Fraudulent Seafarer Training Certificates: A Growing Threat to Maritime Safety

Introduction

The maritime industry relies on highly trained and certified professionals to ensure safe operations at sea. However, the rise of fraudulent seafarer training certificates poses a serious risk to global shipping. These fake documents undermine safety standards, violate international regulations, and expose shipowners to legal and financial consequences.

Read more about Seafarers-related matters.

What Are Fraudulent Seafarer Certificates?

Fraudulent certificates are fake or forged documents claiming compliance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). They include:

• Certificates of Competency (CoC) for officers and engineers.
• Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) for ratings and watchkeeping crew.
• STCW course completion certificates.

These documents are often issued by unapproved training centres, unauthorised agents, or even non-existent institutions, bypassing mandatory training requirements.

Why Is This Problem Growing?

• High demand for jobs on foreign-flag vessels drives seafarers to seek shortcuts.
• Unscrupulous recruitment agencies offer “package deals” with fake certificates.
• Weak verification systems by employers and flag states allow fraudulent documents to slip through.

Risks and Consequences

For Shipowners and Operators

• Port State Control (PSC) detentions and heavy fines.
• Loss of insurance coverage and reputational damage.
• Increased risk of accidents and operational failures.

For Seafarers

• Two-year sailing ban.
• Suspension of Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).
• Blocking of INDoS number (India’s seafarer database).
• Permanent damage to career prospects.

Global Scale of the Issue

• IMO reports thousands of fraudulent STCW certificates detected during PSC inspections.
• In one study, nearly 10% of seafarers worldwide encountered fraudulent certification issues.
• In 2001 alone, IMO recorded 12,635 cases of forgery, and the problem persists today.

Recent Crackdowns

• India (2025): The Directorate General of Shipping introduced strict measures:
  • Mandatory verification of all certificates via official portals.
  • Training only at DGS-approved institutes.
  • Severe penalties for agencies and seafarers involved.
• St. Maarten (2025): Issued alerts about fake registries and certificates linked to fraudulent websites, collaborating with IMO and Caribbean MOU.

IMO and Regulatory Response

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued:

• MSC/Circ.900 and Resolution A.892(21) to combat unlawful practices.
• Mandatory reporting of fraudulent certificates under STCW Regulation I/5.
• Encouragement of digital verification systems and QR-coded certificates.

How to Detect and Prevent Fraudulent Certificates

Red Flags

• Certificates from unknown or unapproved training centres.
• Poor-quality printing, missing holograms, or incorrect logos.
• Mismatched details (e.g., INDoS number, CDC inconsistencies).

Verification Steps

• Cross-check with official databases (IMO GISIS, national portals).
• Validate training centre approval with flag state authorities.
• Confirm authenticity with issuing authority via email or phone.

Best Practices for Shipowners

• Mandatory certificate verification before hiring.
• Use only approved recruitment agencies.
• Conduct internal audits of crew training records.
• Include fraud awareness in compliance training.

Conclusion

Fraudulent seafarer training certificates are not just a regulatory issue—they are a life-threatening risk. Shipowners, crewing agencies, and maritime authorities must work together to enforce strict verification processes and promote genuine training. Compliance is not optional; it is essential for safety and sustainability in global shipping.