marine Engineer officer COC Class 2 | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Marine Engineer officer COC Class 3 | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Marine Engineer officer COC Class 4 | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Marine Engineer officer COC Class 5 | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Marine Engineer officer COC Class 5 (Special Limit) | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Marine Engineer officer COC Class 4 (Special Limit) | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Electro Technical Officer (ETO) COC | A,B,C,D,E | |||
| Legend: A. The certificate confirming successful completion of refresh… | ||||
| S/N | Scenarios | Criteria | Company Letter and Relevant | Procedures |
| Job scope | ||||
| 1 | Revalidation of GOC or ROC within 12 months before its expiry date | Working on board ship for at least 12 months in total during the prece… | Proceed to submit application to IMDA for revalidation of certificate. | |
| Working on board ship for less than 12 months or no sea service. | A company letter certifying that the certificate holder has worked for… | IMDA will assess based on relevant experience. | ||
| A company letter stating the certificate holder’s employment commencem… | Attend a refresher course for GMDSS GOC at IMDA’s appointed training i… | |||
| S/N | Scenarios | Criteria | Company Letter and Relevant | Procedures |
| Job scope | ||||
| the revalidation application is required, for IMDA’s assessment of the… | Attend full GMDSS ROC course at IMDA’s appointed training institution.… | |||
| 2 | GOC or ROC expired | Working on board ship for at least a period of 12 months. | IMDA will assess based on relevant experience. | |
| Working on board ship for less than 12 months or no sea service. | A company letter certifying certificate holder has been working in com… | Attend a refresher course for GMDSS GOC at IMDA’s appointed training i… | ||
| Has no sea service record within the last five years and/or has less t… | Attend a full course for GMDSS GOC or GMDSS ROC at IMDA’s appointed tr… |
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