Joining-ship document checklist
Tell us a little about your contract. We'll show the documents most seafarers in that situation must have in hand before flying — and the ones you should ask the agent to confirm. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is sent to a server.
Required: 14 · Recommended: 2
Required
- Passport — valid 6+ months beyond contract end, 2 blank pages.
- Seafarer's identity document (CDC / SIRB / SID).
- Signed Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) + CBA reference.
- Seafarer medical certificate (STCW / MLC), valid for contract length.
- PEME certificate from an employer-approved clinic.
- Vaccination records / ICVP (yellow card).
- STCW certificates: BST modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR) + role-specific endorsements.
- Owner's letter of guarantee / travel letter (colour print + phone photo).
- Next-of-kin form completed and shared with family.
- Allotment form + bank details (name as on passport).
- Emergency contact list (3 people, 2 countries, ISWAN, ITF).
- Photocopies + phone photos of every document, stored separately from originals.
- Deck CoC (for officers) — valid + correct level.
- Singapore: No transit visa for most nationalities; verify with agent..
Recommended / ask agent
- ECDIS generic + type-specific training for the brand fitted on the vessel.
- Bridge Resource Management certificate.
Cross-check the list with your agent and employer. Flag-state requirements vary. See country guides for country-specific issuing authorities.
When to use this tool
Before flying to join. Also useful ~2 weeks before departure to make sure nothing is missing + you have time to renew a lapsing document. Also useful the day before + at the airport for a final walk-through.
Regulatory basis
STCW Regulation I/14 (Party obligation to ensure seafarers meet requirements). Flag-state CoC + endorsements. Port-state entry requirements (transit visa, seaman's book, medical certificate). MLC A2.1 requires the SEA to be signed before departure. National labour clearance requirements (DMW OEC for Filipino seafarers, similar for Indian + Ukrainian + Turkish).