Maritime Temporary Certificate issued by Foreign Flag States
What is a Maritime Temporary Certificate (MTCs)?
Maritime Temporary Certificates (MTCs) can be an e-document or paper certificate issued by the flag state to an applicant who meets the qualifications and has provided all the necessary documents needed to apply for the specific officer endorsement or rating endorsement. It can even be for an applicant applying for just a Seaman’s identification record book. Most all Maritime temporary licenses are know as CRAs (Certificate Receipt of Application) and/or Acknowledgements.
The Maritime Temporary Licenses, CRA, or Acknowledgement is typically issued for a limited period, usually not exceeding three months (90 days), and it is subject to conditions and restrictions that are specified by the issuing authority. It is important to note that the MTC is not a permanent certificate and is only intended to be used as a temporary solution. Once the person receives their original license from the issuing flag state, the MTC becomes invalid and should no longer be used.
Who needs an issued Maritime Temporary Licenses (CRA)?
In some cases, a person may have applied for their flag state license, but the permanent certificate has not yet been issued. In these situations, the person may be unable to perform their duties on board the vessel without proof of their competence. To resolve this issue, the person can apply for an MTC, CRA, or Acknowledgement, which serves as temporary proof of competence until the license is issued.
Foreign Flag states that MLA Works with who issue Temporary Certificate, CRAs, or Acknowledgements include: Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, and Vanuatu. USCG does not provide temporary certificates.
Note: You must request the temporary certificate at the time of submission of application to the flag state.
How soon should you apply?
A mariner can apply at any time. It is not guaranteed that the mariner will receive the maritime temporary certificate same day as submission of application. The temporary certificates are issued based on the time frame of the individual flag state. Some temporary certificates may be given on the same day, but it should be noted that it can take up to 3 to 4 days before the temporary is issued. Temporary certificates are not always granted to the applicant. It is based on the administration and legal team of the flag state to vet the applicant. The flag state holds the right to revoke or deny the temporary certificate of the applicant if they deem it is necessary.
