IMSML Website Article 36/2023: MSN07/2023 - Equivalent Limitation of Certificate of Competency Endorsement

MSN07/2023 came into force on the date the Malaysian Shipping Notice was published, ie 7 April 2023. The accompanying ANNEX [A] stipulates 6 core principles on which the Certificate of Competency (COC) operates, followed by a table, which contains an explanation of the sixth paragraph.

Holding the existing COC grade for at least 12 months is the minimum sea-going service period, see Para [1]. There are two alternative benchmarks for qualification identified in Para [2]:

[1] Seafarers who have undergone education and training approved by the Director General of Marine; OR

[2] Seafarers who have passed the Marine Department of Malaysia (MARDEP).

For the first benchmark, the modular and the Certificate of Proficiency (COP) must be in accordance with the requirements of the requested COC grade endorsement, see Para [3]. Eligibility is also subject good behaviour / character. Only seafarers who are not in both disciplinary records and MARDEP blacklists are eligible to apply, see Para [4]. Applicants must also have valid existing COC and Seafarer Identity Document (SID), see Para [5].

Pursuant to Para [6], the related limitation of the equivalent COC endorsements is provided for in a table and depends on whether it is for 'near coastal trade voyages', or unlimited trade voyages:

[1] Near Coastal Trade Voyages - The certificate of competency grade is for an Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch, more than 500 GT, ie WKO > 500 GT NC. The equivalent limitation of the endorsement capacity is of a Master of Less than 500 GT, ie Master < 500 GT NC.

[2] Unlimited Trade Voyages - The certificate of competency grade is for an Office in Charge of Navigational Watch, more than 500 GT, ie WKO > GT UL / OICNW > 500 GT. There are two equivalent limitation of the endorsement capacity:

(a) Chief Officer of more than 3,000 GT for Near Coastal Trade Voyages, ie C/O > 3,000 GT NC;

(b) Master of less than 3,000 GT for Near Coastal Trade Voyages, ie Master <3,000 GT NC.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 36/2023

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 37/2023: MSN09/2023 - CONDITIONS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF HEAVY GRADE OILS AS CARGO ON OIL TANKERS REGISTERED IN MALAYSIA

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Head of the Centre for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Wednesday, 25 October 2023

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my