Your Pre-Joining Document Checklist

Nothing delays a joining like a missing document. Before every assignment, run through this checklist and give yourself time to fix anything that is expired or about to expire.

Travel documents first: passport with at least twelve months' validity, seaman book, and any visas the trading area requires. Then your licenses — COC and endorsements matching the flag of the ship — followed by STCW certificates: BST, AFF, survival craft, medical first aid and the tanker endorsements for your vessel type.

Do not forget the flag state documents. Panama, Liberia and Marshall Islands each issue their own endorsements, and processing takes time — apply as soon as the vessel's flag is confirmed.

Finally, medicals: a valid MCU, yellow fever certificate, and any owner-specific screenings. Store scans of everything in your BSI Free CV Builder so your documents are ready to send the moment a vacancy opens.