Fijian seafarers have been reminded to upgrade their Certificate of Competency (COC) before it expires come December 31, 2016.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW) is a comprehensive set of international regulations intended to ensure that the highest standards of seafarer competence are maintained globally.

All seafarer’s certificates will expire on December 31.

The main purpose of the Convention is to promote safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment by establishing in common agreement international standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers.

The Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) has advised seafarers that there is a bridging programme that will be conducted to ensure that existing certificate of higher grades are appropriately upgraded in recognition of compliance with (STCW) Manila Amendment.

On January 1, 2012 the Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code came into force.

However, a transitional period of five years was granted to allow seafarers and administrations to comply with the new requirements.

FMA executive officer Taslim Mohammed says the tentative date to start the upgrading or bridging course for seafarers on September 19.

“FMA will be able to cater for the students in upgrading their Certificate of Competency (COC),” Mr Mohammed said.