Maritime certification, by flag state.
Every flag state has different rules. We map out exactly what you need: STCW certification, CoC by rank, training courses, and application steps for 12 major maritime nations — verified against primary sources.
Why trust this guide
Every regulation, fee, and procedure is verified against the issuing authority — so you can trust every number on this site.
- IMO STCW 1978 as amended
- MCA (UK) MSN 1861, MIN 531
- Transport Canada SOR/2007-115, TP 10655E
- U.S. Coast Guard 46 CFR Subchapter B
- Panama (AMP) Resolution 106-2024-DGMM
What you will not find here: speculation, generic AI content, or paywalled affiliate links. WishToSail is run by Liberty Dreams LTD (UK Company 12724306).
Counts from a live audit (IMO, MCA, Transport Canada, USCG, AMP source set). All country pages verified against VMA and MPA recognition.
Choose your flag state
Each guide covers certification by rank, training requirements, endorsement pathways, and application procedures — verified against the issuing authority.
United Kingdom
UK master’s tickets, deck and engineering ranks under STCW, plus high-voltage and ratings pathways.
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Canada
TC certificates under the Marine Personnel Regulations, including STCW endorsement and domestic-only tickets.
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Australia
Australian master’s, mate and engineer certificates under Marine Order 71–73, including AMSA exams and sea service.
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New Zealand
New Zealand master, mate and engineer certificates under Maritime Rules Part 32, including MNZ STCW certification and sea service.
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United States
Merchant Mariner Credentials under 46 CFR Subchapter B — deck officers, engineers, and STCW endorsements via the NMC.
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Panama
Panamanian Maritime Authority certificates for officers and ratings across the world’s largest ship registry.
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Marshall Islands
Republic of the Marshall Islands seafarer certificates under Maritime Regulations, the world’s second-largest registry.
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Bahamas
Bahamas Maritime Authority officer and rating certificates across a major Caribbean open registry.
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Malta
Malta STCW certificates and endorsements issued by Transport Malta under EU maritime directives.
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Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Maritime Authority officer and rating certificates across a major Caribbean open registry.
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Liberia
Liberian Registry International Ship & Corporate Registry officer and rating certificates across the world’s second-largest open registry.
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Cyprus
Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry officer and rating certificates across an EU member state flag.
Read guide →Essential guides for seafarers
Start your certification today
Pick the flag state you intend to work under. We give you the certification pathway, training providers, and application steps — verified against the issuing authority.