Qualification as an officer
7.—(1) A seafarer must hold, in respect of the category and capacity in which that seafarer is on board listed in column 1 of the Table in Schedule 2 (categories of certificates of competency and criteria for issue)—
(a)an appropriate certificate of competency; or
(b)an appropriate certificate of equivalent competency.
(2) The Secretary of State may issue a certificate of competency or a certificate of equivalent competency to a seafarer only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that the seafarer complies with the criteria in the STCW Regulations listed in column (2) of the Table in Schedule 2 in relation to the category and capacity listed in column (1) of that Table.
(3) A certificate of competency required by this regulation—
(a)must be issued and endorsed in accordance with this Part;
(b)entitles the holder to act in the capacity specified in the certificate; and
(c)entitles the holder to perform the functions required—
(i)at the level of responsibility specified in the certificate;
(ii)on a ship of the type, GT or power and means of propulsion indicated by the endorsement; and
(iii)while engaged on the particular voyage concerned.
(4) In the circumstances specified in paragraph (5), the Secretary of State may permit a seafarer who does not hold an appropriate certificate of competency, to act in a particular capacity on board a ship for a maximum period of three months.
(5) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (4) are—
(a)the seafarer holds a valid certificate issued by a third party State;
(b)that certificate is appropriate for the capacity in which the seafarer is to perform; and
(c)the seafarer has submitted an application to the Secretary of State under regulation 37 (recognition of a certificate issued by a third party State) or 38 (recognition of a party to the STCW Convention) for a certificate of equivalent competency.
(6) Where a certificate of competency is required under this regulation, the Secretary of State may issue an alternative certificate if that certificate is in accordance with STCW Regulation VII (alternative certification).