I refer to my previous replies to Deputy McGrath on the 29th September 2016 and 7th March 2017. In those replies I confirmed that the mutual recognition of IMO STCW certificates validly issued by other EU Member States is fully supported and accepted by my Department. Particular issues had arisen in relation to IMO STCW certifications under the authority of the United Kingdom which were the subject of correspondence between my Department and, inter alia, the UK authorities.
That correspondence has now concluded and it has been clarified that the sole competent authority for the designation of bodies to provide statutory training and for the issue of IMO STCW certificates in respect of such training in Ireland is the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Only IMO STCW certificates issued in Ireland by or under the authority of the competent authority in Ireland are valid for the purposes of the relevant EU legislation and are therefore properly the subject of mutual recognition. Training cannot validly be provided under EU law in this jurisdiction under the authority of another EU Member State and the purpose of Marine Notice No. 06 of 2017 was to make this position clear to seafarers, students, Training Providers and other interested parties.
I should also inform the Deputy that this matter is now the subject of legal proceedings.
