How to get the AB endorsement in Canada: STCW II/5 pathway (2026)

If you hold a STCW II/5 Able Seafarer Deck certificate and want to work on Canadian-flagged vessels, this is the process. For seafarers from countries with a reciprocal arrangement with Canada, the typical timeline is 4 to 8 weeks once your documents are in order. The full certification map for Canada — Master, Chief Mate, Officer of the Watch, AB, Ordinary Seafarer, Engine, Electro-Technical Officer, Radio — is in our Canada guide. This post walks you through the AB pathway under the Marine Personnel Regulations (SOR/2007-115) and the training standard TP 2293, The Examination and Certification of Seafarers.

What is the AB endorsement in Canada?

The AB endorsement — formally called a Canadian endorsement attesting the recognition of a foreign certificate — is the document Transport Canada issues to confirm that your existing STCW II/5 Able Seafarer Deck certificate is recognised for service on Canadian-flagged vessels. It is not a new certificate and does not require you to sit a Canadian AB exam. It is a recognition of your existing qualification.

Able Seafarer Deck is the STCW Manila 2010 terminology. Older sources and some flag administrations still use Able Seaman; both refer to the same competency under STCW Regulation II/5 and the STCW Code, Section A-II/5. The Canadian regulations use the current “Able Seafarer” wording.

AB is not the same as Ordinary Seafarer (OS). AB requires more sea service and more training. OS is an entry-level rating under STCW II/4; AB is the rating above it under STCW II/5, qualified to perform navigation watchkeeping duties at the support level.

The Canadian endorsement is required if you serve in a deck capacity on a Canadian-flagged vessel of 500 gross tonnage or more on international voyages, or under specific near-coastal and limited conditions set out in the Marine Personnel Regulations.

Legal basis

The Canadian AB endorsement for foreign seafarers sits on four legal pillars:

1. Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (S.C. 2001, c. 26). This is the parent statute. It empowers the Governor in Council to make regulations on certification of seafarers, and subsection 89(1) specifically authorises the Minister of Transport to enter into reciprocal arrangements with foreign states for the recognition of STCW certificates.

2. Marine Personnel Regulations (SOR/2007-115). Made under the Act. The relevant sections: – § 170 — the Able Seafarer certificate requirements (sea service, training, examinations). – § 214 — the deck watch requirement: “no person shall act, and no master shall permit a person to act, as a member of the deck watch of a vessel unless the person holds a certificate appropriate to the class of vessel, the area in which the vessel operates and the duties to be performed by the person.” – § 102 — the list of endorsements the Minister may issue in relation to a certificate of competency. – § 121 — fees for examinations and documents.

3. STCW Convention and Code. The international framework. Regulation I/10 covers reciprocal arrangements; Regulation II/5 defines the AB certification standard; Section A-II/5 of the STCW Code sets the mandatory minimum requirements for ABs.

4. Transport Canada Publication TP 2293 — The Examination and Certification of Seafarers. This is the standard Transport Canada applies when assessing foreign AB certificates for endorsement. (Not to be confused with TP 4957, which covers Marine Emergency Duties Training Courses — a different subject.)

Eligibility and sea service

Under § 170 of SOR/2007-115, an Able Seafarer certificate — whether Canadian or held by a foreign seafarer seeking Canadian recognition — requires:

• At least 36 months of sea service on one or more vessels as a rating performing deck duties. Not 18 months. The official requirement is 36.
• Service must be on vessels appropriate to the AB role; service on fishing vessels, recreational craft, or vessels under 500 GT may not be fully credited.
• The sea service must be documented — signed sea service letters (or Discharge Books / Seaman’s Books) with vessel name, flag, tonnage, dates, capacity served, and the master’s or chief mate’s signature.

There is no explicit numerical recency rule in the published regulations. In practice, examiners apply a recency check: if your last AB-relevant sea service was more than five years ago, expect to be asked for refresher training or a records audit before the endorsement is issued.

For the broader certification map across all positions — Master, Chief Mate, Officer of the Watch, AB, Ordinary Seafarer, Engine, Electro-Technical Officer, Radio — see the Canada certification guide.

Training requirements

§ 170 also lists the documents you must hold to qualify for the AB certificate. Translated into practical training, an AB needs:

• STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) — also called Marine Emergency Duties (MED) with respect to STCW basic safety. Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. This is the foundation.
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other Than Fast Rescue Boats — STCW A-VI/2. Required for all seafarers assigned to crew a survival craft. Not the same as the Fast Rescue Boats course (which is a separate endorsement under § 102(h)).
• Marine Basic First Aid — separate from BST Elementary First Aid; this is a more comprehensive first-aid certification.
• Steering Testimonial — a signed declaration from a master or mate attesting that you can steer the vessel, in the form set out in Schedule 3 to Part 1 of SOR/2007-115.

Where to train:

For the foundational STCW Basic Safety Training, Marine Pro Academy’s STCW BST bundle is accepted by Transport Canada via the IMO whitelist and covers all four BST modules in one package. Use code libertydreams for 10% off.

For the Canada-specific regulatory module that Transport Canada assesses during foreign endorsement — the “what makes Canadian regulations different” piece — Virtual Maritime Academy’s Canadian Rules & Regulations for Deck Officers (Operational Level) is a 45-hour online course designed for foreign deck officers. While VMA’s course is framed for officers, the same Canadian regulations apply to ratings and the content is recognised at the institution level under TP 10655E (Approved Training Courses). Use code libertydreams for 10% off.

Medical certificate

Every seafarer serving on a Canadian-flagged vessel must hold a Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate. This is a separate document from your AB endorsement, and you can apply for both in parallel.

• Validity: 2 years for most seafarers under 55; annual renewal for seafarers 55 and older; some roles require more frequent renewals.
• Examiners: only physicians designated by the Minister under § 268 of SOR/2007-115. The current list of designated Marine Medical Examiners is published on the Transport Canada Marine Medical Examiners page.
• Process: book directly with a designated examiner; the examiner submits the result to Transport Canada.

How to apply

The application path depends on whether your country has a reciprocal arrangement with Canada.

If your country has a reciprocal arrangement

Since 2019, Canada has signed reciprocal arrangements with twelve administrations: Australia, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, France, Georgia, Ireland, Jamaica, Norway, Republic of Panama, Republic of the Philippines, United Kingdom, and Ukraine. The reciprocal arrangement is made under subsection 89(1) of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and STCW Regulation I/10.

Under a reciprocal arrangement, the process is:

1. A Canadian authorised representative applies on your behalf. Typically this is the manning agency or shipping company that is hiring you. You cannot apply directly as an individual seafarer.
2. The authorised representative receives a Confirmation of Receipt of the Application. This document allows you to work on a specific vessel for three (3) months while the full endorsement is processed.
3. The authorised representative completes an on-board familiarisation for you at the management level and submits it to Transport Canada.
4. Transport Canada issues the Canadian endorsement.

The official application page is Canadian endorsement attesting the recognition of a foreign certificate through a reciprocal arrangement.

Typical processing time: 4 to 8 weeks for applicants from reciprocal-arrangement countries with complete documents.

If your country does not have a reciprocal arrangement

If your flag state is not on the list above (for example: India, China, Russia, Turkey, the United States), you apply through the direct examination process under § 119 of SOR/2007-115. This is more rigorous: Transport Canada assesses your training and sea service against the § 170 standards, and you may be required to complete gap training or sit oral examinations at a Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security Examination Centre. The relevant page is Direct examination process.

Fees

Under § 121 of SOR/2007-115, the examination fees are:

These are the fees for the Canadian AB examination itself, if you are required to sit one. The reciprocal-arrangement endorsement does not require a Canadian examination, but the authorised representative may charge an application handling fee.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for the AB endorsement from outside Canada?

Yes. Transport Canada accepts applications by mail from seafarers worldwide, processed through a Canadian authorised representative. Submission options depend on where you are; some authorised representatives accept electronic applications, others require paper submission by courier.

How long does the AB endorsement take in Canada?

For seafarers from reciprocal-arrangement countries with complete documents, 4 to 8 weeks. For direct examination pathway applicants, expect 12 to 16 weeks if no gap training is required, and longer if gap training is needed.

What is the difference between AB and Ordinary Seafarer in Canada?

AB (Able Seafarer Deck, STCW II/5) is the rating above OS (Ordinary Seafarer, STCW II/4). AB requires 36 months of sea service and additional training; OS has no minimum sea service and is an entry-level rating. ABs work under the chief mate; OSs work under ABs.

Do I need a visa before applying for the AB endorsement?

No. The endorsement is a separate process from immigration. You can apply for the endorsement while your visa or work permit is being processed. However, you cannot sign on a Canadian-flagged vessel without a valid work permit.

Is the AB endorsement the same as a Seaman’s Book?

No. The AB endorsement is a STCW certification recognition. The Seaman’s Book (or Maritime Identity Document) is a separate document confirming your identity and sea service record. You need both for service on Canadian-flagged vessels.

Conclusion

You qualify for a Canadian AB endorsement if you hold a STCW II/5 Able Seafarer Deck certificate, can document 36 months of qualifying sea service, and have completed STCW Basic Safety Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, and Marine Basic First Aid. For seafarers from reciprocal-arrangement countries, the typical timeline is 4 to 8 weeks via a Canadian authorised representative.

For the complete certification map across all positions — Master, Chief Mate, Officer of the Watch, AB, Ordinary Seafarer, Engine, Electro-Technical Officer, Radio — see our Canada guide.

If you’re just starting your STCW training, Marine Pro Academy’s STCW BST bundle covers the foundational requirement. Use code libertydreams for 10% off.

Sources cited

• Marine Personnel Regulations (SOR/2007-115) — Justice Laws Canada. Sections: 1 (Interpretation), 102 (Endorsements), 121 (Fees), 170 (Able Seafarer), 214 (Deck Watch), 268 (Marine Medical Examiners).
• Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (S.C. 2001, c. 26) — subsection 89(1) (reciprocal arrangements).
• STCW Convention — Regulation I/10 (reciprocal arrangements), Regulation II/5 (Able Seafarer certification).
• STCW Code — Section A-II/5 (mandatory minimum requirements for Able Seafarers).
• Transport Canada — Foreign or other qualifications and skills recognition: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification-individuals/foreign-other-qualifications-skills-recognition
• Transport Canada — Canadian endorsement (reciprocal arrangement): https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification-individuals/foreign-other-qualifications-skills-recognition/canadian-endorsement-attesting-recognition-foreign-certificate-through-reciprocal-arrangement
• Transport Canada — Direct examination process: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification-individuals/foreign-other-qualifications-skills-recognition/direct-examination-process
• Transport Canada — Marine Medical Examiners: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification-individuals/marine-medical-fitness-examiner-information/marine-medical-examiners
• Transport Canada — How to obtain a Canadian Marine Medical Certificate: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-training-certification-individuals/marine-medical-fitness-examiner-information/how-obtain-canadian-marine-medical-certificate
• TP 2293 — The Examination and Certification of Seafarers (Department of Transport standard).
• TP 4957 — Marine Emergency Duties Training Courses (Department of Transport standard, distinguished from TP 2293 to avoid confusion).
• TP 10655 — Approved Training Courses (for institution recognition).
• Virtual Maritime Academy — Canadian Rules & Regulations for Deck Officers (Operational Level): https://www.virtualmaritime.academy/course/canadian-rules-regulations-for-deck-officers-operational-level-online-course/?ref=1567
• Marine Pro Academy — STCW Basic Safety Training Bundle: https://marineproacademy.com/product/stcw-basic-safety-basic-training-bundle/?ref=libertydreams