Fake certificates endanger seafarers
(Posted on 28/02/20)
The problem of fraudulent certificates is well-known and pronounced in the maritime industry. Already in 2001 the IMO detected 12.635 cases of certification forgery. While this figure is shocking enough, there is no way of knowing how many other cases have gone undetected.
While the scale of the problem is unquantifiable, the fact remains that there are currently thousands of false certificates in circulation. As such, any seafarer certification that comes from sources that do not verify the supporting evidence will remain questionable and potentially suspect. As the problem of fake certification grows, companies require verified certificates that prove the seafarers have passed the necessary training.
“The competence of seafarers is the most crucial factor in the safe and efficient operation of ships and has a direct impact on the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment,” IMO.
STCW was created to ensure that the highest standards of seafarers’ competence are maintained globally. However, with false certification in circulation, companies are always at risk of employing someone who has been issued faked documentation. This increases the risk of personnel carrying out tasks they are not trained to perform, risking the safety of the crew, the ship and the environment.
Fake certification is a global issue. An EU-sponsored pilot project, branded ‘GetQuality’, revealed that “nearly every tenth seafarer worldwide” has experienced fraudulent certificates, whether directly or indirectly. The study found that the fake certificates undermine the training and certification system, evoke suspicion and distrust between partners and countries, and cause danger to human safety at sea. One of the largest concerns is the lack of verification process following proof of certification.
In India the problem made headlines recently. In what was described as “the biggest fake certificate scam yet”, India’s Directorate-General of Shipping found fake certificates from five training institutes where the necessary training had not been completed. After initially being barred from working, some seafarers have since been allowed to take new courses at approved training institutes to restart their careers. Others face a five-year disbarment.
As a leading providing in maritime training, Seagull Maritime has developed a system that makes it easy for anyone to verify the validity of certificates. Seagull’s department is subject to regular audits to ensure that the course diplomas are issued in accordance with strict QA standards. The company’s QR codes ensure the authenticity of new course diplomas’ can be confirmed at all times, while older course diplomas are verified through the imprinted Seagull logo.
With so many fake certificates out there, Seagull Maritime’s solutions ensure all diplomas are subject to a strict course verification process that proves the seafarer has completed the necessary training.
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
