As per Circular No 34/2016 issued by the Department of Merchant Shipping (DMS), on the 21st of November 2016, the Director of the DMS informed the concerned parties of the amendments introduced for the implementation of the provisions of the 2010 Manila Amendments of the STCW78 Convention, which will be in force after 31 December 2016, regarding the newly introduced capacities.
Accordingly, Cyprus endorsements attesting the recognition of a foreign certificate of competency (EAR) will be granted to electro-technical officers serving on board Cyprus flagged vessels in this capacity who hold a valid certificate of competency issued under regulation III/6 of the Convention STCW 78, as amended, by a country whose certificates of competency are recognized by the Republic of Cyprus. No Cyprus EAR will be issued to electro-technical rating (reg. III/7), able seaman deck (reg. II/5) and able seaman engine (III/5).
Moreover, as per regulation II/5 paragraph 2.3 of the Convention, as amended, holders of a valid certificate of proficiency as able seafarer deck according to regulation II/5, may take the position of rating forming part of a navigational watch on the safe manning (reg. II/4).
Lastly, as per regulation III/5 paragraph 2.3 of the Convention, as amended, holders of a valid certificate of proficiency as able seafarer engine in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine room, in accordance with regulation III/5, may take the position of rating forming part of an engineering watch on the safe manning (reg. III/4).