The Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Regulations 2022

Withdrawal of recognition

40.—(1) The Secretary of State may, in the circumstances described in paragraph (2) and subject to paragraph (3), withdraw recognition of a party to the STCW Convention which issued a certificate described in regulation 36 (recognition of a certificate issued by an EEA State), 37 (recognition of a certificate issued by a third party State) or 38 (recognition of a party to the STCW Convention).

(2) The circumstances are that, following an evaluation of the party which issued the certificate, which may include an inspection of facilities and procedures of that party, the Secretary of State is no longer satisfied that the requirements of the STCW Convention regarding standards of competence, training and certification and quality standards are fully complied with.

(3) Where there are indications that a party may no longer comply with the requirements described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of State must notify the party that recognition of that party’s certificates will be withdrawn six months after such notification is given unless adequate measures are taken to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements of the STCW Convention.

(4) Where the Secretary of State withdraws recognition of a party in accordance with paragraph (1)—

(a) certificates of equivalent competency issued on the basis of that recognition before the date of the decision to withdraw recognition remain valid; and

(b) an officer holding a certificate of equivalent competency may not be issued with a certificate of equivalent competency of a higher grade based on a certificate issued by that party except where an officer qualifies for a certificate solely on the basis of additional sea service.