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Cyprus

1. Do You Need Certification in Cyprus?

Below is the full certification pathway — from eligibility check to receiving your Cyprus SDM endorsement. By the end of §1–§3, you will know exactly which certificate you need, where to train, and what it costs. §4 walks you through the application. §5 covers immigration, medical, and MLC requirements.

Overview

Cyprus maintains one of the largest ship registries in the European Union, administered by the Shipping Deputy Ministry (Υφυπουργείο Ναυτιλίας), formerly the Department of Merchant Shipping (DMS). The authority is headquartered in Limassol at Kyllinis Street, 4007 Mesa Geitonia, and oversees all matters relating to vessel registration, seafarer certification, and maritime safety under Cypriot flag.

The Cyprus flag is governed by the Merchant Shipping (Masters and Seamen) Law (Cap. 29), as amended, together with a suite of secondary regulations transposing EU directives on maritime safety, seafarer qualifications, and labour standards. Cyprus acceded to the European Union on 1 May 2004 and has since implemented the full body of EU maritime legislation, including Directive 2008/109/EC on the minimum level of training of seafarers.

STCW Recognition

Cyprus is a full party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended by the 2010 Manila Amendments. The Shipping Deputy Ministry issues Certificates of Competency (COC) and endorsements strictly aligned with STCW standards.

Seafarers holding certificates issued by countries on the IMO's “white list” of STCW-recognised administrations may apply for a Cyprus Endorsement — formally attesting the recognition of a non-Cyprus certificate under Service C41. Certificates from non-white-list administrations may require gap training, oral examination, or additional sea service verification before endorsement is granted.

As an EU member state, Cyprus also applies Council Directive 2008/109/EC (as amended by Directive (EU) 2019/1896 — the European Maritime Safety Agency recast), which harmonises the minimum training standards for seafarers across EU/EEA flag states. This means that EU-issued Certificates of Competency generally enjoy streamlined recognition in Cyprus.

Who Needs a Cyprus Certificate?

Any seafarer serving on a Cyprus-flagged vessel must hold either:

  • A valid Cyprus Certificate of Competency (COC) issued by the Shipping Deputy Ministry; or
  • A valid Cyprus Endorsement attesting recognition of a foreign STCW certificate (Service C41); or
  • A valid Seafarer's Registry Certificate and/or Seafarer's Identification and Sea Service Record Book (SISRB).

Seafarers who are permanent citizens of Cyprus may apply directly through the CYSh1P online platform. Non-Cypriot seafarers must have their applications submitted by the managers or owners of the Cyprus-flagged vessel on which they will serve.

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2. What Certification Do You Need by Position?

The following table summarises the certification requirements by department and position on Cyprus-flagged vessels, aligned with the STCW Convention and the Merchant Shipping (Masters and Seamen) Law (Cap. 29).

Deck Department

Position STCW Certificate Notes
Master STCW II/2 Full certificate of competency required; may be issued directly by DMS or endorsed from a foreign COC
Chief Mate STCW II/2 Officer-in-charge of navigational watch at management level
Officer of the Watch (OOW) STCW II/1 Officer-in-charge of a navigational watch at operational level
Able Seafarer Deck (AB) STCW II/5 Qualified rating; requires specified sea service and practical assessment
Ordinary Seaman (OS) STCW II/4 Entry-level rating; basic safety training mandatory

Engine Department

Position STCW Certificate Notes
Chief Engineer STCW III/2 Management level; full certificate of competency required
Second Engineer STCW III/2 Management level; second in authority in the engine room
Engine Officer (OOW Engine) STCW III/1 Operational level; officer-in-charge of an engineering watch
Engine Cadet STCW III/1 (under supervision) Training period towards full engineer certification
Engine-room Rating STCW III/4 Qualified rating assisting the engineering watch

Electro-Technical Department

Position STCW Certificate Notes
Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) STCW III/6 Introduced by the 2010 Manila Amendments; required on vessels with high-voltage installations or complex electrical systems
Electro-Technical Rating STCW III/7 Supporting role under ETO supervision

Radio / GMDSS Department

Position STCW Certificate Notes
GMDSS General Operator (GOC) STCW IV/2 Required for officers responsible for GMDSS communications on the bridge
GMDSS Restricted Operator (ROC) STCW IV/3 For vessels operating within sea area A1 only
Radio Officer STCW IV/2 Legacy role; largely superseded by GOC requirements

Catering / Hotel Department

Position STCW Certificate Notes
Ship's Cook MLC 2006, Reg. 3.2 + Code B3.2 Certificate of competency as ship's cook; STCW Basic Safety Training required
Chief Cook MLC 2006, Reg. 3.2 + Code B3.2 Senior galley role; food hygiene certification recommended
Galley Attendant / Mess Boy STCW Basic Safety Training (STCW VI/1) Entry-level; survival, firefighting, and first aid

> Note: Catering staff are not certified under STCW for their professional roles. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, Regulation 3.2 and Code B3.2 establish the minimum competence standards for cooks aboard. Each flag state adapts these to its national legislation.

All Seafarers — Mandatory Basic Training

Regardless of position, every seafarer serving on a Cyprus-flagged vessel must hold:

Certificate STCW Code Description
Personal Survival Techniques STCW VI/1-1 Lifejacket use, life raft boarding, abandonment procedures
Fire Prevention and Firefighting STCW VI/1-2 Fire extinguisher use, fire boundary isolation, breathing apparatus
Elementary First Aid STCW VI/1-3 CPR, wound treatment, emergency medical response
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities STCW VI/1-4 Workplace safety, teamwork, communication

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Related guides:

3. Where to Get the Training?

The Shipping Deputy Ministry maintains a register of approved Maritime Training Centres and Training Academies. Training must be delivered at DMS-approved institutions to qualify for endorsement purposes. However, many seafarers complete foundational STCW courses at internationally recognised providers before applying for their Cyprus endorsement.

Marine Pro Academy (MPA)

Marine Pro Academy (MPA) offers a complementary range of STCW courses, with certificates recognised by Cyprus, Panama, Liberia, and other major flag states. MPA is particularly well-suited for seafarers seeking bundled STCW packages.

Cyprus-relevant MPA courses:

  • STCW Basic Safety Training Bundle — complete BST in one programme
  • Advanced Fire Fighting
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
  • GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC)
  • Security Awareness
  • Bridge Resource Management (BRM)
  • ECDIS
  • High Voltage Safety — required for engine officers on vessels with HV installations
  • Medical Care
  • Medical First Aid

Getting Started

1. Complete your foundational STCW courses at MPA — these form the baseline for any endorsement application.

2. Gather your documents — original COC, sea service records, medical certificate, and passport copies.

3. Apply via CYSh1P — the Shipping Deputy Ministry's online platform for seafarer services.

Enrol via Marine Pro Academy (15% commission) to begin your Cyprus maritime certification pathway.

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4. How to Apply?

Service C41 — Cyprus Endorsement (Recognition of a Foreign Certificate)

This is the primary pathway for seafarers who already hold a Certificate of Competency issued by another STCW party and wish to have it formally recognised for service on Cyprus-flagged vessels.

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

You must hold a valid COC issued by an STCW party that appears on the IMO's list of administrations whose certificates are recognised. EU/EEA-issued certificates generally enjoy direct recognition under Directive 2008/109/EC.

Step 2: Register on CYSh1P

  • Cypriot citizens: Register via CY Login and enrol in the relevant services on the CYSh1P platform.
  • Non-Cypriot seafarers: Your application must be submitted by the manager or owner of the Cyprus-flagged vessel. The company registers via SDM Login.

Step 3: Submit your application

Through CYSh1P, apply for a Cyprus Endorsement. Required documents include:

Document Notes
Original Certificate of Competency Issued by your flag state administration
Proof of sea service Certified sea service records or discharge book entries
Valid medical certificate Compliant with MLC 2006 standards (see Section 5)
Passport copy Valid for at least 6 months beyond application date
STCW training certificates Evidence of completed BST and any required specialisation courses
Passport-sized photographs Typically 2 recent photographs

Step 4: Pay fees and await processing

Submit the application and pay the applicable fee through the CYSh1P platform. Processing times for Cyprus endorsements typically range from 2 to 4 weeks, though complex cases involving gap training requirements may take longer.

Step 5: Receive your endorsement

Once approved, the Shipping Deputy Ministry will issue your Cyprus Endorsement, which is recorded in your Seafarer's Identification and Sea Service Record Book (SISRB). The endorsement confirms that your foreign COC is recognised for service on Cyprus-flagged vessels.

Service C42 — Cyprus Certificate of Competency

For seafarers who have completed an approved training programme at a DMS-approved Maritime Training Centre in Cyprus, or who wish to obtain a full Cypriot COC rather than an endorsement.

  • Cypriot citizens can apply directly via CY Login.
  • Non-Cypriot seafarers must apply through their employing company via CYSh1P.
  • Approved training centres can submit batch applications for multiple seafarers.

Seafarer's Career Information System (SCIS)

The DMS also operates the Seafarers Career Information System (SCIS), a platform for seafarers to create CVs and network with shipping companies. Registration is free and recommended for seafarers seeking employment on Cyprus-flagged vessels.

Processing Times Summary

Service Typical Processing Time Notes
Cyprus Endorsement (C41) 2–4 weeks Direct recognition for white-list certificates
Certificate of Competency (C42) 4–6 weeks After completion of approved training programme
SISRB issuance 2–3 weeks Seafarer's identification and sea service record
Certificate renewal 2–3 weeks Submit before expiry to avoid gaps

For broader context, compare Cyprus certification requirements with other flag states, and review your flag state options before applying.

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5. Other Requirements

Immigration and Entry

Seafarers joining Cyprus-flagged vessels are not typically subject to Cyprus work visa requirements, as employment is governed by flag state law and international maritime conventions. The seafarer is employed by an international shipping company, not necessarily a Cypriot entity.

For transit through Cyprus ports during crew change:

  • EU/EEA citizens: Enter freely with a valid national ID card or passport.
  • Most other nationalities: Enter visa-free for short stays under Cyprus's visa policy (aligned with EU Schengen rules). A valid passport, seafarer's book, and joining letter from the shipping company are required.
  • Third-country nationals requiring a visa: Must obtain a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) prior to travel. Shipping companies should advise crew well in advance.

Cyprus does not impose specific immigration restrictions on seafarers joining or departing vessels. Employment on Cyprus-flagged vessels is governed by MLC 2006, ensuring seafarer protection regardless of nationality.

Medical Certificate Requirements

All seafarers working on Cyprus-flagged vessels must hold a valid medical certificate compliant with MLC 2006, Regulation 1.2 and the ILO Guideline B1.2 on medical examinations.

Key requirements:

  • The medical examination must be conducted by a qualified medical practitioner approved by the flag state or a recognised maritime medical authority.
  • The examination covers fitness for duties at sea, including vision (colour vision required for deck officers), hearing, cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and psychological suitability.
  • The DMS accepts medical certificates from approved practitioners worldwide, making it convenient for international seafarers.
  • Certificate validity is typically 2 years for seafarers under 40, and 1 year for those aged 40 and over — though this may vary by certificate level and flag state requirements.

Medical certificate standards (aligned with MLC 2006):

Requirement Standard
Vision (distance) Minimum 6/12 in each eye (correctable)
Colour vision Ishihara test — required for deck officers and lookouts
Hearing Ability to perceive audio signals at prescribed frequencies
Cardiovascular No history of uncontrolled hypertension or recent cardiac events
Respiratory Spirometry within acceptable limits
Psychological Assessment of fitness for solitary/shift work at sea

MLC 2006 Compliance

Cyprus has ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, and its requirements are enforced by the Shipping Deputy Ministry through the Cyprus Maritime Labour Framework. Key provisions affecting seafarers include:

  • Employment agreements: All seafarers must have a written employment agreement (Seafarer's Employment Agreement — SEA) before joining the vessel.
  • Hours of work and rest: Maximum 14 hours in any 24-hour period; minimum 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period; minimum 77 hours rest in any 7-day period.
  • Repatriation: Seafarers are entitled to repatriation at no cost to themselves upon completion of their contract, illness, or injury.
  • Health and safety: Vessels must maintain adequate safety management systems, medical supplies, and access to shore-based medical facilities.
  • Social security: Seafarers on Cyprus-flagged vessels are covered under the Cyprus social security framework, with contributions managed by the shipowner.

Seafarer's Identification and Sea Service Record Book (SISRB)

The DMS issues the Seafarer's Identification and Sea Service Record Book (SISRB), which serves as both a seafarer's identity document and a verified record of sea service. This document is essential for:

  • Endorsement applications (C41)
  • Certificate renewals (C42)
  • Proof of sea service for flag state verification
  • Port state control inspections

The SISRB is issued through Service C41 and is recorded digitally in the CYSh1P system.

ISPS Code Requirements

All seafarers on Cyprus-flagged vessels must complete Security Awareness training under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This is a mandatory STCW VI/6-1 certificate that must be held before joining any vessel.

Officers with designated security duties must additionally hold:

  • Designated Security Duties (DSD) — STCW VI/6-2
  • Ship Security Officer (SSO) — STCW VI/6 (for officers responsible for vessel security)

Key Contacts

Contact Details
Shipping Deputy Ministry Kyllinis Street, 4007 Mesa Geitonia, Limassol, Cyprus
Postal Address P.O. Box 56193, 3305 Limassol, Cyprus
Telephone +357 2584 8100
Email maritimeadmin@dms.gov.cy
CYSh1P Platform https://cysh1p.dms.gov.cy
SCIS Portal https://scis.dms.gov.cy
Website https://www.gov.cy/dms/en/

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*This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Seafarers should verify all requirements directly with the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus and their employing company before making travel or training decisions. Last updated: August 2026.*

Compare your pathway with neighbouring maritime flag states:

  • Malta — Cyprus and Malta share EU maritime framework
  • United Kingdom — transfer Cyprus CoC to UK MCA
  • Liberia — Cyprus to Liberia flag for global operations

For more context on the certifications mentioned on this page:

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about certification, training, and endorsement pathways for seafarers on the Cyprus maritime register.

Do I need Cypriot certification to work on a Cyprus-flagged vessel?
Yes. The Cyprus Maritime Administration requires a Cypriot Certificate of Competency or endorsement for officers serving on Cyprus-flagged commercial vessels subject to STCW.
How long does Cyprus certification take?
Typical processing is 2 to 4 weeks for endorsements once documentation is complete.
What is the difference between Cyprus and STCW certification?
STCW is the IMO international standard; the Cyprus Maritime Administration administers Cyprus-specific certification under that framework. Cyprus certification adds Cyprus maritime law, the Cyprus endorsement pathway, and EU-aligned safety requirements.
How much does Cyprus certification cost?
Cyprus Maritime Administration fees are published in their fee schedule. Costs include application fees, examination fees, and any required training. Budget from low-hundreds to low-thousands EUR depending on rank.
What medical certificate do I need for Cyprus certification?
A valid ENG1 or equivalent accepted by the Cyprus Maritime Administration, issued by an approved physician.
Can I use my STCW from another country in Cyprus?
Yes, via the Cyprus endorsement pathway. Officers holding CoCs from EU/EEA countries and from countries with which Cyprus has reciprocal arrangements can apply for a Cypriot endorsement without repeating all STCW courses.