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Under STCW Regulation I/2, every flag-state administration must publish an online or otherwise publicly accessible mechanism for verifying the authenticity and current status of Certificates of Competency and Certificates of Proficiency it has issued. Shipowners, manning agents, flag-state inspectors, and port-state-control officers are entitled — and in some cases required — to verify certificates before or during a voyage. Fraudulent maritime certificates are an established problem: port-state-control MoUs (Paris, Tokyo, Black Sea, and others) periodically identify suspect certificates during PSC inspections, and the consequences of an officer serving on a forged CoC include vessel detention, criminal prosecution, and loss of classification. This page lists the official verification portals for the ten largest flag states and seafarer-supply nations. For broader flag coverage, see flag STCW verification directory.
MARINA maintains an online seafarer verification system accessible to employers and flag states. Search by seafarer name, MARINA SID number, or certificate number. Philippine CoCs are among the most frequently verified worldwide given the Philippines' position as the world's largest supplier of maritime officers and ratings.
https://online.marina.gov.phDG Shipping operates a certificate verification service under its Seafarer Services portal. Search by INDOS number or Certificate of Competency number. India is the second-largest supplier of maritime officers globally; DGS is an IMO White-Listed administration.
https://www.dgshipping.gov.inLISCR issues CoCs and CoPs under Liberian flag (the second-largest ship registry by tonnage). Their seafarer-services portal allows certificate verification by seafarer ID or certificate number. LISCR is White-Listed and maintains offices in Hamburg, Piraeus, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
https://www.liscr.com/seafarersThe RMI is the third-largest ship registry and maintains a seafarer verification database through the International Registries website. RMI-issued CoCs are widely recognised and verification can be requested by email or through the portal.
https://www.register-iri.com/maritime/seafarers/Panama is the world's largest ship registry by registered tonnage. AMP issues endorsements (EARs) for foreign-flag seafarers serving on Panamanian ships and maintains a verification service through its online seafarer portal (Portafolio Digital del Marino).
https://www.amp.gob.paThe BMA is a major open registry and principal flag for luxury cruise ships. BMA operates a certificate verification service accessible to authorised employers and port-state inspectors. The BMA is White-Listed and STCW-compliant.
https://www.bahamasmaritime.com/seafarers/SDIR issues Norwegian CoCs (first-class certificates) and administers verification of certificates for NOR and NIS-registered ships. The SDIR portal provides digital certificate verification for employers and port-state-control officers. SDIR is a White-Listed administration and a leading authority in IMO standard-setting.
https://www.sdir.no/en/seafarers/The USCG NMC issues US Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) and Certificates of Documentation. NMC operates a public credential verification system (MarineLicense) allowing employers, port-state officers, and port agents to verify the authenticity and current status of US-issued credentials by entering the mariner's reference number.
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/The MCA issues UK CoCs and CoPs and maintains a certificate verification service through its Seafarer Certification online portal. MCA verifications are available to employers and authorised port-state-control officers. The MCA is a White-Listed administration and an active contributor to IMO STCW standards.
https://www.gov.uk/seafarer-certificatesThe HRMM (Υπουργείο Ναυτιλίας και Νησιωτικής Πολιτικής, Διεύθυνση Ναυτικής Εργασίας) issues Greek CoCs and maintains a verification process through its maritime-affairs directorate. Greece is the world's largest ship-owning nation and a significant seafarer supply state, particularly for officers. Verification may require direct contact with the directorate for legacy paper certificates.
https://www.ynanp.gr/en/maritime-affairs-and-island-policy/seamen/A positive verification from the flag-state portal confirms: (a) the certificate number is recorded in the administration's database, (b) the certificate was issued in the name shown, (c) the certificate covers the rank and function listed, and (d) the certificate has not been revoked, suspended, or expired as of the verification date. It does notconfirm that the person presenting the certificate is the person to whom it was issued — identity must be verified separately against a government-issued photo ID such as a passport or seafarer's book.
Why would a CoC be forged?
Fraudulent maritime certificates have been intercepted in vessel inspections and ISM audits, particularly for high-demand endorsements such as GMDSS GOC, tanker advanced, and officer-of-the-watch CoCs from seafarer-supply states with high demand. Motives include bypassing the training cost and sea-time requirements. Port-state-control MoUs (Paris, Tokyo, Black Sea) have specific procedures for suspected fraudulent certificates and will detain a vessel whose officers cannot produce verifiable credentials.
What should I look for when physically examining a CoC?
Authentic CoCs from major flag states typically include: a security-printed background (visible under UV light), a holographic seal or embossed stamp, a unique certificate number that matches the administration's records, and a digital or URL-based verification reference. Check that the name, date of birth, and certificate date are consistent across any attached photo ID. Inconsistencies in font, paper stock, or official seal are early indicators of forgery.
Is there a central IMO database of verified certificates?
No — STCW does not provide for a central IMO certificate database. Each flag-state administration maintains its own records. IMO GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) provides flag-state contact information and White List status, but does not host certificate records. The absence of a central database is a known gap, and several IMO member states have proposed — but not yet adopted — a federated verification framework at IMO MSC level.
What should I do if I suspect a crew member's certificate is forged?
Contact the issuing flag-state administration directly using the verification portal or contact details in IMO GISIS, and request a written confirmation of the certificate's authenticity. In port, notify the port-state-control officer — PSC has authority to inspect all certificates and to detain the vessel if an officer is serving on a fraudulent or invalid certificate. Do not continue a voyage with an officer whose certificate you cannot verify.
Disclaimer. Portal URLs and verification procedures may change — always navigate from the official flag-state administration domain. This page is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. For suspected fraudulent certificates, contact the flag-state administration and, if in port, the relevant port-state-control authority.