All posts by : Manuela Lavinas

The Hidden Peril on the High Seas

Imagine a captain navigating stormy seas with a crew whose qualifications are a complete fabrication. This terrifying scenario is becoming increasingly likely. 

A study sponsored by the EU found that nearly 10% of seafarers worldwide have encountered fraudulent certificates, highlighting the prevalence of this issue. The problem is further amplified by organised scams, like the one uncovered in India, which authorities described as the “biggest fake certificate scam yet”. In this case, five training institutes were found issuing fraudulent certificates to unqualified crew members.

This terrifying scenario is becoming increasingly likely due to the rise of forged certificates within the yachting industry. The integrity of a crew’s qualifications is crucial for the safety and smooth operation of any vessel. However, the yachting industry is currently grappling with a significant threat: the proliferation of forged certificates.

The Increased Issue of Forged Certificates

The issue of forged certificates in the yachting industry is not just a minor inconvenience; it poses severe risks. The authenticity of a crew member’s qualifications can mean the difference between a safe voyage and a disastrous one. The repercussions of employing individuals with falsified credentials include:

• Safety Risks: Unqualified crew members can lead to accidents, endangering lives and property.
• Reputational Damage: Yacht owners and operators risk their reputations by hiring underqualified staff.
• Legal Troubles: Operating with forged documents can result in legal penalties and financial losses.

Examples

The Red Ensign Group (REG) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have raised concerns about fraudulent certificates issued by the Montserrat Yachting Association (MYA). According to REG, MYA is not authorised by the British Shipping Registry or the Montserrat maritime administration to issue certifications or act as a registry agent or trainer. Furthermore, the IMO has clarified that MYA does not have the authority to issue ship or crew documentation, including STCW Certificates of Competency, on behalf of Montserrat or the UK. As a result, the matter is currently under investigation by the Government of Montserrat.

Additionally, the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and the Italian Yacht Masters Association (IYM) have highlighted a significant rise in unqualified crew using fake or purchased licences, which poses serious safety risks to crew, passengers, and vessels. They stress the importance of recognising only certifications from reputable sources to ensure operational safety and compliance with international standards. Efforts to combat fraudulent licences are ongoing, with flag states such as the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Transport Malta actively identifying and denouncing these practices. Consequently, the IMO maintains a ‘White List’ of countries that meet stringent training and certification standards. CoCs from non-white list countries are frequently denied equivalency, leading to rejection by vessels flagged under the white list. The PYA and IYM urge the industry to accept only white list CoCs to ensure safety and legitimacy.

Solution: CrewPass – Ensuring Authenticity and Safety

To combat the threat of forged certificates, CrewPass offers a comprehensive solution. CrewPass is designed to verify the qualifications and backgrounds of crew members, ensuring that only individuals with authentic credentials are employed.

Supporting the Maritime Community

• Employers:
  • Increased Safety: Verified credentials mean that only qualified individuals are on board.
  • Reduced Risk: Minimised chances of legal issues and reputational damage.
• Crew Members:
  • Increased Trust: Verified qualifications build trust with potential employers.
  • Faster Job Placement: Verified credentials speed up the hiring process.

How CrewPass Works: Trust Through Verification

CrewPass utilises a thorough verification process to authenticate the qualifications of crew members. The process involves:

1. Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks ensure the authenticity of the crew member’s history and experience.
2. Document Submission: Crew members submit their qualifications and certifications.
3. Verification: CrewPass cross-references the submitted documents with issuing authorities and industry databases.
4. Certification: Verified crew members receive a CrewPass Approved status, signifying their credentials are legitimate.

CrewPass employs advanced security measures to maintain the integrity and reliability of its verification process, making it a trusted platform in the yachting industry. Sign up today to enjoy all benefits!

In the vast and interconnected world of maritime, safety is a shared responsibility. At CrewPass, we are committed to fostering a secure environment for everyone on board. This month, we are thrilled to introduce our new initiative: Building a Safer Maritime Community (#ifeelsafeonboard).

This initiative aims to highlight the importance of background checks and community engagement in enhancing maritime safety.

The Importance of Background Checks

Background checks are more than just a formality; they are a crucial tool in creating a safer maritime environment. Here’s why:

1. Preventing Crime at Sea: By conducting thorough background checks, we can prevent criminals from infiltrating the maritime workforce, thus enhancing overall security.
2. Verifying Qualifications: Ensuring that crew members have the necessary skills and qualifications to navigate safely is paramount. Background checks help verify these credentials.
3. Deterrence: The possibility of background checks acts as a deterrent for potential criminals, discouraging them from seeking jobs at sea.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that everyone on board has been thoroughly vetted allows crew members to relax and appreciate the beauty of the open water.

What Safety Means to Us

At CrewPass, we believe that safety is built on trust, transparency, and proactive risk management. When safety is compromised, it not only endangers lives but also disrupts operations and damages trust within the community. We are committed to setting the highest standards in the maritime industry to protect our crew members and vessels. 

Voices from the Community

We are excited to announce that we have started a survey to gather insights from our maritime community on what safety means to them. Your participation makes a difference. By sharing your experiences and thoughts, you can help us understand the current state of maritime safety and identify areas for improvement.

We’d love to hear your stories too, so feel free to tag us in your stories and posts on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #ifeelsafeonboard.

We will be publishing the results of this survey in a few weeks, providing valuable insights to shape our safety initiatives moving forward. Stay tuned for the results and continue to join the conversation on maritime safety!