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.
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Most foreign flag states/ consulates will issue a maritime temporary certificate also known as a Certified Receipt of Application (CRA)
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Go to our website, use the request form, and fill out the information required. You can choose one or more of the consulates you would like to get a Seaman’s book for. You will need to include the application, passport, color photo, and valid medical in the document section of the request form. Panama does not offer a Seaman’s Identification Record Book like the other consulates. You must apply for a rating which comes with course certificates.
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The main requirement is that the individual needs to actually be registered with a shipping company and must provide a document on the company letterhead as proof from the concerned employer.
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It will be valid for ninety (90) days.
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No
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Fees will include the fee to process the application with the filing agent (this cost is set by the filing agent), consulate fees, processing fees which can be a percentage add to the consulate fees, expediting fees, and shipping fees.
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It is only valid for ninety (90) days whereas an actual issued license will be valid for at least five (5) years.
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No, yet it is generally up to the discretion of the captain / Master of vessel or rig as to the acceptance of the temporary certificate in place of the original issued credential.
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The general turnaround time for the temporary certificate is one (1) to two (2) days.
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Complete an application for the appropriate foreign flag state, send all required documents to Maritime Licensing Agency for processing.
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Yes, if the temporary certificate was issued from a whitelisted country.
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It allows you to work while waiting for a license to be issued.