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Every Certificate of Competency (CoC) issued under STCW carries a five-year validity. At the end of each five-year period, the seafarer must demonstrate continued competence to the issuing flag-state administration in order to receive a revalidated certificate. STCW Regulation I/11 sets two routes to continued competence: proof of sufficient qualifying sea service, or completion of approved refresher and updating training. In either case, certain practical endorsements — particularly PSCRB, FRB, and Advanced Fire Fighting — must be refreshed at their own five-year intervals as a standalone condition of revalidation, regardless of sea-service levels.
For practical renewal guidance, see the help topic on STCW revalidation. To track your certificates, see My Certificates.
The seafarer has served at sea for at least 12 months in the previous 5 years, or for at least 3 months in the previous 6 months, in a capacity requiring the exercise of the competencies covered by the certificate. Sea service must be in the function (deck navigation, engine propulsion, radio) and at the level (support, operational, management) of the CoC being revalidated. A Master revalidating as Master needs sea service as Master or Chief Mate; OOW sea service alone is not sufficient.
The seafarer does not hold sufficient qualifying sea service (for example, has been ashore in a maritime management role, or has had a career break) and instead completes an approved refresher and updating training course approved by the flag-state administration. The refresher course covers the competency tables relevant to the CoC in question and typically includes a simulator practical component. Flag states may additionally require a short sea-service proving period after the refresher before issuing the revalidated certificate.
The following endorsements carry their own five-year validity and must be refreshed as a condition of CoC revalidation, regardless of which route the seafarer takes. Check with your flag state for any additional endorsements required.
Required of all OOWs and above, and of any seafarer designated to take charge of a survival craft or rescue boat. Includes a pool practical. Often combined with PST refresher into a single programme.
Required for seafarers designated to operate a fast rescue boat — typically on tankers, offshore-support vessels, and passenger ships. Practical boat-handling and casualty recovery exercise.
Required of officers and any rating designated to lead fire-fighting operations. Live-fire or approved simulator practical element mandatory. Often combined with FPFF refresher.
Required by many flag states as a condition of OOW revalidation. Simulator-based course covering collision avoidance, ARPA interpretation, and COLREGS application.
Introduced by the Manila Amendments. OOWs and Masters on ECDIS-equipped ships require type-specific and generic ECDIS training. Some flag states require revalidation of the generic course; others accept evidence of continued operation.
Medical First Aid (officers of watch) and Medical Care (Master, Chief Mate, Chief Engineer) — many flag states require a refresher as part of revalidation even though STCW Part A does not universally mandate it.
MARINA requires completion of all mandatory refresher courses AND an updated seafarer identification document (SIRB). Revalidation applications are processed online through the MARINA e-Gov portal. Processing time is 3–15 working days for complete applications.
DGS requires refresher courses, a valid INDOS number, and an updated Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC). For Senior Officers, an oral examination before a DGS Mercantile Marine Department examiner may be required if sea service is below the minimum threshold.
Ukrainian seafarers require refresher courses, a valid Ukraine crewing book, and submission through the State Inspection for Safety on Maritime and River Transport. Post-2022, some processing has moved to consular services abroad.
The MCA requires 12 months of sea service in the last 5 years OR 3 months in the last 6 months, plus all applicable refresher courses, before submitting Form SUR-MSF 4383. Applications are processed by MCA Marine Offices.
SDIR processes revalidation for Norwegian CoCs. Seafarers must document sea service through their seaman's book and submit refresher certificates. SDIR may accept equivalent courses from other STCW White List administrations.
A lapsed CoC cannot legally be used to work — serving as an officer with an expired certificate is a breach of STCW and may expose you and the shipowner to PSC detention and prosecution. If you have allowed your CoC to lapse:
What is the exact sea-service threshold to revalidate without refresher courses?
STCW Regulation I/11 sets two options: (a) 12 months of approved sea service in the previous 5 years in the capacity of the certificate, or (b) 3 months in the previous 6 months in the capacity of the certificate, performed before the CoC expires. Both thresholds relate to the function and level of the certificate — a Chief Mate CoC requires sea service as Chief Mate or in a higher role, not simply any sea service. Note that some refresher courses (PSCRB, FRB, AFF) are required regardless of sea service once the 5-year interval is reached.
What happens if my CoC expires — can I still get it revalidated?
STCW does not automatically cancel a lapsed CoC, but a lapsed certificate cannot be used to work. Flag states vary in how they treat lapsed CoCs: some treat them as requiring only refresher courses and sea-service proof regardless of the lapse period; others require partial or full re-examination after a lapse of more than 5 years. Act quickly — many flag states will revalidate without examination if you apply within 1–2 years of expiry, but will require a full oral examination if the lapse exceeds 5 years.
Do I need refresher courses even if I have enough sea service?
Yes — for the mandatory refresher endorsements (PSCRB, FRB, AFF). These have their own 5-year validity independent of your CoC, and flag states require current refresher certificates as a condition of CoC revalidation even if your sea service is above the threshold. Check with your flag state whether ARPA, ECDIS, and Medical refreshers are additionally required.
Can I revalidate my Philippine MARINA CoC while living outside the Philippines?
Yes — MARINA processes applications through its e-Gov portal and accepts courier submission of original documents. Refresher courses must be completed at a MARINA-approved training centre, which may be located abroad if MARINA has formally recognised that centre. MARINA maintains a list of approved foreign training centres on its website.
Does my EAR (Endorsement Attesting Recognition) expire separately from my CoC?
Yes. An EAR issued by a second flag state under STCW Regulation I/10 has its own expiry date, which is often set to align with — or is shorter than — the underlying CoC. When you revalidate your home-flag CoC, you typically need to apply to the second flag state for a new EAR. Each flag state sets its own EAR validity and processing requirements.
Disclaimer. General information only — not legal advice. Revalidation requirements, sea-service thresholds, and approved courses vary by flag state. Verify with your issuing administration. See the country guides for flag-specific procedures and the training-centres directory for approved refresher-course providers.