Dispensations

Article VIII of the STCW Convention regulates the issue of a dispensation by a Flag State, in circumstances of exceptional necessity provided that the issue of such dispensation does not cause danger to person, property or the environment. Under such circumstances, a dispensation may be issued to permit a specified seafarer to serve on a specified ship for a specified period (not exceeding 6 months) in a capacity that is 1 grade higher than that for which the individual holds the appropriate Certificate of Competency.

However, the Convention stresses “in circumstances of exceptional necessity” and therefore a continuing difficulty to crew a vessel with fully-qualified personnel does not qualify for dispensation.

Normally, dispensations are not granted to a Master or Chief Engineer except in extreme necessity and then only for the shortest possible period. Cayman may require a candidate to do an oral assessment of competence in order to support a request for such dispensation.