STCW Flag Endorsement

Document issued by a flag-state Administration recognising another state's STCW Certificate of Competency for service on that flag's vessels — also called a 'flag endorsement' or 'recognition endorsement'. The arrangement is governed by STCW Reg. I/10 and is supported by bilateral or multilateral agreements between Administrations. The flag endorsement is a separate document from the original CoC, must be carried on board, and must be renewed in line with the CoC. Many open registries issue endorsements within days; some traditional flags impose more substantive vetting.