21-05-2026 New requirement certificate of competency Officer on sailing vessels up to 500 GT

With the new Seafarers Manning Act on 1 July 2025, the regulations governing certificates of competency have changed. Following the end of the transitional period, an additional requirement applies to applications for a Certificate of Competency as Officer on Sailing ships up to 500 GT.

As of 1 July 2026, applicants for a Certificate of Competency as Officer on sailing vessels up to 500 GT must submit either a valid Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft for sailing vessels of less than 500 GT or a valid Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft with their application. Without one of these certificates, the Certificate of Competency cannot be issued.

Please refer to our assessment matrix for the complete requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Competency as Officer on sailing vessels up to 500 GT.