What is a seafarer's passport and what is it for?
A seafarer's passport (seafarer's identity document) is the primary document issued by the state to a seafarer, confirming their identity and qualifications. Possession of this document is mandatory for all maritime industry workers regardless of their position (except for military vessels). It allows them to legally work on ships of Ukrainian and foreign companies.
What Does a Seafarer's Passport Contain
The identity document contains information about the seafarer: full name, photograph, date and place of birth, citizenship, employment details, position, and voyage description. In some cases, it also includes information about specialization and qualified types of work on certain vessel types.
In Ukraine, identity documents are issued by special authorities - maritime port administrations (Mykolaiv, Odesa, Izmail, etc.) and by the State Enterprise "Morrichservice". The seafarer's passport is issued for 5 years with the right to a one-time extension. Document renewal is also carried out with a five-year extension. Next time it must be replaced.
Passports of Other Countries
At the "AVANT" Seafarer Training Center, it is also possible to obtain a Panamanian seafarer's passport and a Commonwealth of Dominica passport as part of a complete document package, which is issued after completing courses within 1-2 weeks.
Who Can Obtain a Seafarer's Passport?
The process of obtaining a seafarer's identity document is provided for the following population groups:
Maritime Specialty Cadets
A certificate of training completion is required.
Seafarers with Working Diplomas
A working diploma or qualified worker certificate must be provided.
Vessel Service Personnel
A work qualification certificate is required.
The Certificate of Competency allows a seafarer to hold a specific maritime position. In the absence of a working diploma, you can obtain a maritime profession and process all necessary documents for sailing at the "Avant" Seafarer Training Center by completing specialized courses.
How to Obtain a New Seafarer's Passport?
The main task of graduates and maritime professionals is obtaining a new seafarer's passport. The port captain handles issuance, extension, and replacement of the document.
The procedure for obtaining the document is conditionally divided into stages:
- Training and Obtaining Maritime Qualifications - Before submitting an application, you must complete appropriate maritime training and obtain the necessary qualifications. This typically includes completing courses, training sessions, and medical examinations, as well as obtaining required certificates.
- Document Collection and Processing - After completing training with the required certificates, you need to fill out an application for a seafarer's identity document and collect the document package. After payment, the application will be reviewed and processed by the relevant authorities.
- Issuance of Seafarer's Passport - The application is reviewed within 7 (urgent) or 20 working days. After positive review and verification of provided documents, you receive your seafarer's passport.
More detailed information about the intricacies of obtaining maritime documents for Ukraine and other countries (Panama, Dominica, Liberia, USA, etc.) is provided by consultants at "AVANT" Training Center. - Document Collection and Processing - After completing training with the required certificates, you need to fill out an application for a seafarer's identity document and collect the document package. After payment, the application will be reviewed and processed by the relevant authorities.
What Documents Are Required?
- Application for seafarer's identity document (fill out in Ukrainian)
- Ukrainian citizen's passport (if absent: foreigner's identity document, residence permit)
- Educational and professional training documents (maritime college diploma, course certificates, training completion certificates, etc.)
- 2 photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- Payment receipt with payment confirmation mark
- Additional data if necessary (name change certificate, translation of foreigner's passport pages into Ukrainian, etc.)
How Much Does a Seafarer's Passport Cost in Ukraine?
The cost of obtaining a seafarer's identity document is approved by the state and is:
Urgent (up to 7 working days) - 0.4 of the living wage (1035 UAH)
Standard (up to 20 working days) - 0.2 of the living wage (518 UAH)
Have Questions?
Our specialists will answer any questions about the procedure for obtaining seafarer's working documents and completing courses.
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