The Merchant Shipping (Issue and Recognition of Certificates and Marine Training) Law of 2008 (Law 27(I)/2008) came into effect on 30 May 2008. The law, which repeals and replaces the Merchant Shipping (Issue and Recognition of Certificates and Marine Training) Laws of 2000 to 2005, transposes Directive 2005/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7th September 2005, (amending the basic Directive 2001/25/EC on the minimum level of training of seafarers) and implements the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers into national legislation.
The new law regulates the issue of certificates of competence of seafarers serving on board seagoing ships flying the Cyprus flag and the procedures for recognition of certificates issued by other countries, including the qualifications and standards of training required by seafarers. It also provides a framework for the recognition and supervision of maritime training programmes and marine training schools.
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