Now your certificates as a seafarer are digital. We no longer issue paper certificates.
There are now international rules and guidance in place in the STCW Convention, which enables the use of digital certificates, without worrying about acceptance around the world.
The IMO has issued 2 MSC resolutions, No. 540 and 541, which respectively amends and stipulates in the STCW Convention and Code what it means to have a digital certificates on board and in addition that it may look different than on paper.
Therefore, in Denmark we no longer have photos and signatures on our certificates.
In addition, an IMO guideline has also been developed that describes the use of digital certificates for seafarers, verification of validity is particularly important, as it is the key to credibility and trust.
In the Danish Maritime Authority, we have created a Flag State Letter that you can have on board and show to anyone who may ask questions about Danish digital certificates.
From 4 December 2024, we will start issuing digital certificates, this means that during a transition period there will be seafarers with both paper and digital certificates.
All previous paper certificates remains valid and can be used as before.