Maritime certificates of proficiency

Basic Training consists of four parts:

• personal survival techniques, as specified in STCW A-VI/1-1;
• fire prevention and fire-fighting, as specified in STCW A-VI/1-2;
• elementary first aid, as specified in STCW A-VI/1-3; and
• personal safety and social responsibilities, as specified in STCW A-VI/1-4.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completed training for each Basic Training part. A certificate of proficiency may be issued based on the following training certificates:
  • under 5 years old full-length course of each Basic Training part; or
  • an approved full-length course in accordance the STCW Convention, including the 1995 amendments or the subsequent amendments, and under 5 years old approved refresher course of each Basic Training part; or
  • a certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA state and under 5 years old approved refresher course of each Basic Training part.
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate. 

Who is required to have it?

Personnel from ships’ crew, other than those in domestic trade, are required to hold a Basic Training certificate of proficiency (STCW VI/1) if they are members of vessels’ minimum safe manning or they have been assigned jobs related to a vessel’s security or prevention of environmental pollution. The ship owner specifies assigned jobs in more detail.

Amendments related to the prevention of violence and harassment as of 1 January 2026

A new competence requirement will be added to the training on personal safety and social responsibilities in accordance with STCW Code Section A-VI/1-4, included in the basic training. The aim of this new competence is to prevent and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, within the maritime sector. The amendments will enter into force internationally on 1 January 2026. From that date onwards, the new competence requirements must be included in all Certificates of Proficiency in basic training applied for the first time and all full basic training courses.

The training module on personal safety and social responsibilities remains valid until further notice, and therefore does not need to be refreshed every five years, unlike the personal survival techniques (A-VI/1-1) and fire prevention and firefighting (A-VI/1-2) parts of the basic training.

The amendment to the STCW Code does not apply to refresher courses and does not require those who have previously obtained a certificate of proficiency in basic training to complete supplementary training. However, Traficom has recommended that training providers approved by us include the new training content also in refresher courses for basic training. This will help promote a change in the onboard safety culture and strengthen a safe working environment.

Certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats requires in addition to completed training (STCW A-VI/2-1) that the candidate is at least 18 years old and that they have at least 6 months of seagoing service.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completed training (Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats STCW A-VI/2-1). A certificate of proficiency may be issued based on the following training certificates:
  • under 5 years old full-length training course; or
  • an approved full-length training course in accordance the STCW Convention, including the 1995 amendments or the subsequent amendments, and under 5 years old approved refresher training course; or
  • a certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA state and under 5 years old approved refresher training course.
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate
• a copy of any foreign seagoing service certificate. 

The requirement for a certificate of proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats is based on the SOLAS convention. A vessel must have a specified number of personnel who hold this certificate of proficiency or an deck officer’s certificate of competency (deck officer or higher).

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Certificate of proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats requires in addition to completed training (STCW A-VI/2-2) that the candidate has certificate of proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats, VI/2.1) which may be issued in another approved country.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completed training (Fast Rescue Boats STCW A-VI/2-2). A certificate of proficiency may be issued based on the following training certificates:
  • under 5 years old full-length training course; or
  • an approved full-length training course in accordance the STCW Convention, including the 1995 amendments or the subsequent amendments, and under 5 years old approved refresher training course; or
  • a certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA state and under 5 years old approved refresher training course.
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate
• a copy of approved foreign certificate of proficiency for Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats, VI/2.1

The requirement for a certificate of proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats is based on the SOLAS convention.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completed training (Advanced Fire Fighting STCW A-VI/3). A certificate of proficiency may be issued based on the following training certificates:
  • under 5 years old full-length training course; or
  • an approved full-length training course in accordance the STCW Convention, including the 1995 amendments or the subsequent amendments, and under 5 years old approved refresher training course; or
  • a certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA state and under 5 years old approved refresher training course.
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate. 

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

The application must include: 

• a copy of the completed training (Medical First Aid STCW A-VI/4-1). The training may be older than 5 years.
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate.

Certificate of proficiency in medical first aid is valid until further notice, and it will be automatically issued to the renewed combined certificate of proficiency at the time of renewal.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completed training (Medical Care STCW A-VI/4-2). A certificate of proficiency may be issued based on the following training certificates:
  • under 5 years old full-length training course; or
  • an approved full-length training course in accordance the STCW Convention, including the 1995 amendments or the subsequent amendments, and under 5 years old approved refresher training course; or
  • a certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA state and under 5 years old approved refresher training course.
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate.

It is required that the master of a vessel and the person responsible for medical care hold a certificate of proficiency in medical care.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completed training (Security Awareness STCW A-VI/6-1)
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate. 

Certificate of proficiency in Security Awareness is valid until further notice, and it will be automatically issued to the renewed combined certificate of proficiency at the time of renewal.

Certificate of proficiency in Designated Security Duties includes the certificate of proficiency in Security Awareness.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completed training (Designated Security Duties STCW A-VI/6-2)
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate.

Certificate of proficiency in Designated Security Duties is valid until further notice, and it will be automatically issued to the renewed combined certificate of proficiency at the time of renewal.

Certificate of proficiency for Ship Security Officer includes the certificate of proficiency in Security Awareness (VI/6.1) and Designated Security Duties (VI/6.4).

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency for ship security officers shall:

• have completed training for ship security officers (STCW A-VI/5) and 
• have 12 months of seagoing service.

The application must include:

• a copy of the completted training (Ship Security Officer STCW A-VI/5)
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate
• a copy of any foreign seagoing service certificate.

Certificate of proficiency for Ship Security Officer is valid until further notice, and it will be automatically issued to the renewed combined certificate of proficiency at the time of renewal.

The personnel on oil and chemical tanker vessels, who have specified jobs related to cargo operations, must hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations in addition to any required certificate of competency for their position on board.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations shall:

• hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training (STCW VI/1), which can be issued by an approved foreign administration; and
• have completed basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations (STCW A-V/1-1-1).

The application must include: 

• a copy of the completed training (Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations STCW A-V/1-1-1)
•  a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate
• a copy of approved foreign certificate of proficiency in Basic Training (STCW VI/1).

This certificate of proficiency is valid until further notice.

The personnel on liquefied gas tanker vessels, who have specified jobs related to cargo operations, must hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations in addition to any required certificate of competency for their position on board.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations shall:

• hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training (STCW VI/1), which can be issued by an approved foreign administration; and
• have completed basic training for crew members on liquefied gas tankers (STCW A-V/1-2-1).

The application must include: 

• a copy of the completed training (Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations STCW A-V/1-2-1)
•  a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate
• a copy of approved foreign certificate of proficiency in Basic Training (STCW VI/1).

This certificate of proficiency is valid until further notice.

Masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineer officers and other personnel with direct responsibility for cargo handling and other cargo-related operations on oil tankers shall hold, in addition to the certificate of competency required for the capacity held on board, a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for oil tanker cargo operations.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for oil tanker cargo operations shall:

• hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations, which can be issued by another EEA state;
• have completed familiarization training in oil tanker cargo operations (STCW A-V/1-1-2) and
• have completed seagoing service or supervised onboard training after the issue of the certificate of proficiency in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations:
  • at least 3 months of seagoing service on oil tankers; or
  • at least 1 month of supervised onboard training on an oil tanker as a supernumerary member of the crew or as a trainee; the supervised onboard training shall contain not less than three loading and three unloading operations, which are documented in an approved training record book.

The application must include: 

• a copy of the training certificate (Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations STCW A-V/1-1-2) 
• 3 months of seagoing service on an oil tanker vessel (or alternatively 1 month of supervised training and participation in at least 3 loading and unloading operations) 
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate 
• a copy of any foreign seagoing service certificate, if applicable
• a copy of EEA state issued certificate of proficiency of Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, if applicable.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineer officers and other personnel with immediate responsibility for cargo handling and other cargo-related operations on chemical tankers shall hold, in addition to the certificate of competency required for the capacity held on board, a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for chemical tanker cargo operations.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for chemical tanker cargo operations shall:

• hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations, which can be issued by another EEA state;
• have completed familiarization training in chemical tanker cargo operations (STCW A-V/1-1-3); and
• have completed seagoing service or supervised onboard training after the issue of the certificate of proficiency in basic training for oil and chemical tanker cargo operations:
  • at least 3 months of seagoing service on chemical tankers; or
  • at least 1 month of supervised onboard training on a chemical tanker as a supernumerary member of the crew or as a trainee; the supervised onboard training shall contain not less than three loading and three unloading operations, which are documented in an approved training record book.

The application must include: 

• a copy of the training certificate (Advanced Training for Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations STCW A-V/1-1-3) 
• 3 months of seagoing service on a chemical tanker vessel (or alternatively 1 month of supervised training and participation in at least 3 loading and unloading operations) 
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate 
• a copy of any foreign seagoing service certificate, if applicable
• a copy of EEA state issued certificate of proficiency of Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, if applicable.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Masters, chief mates, chief engineer officers, second engineer officers and other personnel with immediate responsibility for cargo handling and other cargo-related operations on liquefied gas tankers shall hold, in addition to the certificate of competency required for the capacity held on board, a certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker operations.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations shall:

• hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations, which can be issued by another EEA state;
• have completed familiarization training in liquefied gas tanker cargo operations (STCW A-V/1-2-2); and
• have completed seagoing service or supervised onboard training after the issue of the certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations:
  • at least 3 months of seagoing service on liquefied gas tankers; or
  • at least 1 month of supervised onboard training on a liquefied gas tanker as a supernumerary member of the crew or as a trainee; the supervised onboard training shall contain not less than three loading and three unloading operations which are documented in an approved training record book.

The application must include: 

• a copy of the training certificate (Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations STCW A-V/1-2-2) 
• 3 months of seagoing service on a liquefied gas tanker vessel (or alternatively 1 month of supervised training and participation in at least 3 loading and unloading operations) 
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate 
• a copy of any foreign seagoing service certificate, if applicable
• a copy of EEA state issued certificate of proficiency of Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations, if applicable.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Personnel assigned specific safety duties on IGF Code ships concerning fuel handling, fuel use or fuel-related emergency situations shall hold, in addition to the certificate of competency required for the capacity held on board, a certificate of proficiency in basic training for IGF Code ship operations.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in basic training for IGF Code ship operations shall:

• have completed basic training for crew members of IFG Code ships in accordance with section A-V/3, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code; or
• hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations or a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for liquefied tanker cargo operations.

In addition, a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate must be included in the application.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Traficom considers that under the Finnish flag, a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations can be accepted even for duties where the lower-level basic training for IGF Code ship operations is required. Hence, a holder of a certificate of proficiency in Advanced IGF does not necessarily need to renew the lower-level certificate of proficiency in Basic IGF.

However, when applying for a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations for the first time, the candidate shall hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for IGF Code ship operations or a certificate of proficiency for gas tanker cargo operations, as this is required by the STCW Convention and our national legislation.

Traficom may also issue a certificate of proficiency in basic training for IGF Code ship operations on the basis of that certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA State and an approved refresher course less than 5 years old.

Masters, engineer officers and other crew members with immediate responsibility for the handling of fuels and fuel systems and for operating fuel systems on IGF Code ships shall hold, in addition to the certificate of competency required for the capacity held on board, a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations shall:

• hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for IGF Code ship operations or a certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations, or a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for liquefied tanker cargo operations. The certificate of proficiency can be issued by another EEA state;
• have completed advanced training for personnel of IGF Code ships (STCW V/3-2);
• have 1 month of seagoing service on an IGF Code ship or training substituting for seagoing service approved by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency.

Additionally, the training shall contain at least three refuelling operations on an IGF Code ship or on a ship whose fuel is subject to the IGF Code. Two out of the three refuelling operations may be completed on a simulator as part of the required training.

The certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations may also be issued to a candidate who holds a certificate of proficiency in basic training for liquefied gas tanker cargo operations and who has:

• participated in at least three refuelling operations on an IGF Code ship or who has participated three times in taking charge of cargo operations on a liquefied gas tanker;
• completed three months of seagoing service in the preceding five years:
  • on an IGF Code ship;
  • on a ship which carries fuel subject to the IGF Code; or
  • on a vessel whose fuel is subject to the IGF Code.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Traficom considers that under the Finnish flag, a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations can be accepted even for duties where the lower-level basic training for IGF Code ship operations is required. Hence, a holder of a certificate of proficiency in Advanced IGF does not necessarily need to renew the lower-level certificate of proficiency in Basic IGF.

However, when applying for a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations for the first time, the candidate shall hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for IGF Code ship operations or a certificate of proficiency for gas tanker cargo operations, as this is required by the STCW Convention and our national legislation.

Traficom may also issue a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for IGF Code ship operations on the basis of that certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA State and an approved refresher course less than 5 years old.

The application must include: 

• a copy of completed advanced training for personnel of IGF Code ships (STCW V/3-2)
• a copy of one of the the required certificates of proficiency mentioned above, if issued by an EEA state.
• a copy certificate of seagoing service on an IGF Code ship or a copy of the certificate of the training substituting for seagoing service approved by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency
• a copy of an employer's certificate of participation in refuelling operations on an IGF Code ship or on a ship whose fuel is subject to the IGF Code.
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate.

Masters and chief officers on tankers and passenger ships covered by the SOLAS Convention shall hold a certificate of proficiency in basic training for ships operating in polar waters when operating in polar waters where the ice concentration is less than 1/10 of the sea area and no ice of land origin is present during the voyage.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in basic training for ships operating in polar waters shall:

• have basic training for ships operating in polar waters in accordance with section A-V/4, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.
• include a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate in the application.

Traficom may also issue a certificate of proficiency in basic training for ships operating in polar waters on the basis of that certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA State and an approved refresher course less than 5 years old.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

Approved service substituting for seagoing service on ships operating in polar waters

Seagoing service is approved service substituting for seagoing service on ships operating in polar waters if it is completed between the first day of November and the last day of April while the ice concentration in the sea area is not less than 1/10 and the seagoing service is completed in the following sea areas:

1. In the Gulf of Bothnia, including the Sea of Åland and the Archipelago Sea to the north of Hanko latitude;
2. In the Bay of Bothnia to the north of the Vaasa–Umeå line;
3. In the Gulf of Finland to the east of Hanko longitude; and
4. in the area of St. Lawrence River and Seaway to the north of Newfoundland and to the west of Belle Isle longitude, and to the south of Newfoundland and to the east of Channel-Port aux Basque longitude.

If ice of land origin is present during the voyage or the ice concentration is more than 1/10 of the sea area, masters and chief officers on ships covered by the SOLAS Convention shall hold a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for ships operating in polar waters, and the other deck officers shall have a certificate of proficiency in basic training for ships operating in polar waters.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for ships operating in polar waters shall:

• meet the requirements laid down for a certificate of proficiency in basic training for ships operating in polar waters. This requirement is also met by holding a certificate of proficiency in Basic training for ships operating in polar waters that is issued by an EEA state;
• have completed advanced training for ships operating in polar waters in accordance with section A-V/4, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code;
• have completed at least 2 months of approved seagoing service as follows:
  • as deck officer on ships operating in polar waters; or
  • seagoing service substituting for service as deck officer in polar waters.

Traficom may also issue a certificate of proficiency in advanced training for ships operating in polar waters on the basis of that certificate of proficiency issued by an EEA State and an approved refresher course less than 5 years old.

This certificate needs to be renewed every 5 years.

The application must include: 

• a copy of the training certificate (Advanced training for ships operating in polar waters STCW A-V/4-2).
• a copy of employer's certificate of seagoing service in polar waters (see model form below)
• a copy of a valid seafarer’s medical certificate 
• a copy of any certificate of proficiency in Basic training for ships operating in polar waters issued by an EEA state.

Approved service substituting for seagoing service on ships operating in polar waters

Seagoing service is approved service substituting for seagoing service on ships operating in polar waters if it is completed between the first day of November and the last day of April while the ice concentration in the sea area is not less than 1/10 and the seagoing service is completed in the following sea areas:

1. In the Gulf of Bothnia, including the Sea of Åland and the Archipelago Sea to the north of Hanko latitude;
2. In the Bay of Bothnia to the north of the Vaasa–Umeå line;
3. In the Gulf of Finland to the east of Hanko longitude; and
4. in the area of St. Lawrence River and Seaway to the north of Newfoundland and to the west of Belle Isle longitude, and to the south of Newfoundland and to the east of Channel-Port aux Basque longitude.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency in crude oil washing shall, in addition to the certificate of competency required for the capacity held on board:

• have completed a training course in crude oil washing and taken part in two crude oil washing operations, or
• have completed 6 months of seagoing service on a tanker and taken part in two crude oil washing operations.

Every candidate for a certificate of proficiency for persons taking charge of crude oil washing operations shall:

• have completed a training course in crude oil washing and taken part in two crude oil washing operations and have completed 12 months of seagoing service on a tanker, or
• have completed 12 months of seagoing service on a tanker, have taken part in five crude oil washing operations, and hold a certificate issued by the master to the effect that the candidate has been familiarized with the crude oil washing system and its operating manual.

Every candidate for a type-rating certificate for high-speed craft shall:

• hold the certificate required by their capacity on board;
• have completed training in accordance with chapter 18 of the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft adopted by IMO;
• have completed a practical test specified in chapter 18 of the High-Speed Craft Code held by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency.

Every candidate for type-rating certificate for dynamically supported craft shall hold the certificate required by their capacity on board and have completed training in accordance with chapter 17 of the International Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft.