Flag endorsement (EAR)
STCW Regulation I/10 — when you need it, how to apply, common delays.
What it is
An Endorsement Attesting Recognition issued by the flag state of a vessel to recognise a CoC issued by another administration. Required for officers and engineers serving on a vessel flying a flag different from the one that issued their CoC.
Who needs it
Most officers and engineers sailing under flags like Panama, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Bahamas, Malta, Cyprus, Singapore, Hong Kong on a CoC issued by another administration.
When it is checked
- Sign-on muster.
- Port-state-control inspection.
- Flag-state audit.
Common mistakes
- Last-minute application — most flags need 2–6 weeks; some allow a 90-day grace via 'Receipt of Application' letters, some don't.
- Letting the underlying CoC lapse — the EAR becomes invalid the moment the CoC does.
- Not knowing whether your CoC-issuing administration is on the IMO White List.
Validity
Up to 5 years, but always tied to the validity of the underlying CoC.
Related
Primary sources
High confidence
Last verified