በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ

በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

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TO: ALL SHIPOWNERS, OPERATORS, TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, MASTERS, SEAFARERS OF MERCHANT
SHIPS, RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS AND THOSE CONCERNED WITH MARITIME TRAINING
Date of Issue: 1st SEP 2020

Summary
This Marine Notice (MN) sets out and explains the regulatory requirements regarding the
implementation of training elements applicable under Chapter III of the Standards of Training,
Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) Convention and Code as amended. It outlines the
certification structure and examination and training requirements for Marine engineer officers. The
certification system provides a structured progression route for trainee officers and ratings entering
the industry to achieve an Engineer Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch herein after referred as
OICEW, Second Engineer Officer and Chief Engineer Officer qualifications.
This MN covers:
1. Introduction
2. Mandatory Requirements for Engineer Officers
3. Approved Education and Training Programmes
4. Application Procedure
5. Notice of Eligibility (NOE)
6. EMAA Oral Examination
7. Issuance of Certificate of Competency
8. Fraudulent Certificates and Seagoing Service

1. Introduction

This MN implements the requirements of the International Convention and Code on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW) 1978, as amended (referred to in this MN as the ‘STCW
Convention’ and ‘STCW Code’ respectively), including the provisions prescribing the mandatory minimum
requirements for the certification of engineer officers.

1.1. To obtain an Ethiopian STCW Certificate of Competency (CoC) applicants shall:

1.1.1 Meet the minimum age requirements; 18 years for OICEW
1.1.2 Meet medical standards and eye sight test, which includes testing of colour and visual acuity.
Please refer to Marine Notice No. 4 /2015 for details requirements of medical examination.

1.1.3 Complete the appropriate programmes of education and training, meeting the minimum
vocational and academic standard;

Page 1 of 8
 በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ
በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1.4 Undertake ancillary trainings stipulated under the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended
1.1.5 Complete the minimum required period of seagoing service supported by Ethiopian
Seafarer’s Book and sea service testimonial; seagoing service is defined as time spent
onboard a ship, relevant to the issue of the certificate or other qualification being applied
for. Approved sea phase training is training as apprentice Engineers on board ship with the
tasks and programme provided by the approved training record book
1.1.6 Seagoing service must be in the engineering department reckoned from the date of
engagement to the date of discharge. At least 12 months of the qualifying seagoing service
must have been performed within the 5 years immediately preceding the date on which the
application is received by EMAA. A month is defined as a calendar month or 30 days if
made up of periods less than 1 month.
1.1.7 Watch keeping letter/Certificate or watch keeping statement that may be included in the sea
testimonial;

1.1.8 Get acceptance of EMAA’s Notice of Eligibility; and

1.1.9 Pass written and oral examination conducted by EMAA examiner(s).

2 Mandatory Requirements for Engineer Officers for Unlimited Power and Trading Areas:

2.1. Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch – OICEW (STCW- Reg. III/1)

2.1.1. To apply for a CoC for OICEW applicants are required to complete:-
a. BSC degree in Marine Engineering ; or
b. BSc, in mechanical engineering from university/college that is recognized by FDRE
Ministry of Education (MoE).

2.1.2. For candidates with no relevant marine engineering training or experience, as per article
2.1.1.(b):
2.1.2.1. Achievement of the desired standard will typically involve minimum of pre-sea six
months of combined approved workshop and theory training;
2.1.2.2. it may be possible to get exemptions for the following subjects provided that
candidates have proven their past achievements in the universities/colleges which are
recognized by FDRE Ministry of Education (MoE) :
Page 2 of 8
 በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ
በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Applied heat;
(ii) Applied mechanics;
(iii) Mathematics;
(iv) Engineering drawing;

2.1.3. OICEW candidates shall complete sea service on sea going ship powered by main
propulsion machinery of 3000kw or more, as:
(a) trainee engineer on the approved program for twelve months; or
(b) 36 months of which not less than 30 months shall be sea going service in the Engine
department
(c) Candidates that serve as trainee Engineer with TRB partly and partially deviated from
the approved sea phase training will be treated case by case

2.1.4. The sea service requirement as per Art 2.1.3. shall be supported by the approved TRB and
signed by the Ch/Engineer and/or Master of the ship under exceptional circumstances the
technical superintendent may sign it. The training includes knowledge, understanding and
proficiencies listed in the STCW Code, Sect. A-III/1, as amended; the Authority considers the
approved onboard Training Record Book as part of the main program.

2.1.5. The candidate, being supervised by senior engineers, must spend at least six months in
engineer’s watch keeping or UMS engineer’s duties on the main propelling machinery of motor
ships. The seafarer’s level of assignment and/or duties have to be reflected in the Seafarer’s
Book and in each sea service testimonials;

2.1.6. The candidate must take ancillary training and other requirements listed down in Annex 1;

2.1.7. The candidate must pass written examination conducted by EMAA or delegated institution in
the following professional subjects:

2.1.7.1.General Engineering Knowledge; and

2.1.7.2.Motor Engineering Knowledge and each subject has minimum passing marks of 70 %

2.1.8. Oral examination conducted by EMAA examiner(s) will have passing mark of 70 %.
2.1.9. Written Engineering Knowledge subjects and oral examinations must be passed within 3 years
prior to the date of issue of Certificate of Competency.

Page 3 of 8
 በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ
በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2. Second Engineer Officer – Unlimited (STCW Reg -III/2)

To apply for a CoC for Second Engineer Officers:

2.2.1. Applicants are required to complete at least, 18 months of sea service as officer in charge of
Engineering watch on ships of not less than 3000 KW registered power whilst holding OICEW
CoC issued in accordance with regulation III/1 of STCW 78, as amended,

2.2.2. Candidates shall be required to follow approved programs of education and training arranged
in two schemes either as combined program for 2nd Engineer and Chief Engineer Officers or as
separate programs for each Engineer Officer level.
The training requirements include:-

2.2.2.1.Knowledge, understanding and proficiencies listed in the STCW Code, Section A- III/2
2.2.2.2.Ancillary training and other requirements for certification under Regulation III/2 listed
in Annex 1 Table 1 (unless completed previously and valid);
2.2.2.3. Course durations for combined and separate training programs are respectively six and
Four months (for 2nd engineer) and they may be amended as required.

2.2.3. It may be possible for candidates to get exemptions for the following subjects provided that
they have proven their past achievements in the universities/colleges which are recognized by
FDRE Ministry of Education (MoE) :

2.2.3.1.Applied heat;
2.2.3.2.Applied mechanics;
2.2.3.3.Mathematics;
2.2.3.4.Engineering drawing;
2.2.4. Pass written examination conducted by EMAA or delegated institution in the following
professional and academic subjects:

2.2.4.1.General Engineering Knowledge (pass mark 70%);

2.2.4.2.Motor and/or steam Engineering Knowledge(pass mark 70%);
2.2.4.3.Marine Electro-technology (pass mark50%);; and
2.2.4.4.Naval Architecture and Ship Construction (pass mark 50%);
2.2.5. Pass oral examination conducted by EMAA examiner(s) (pass mark 70%);.
Page 4 of 8
 በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ
በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2.6. EMAA’s written and oral examinations must be passed within 3 years prior to the date of issue
of Certificate of Competency.

2.3.Chief Engineer Officer – Unlimited (STCW, Reg III/2)

To apply for a CoC for Chief Engineer Officers:

2.3.1. Applicants are required to complete at least 36 months of approved sea service on ships of not
less than 3000 KW registered power. Out of which at least 12 months must be spent in watch
keeping or UMS duties on the main propelling machinery of motor ships. The sea time may be
reduced to 24 months if not less than 12 months are spent as Second Engineer Officer on ships
of not less than 3000 KW registered power.

2.3.2. Candidate are required to follow an approved program of education and training which
includes:

2.3.2.1.Knowledge, understanding and proficiencies listed in the STCW Code Section A-

III/2
2.3.2.2.Ancillary training and other requirements for certification under Regulation III/2
listed in Annex 1 Table 1 below (unless completed previously and valid);
2.3.2.3.Candidates who have passed through combined training program and attained their
2nd Engineer CoCs are exempted from EMAA’s written exams; however, they shall
fully attend one month oral exams preparation classes arranged by training
institutions.

2.3.3. Candidates who haven’t passed through combined training program and attained their 2nd
Engineer CoCs can get exemptions for the following subjects provided that they have proven
their past achievements in the universities/colleges which are recognized by FDRE Ministry of
Education (MoE) :

2.3.3.1.Applied mechanics;

2.3.3.2. Applied heat;

2.3.3.3.Mathematics; and

2.3.3.4. Engineering drawing;

Page 5 of 8
 በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ
በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.3.4. Candidates, noted in para. 2.3.3, shall pass written examination conducted by EMAA or
delegated institution in the following professional and academic subjects:

2.3.4.1.General Engineering Knowledge (pass mark 70%);

2.3.4.2.Motor and/or steam Engineering Knowledge (pass mark 70%);
2.3.4.3.Marine Electro-technology (pass mark 50%); and
2.3.4.4.Naval Architecture and Ship Construction (pass mark 50%).
2.3.5. Pass oral examination conducted by EMAA board of examiners (pass mark 70%).
2.3.6. EMAA’s written and oral examinations must be passed within 3 years prior to the date of issue
of Certificate of Competency.

3. Approved Education and Training Programmes

3.1.Education and training programmes leading to the issue of a Certificate of Competency must be
approved by EMAA. EMAA will ensure that each program meets the STCW regulatory
requirements.

3.2.EMAA will monitor and audit maritime college(s) that offers training and education leading to the
issuance of STCW Certificate of Competency. To ensure learning outcomes can be successfully
delivered, EMAA requires a classroom attendance rate of at least 80%. Maritime colleges may set a
higher rate of attendance.

3.3.Written exam passing mark for each academic subject is 50% and the passing mark for each
professional subject is 70%.

3.4.A candidate who has failed in written exam, he may re-sit for same within 3 months interval.
However, if the candidate is not successful on his second attempt, the examiner may impose an
additional of minimum six seagoing services which the candidate must complete before sitting for
the re-examination.

3.5.The candidate who has completed seagoing service penalty, along with his supporting documents and
required payments, may apply to EMAA for a new NOE for re-sitting the exam.

Page 6 of 8
 በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ
በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Application Procedure

Applicants need to apply for the Notice of eligibility and Certificates on the online Seafarers Data
Management Information System (www.emmasdmis.com.et:8080) and fulfilling all the requirements
needed by EMAA.

5. Notice of Eligibility (NOE)

5.1.Prior to the issue of the NOE, the online application, the appropriate fee and required documents as
are checked per EMAA’s procedures and training Record Books must be physically submitted to
EMAA for assessments and approvals.

5.2.If applicants meet the requirements specified by EMAA, they will be informed of Eligibility for
exam

6. Oral Examination

6.1. Applicants ensure the oral exam payment is completed and shall bring current passport and
seafarer’s book to the oral examination center as a means of identification;
6.2. It is recommended that applicants must complete all of the education, training and pass required
written examinations before attempting the oral examination, as this will provide them with the
knowledge on which the examination is based;
6.3.The results of written and/or oral examinations of successful candidates are valid for a period of 3
years until the issuance of required CoCs.
6.4.If a candidate fails an oral examination, his/her re-sit or recall may be taken within a month interval;
whereas, a candidate exhibits lack of basic competency across the syllabus or makes fundamental
errors in areas of safety, the examiner may impose a minimum of six months seagoing service
penalty of which the candidate must complete before sitting for the re-examination.
6.5.The candidate who has completed seagoing service penalty, along with his supporting documents and
required payments, may apply to EMAA for a new NOE for re-sitting the exam.

7. Issuance of Certificate of Competency

7.1.The Authority may issue a CoC upon the fulfilment of the documentary evidence, which include a
written and oral examination result achieved within 3 years;

7.2.The appropriate CoC may be issued and is valid for a period of 5 years from the date that the
qualifying conditions were met.

7.3.Further information and guidance is available from EMAA’s website www.etmaritime.com

Page 7 of 8
 በኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፑብሊክ
በትራንስፖርት ሚኒስቴር
የማሪታይም ጉዳይ ባለስልጣን
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Ministry of Transport
Maritime Affairs Authority

SUBJECT: ETHIOPIAN MARITIME AFFAIRS AUTHORITY (EMAA) MARINE NOTICE ON TRAINING &
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR ENGINEER OFFICERS.

Marine Notice 02/2015(03)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Submission of Fraudulent documentary evidence

8.1.EMAA will verify that all of the information submitted by applicants in support of their application
is accurate and true; particularly EMAA will

a) verify all Certificates of Competency and Watch Keeping Certificates

b) check and verify ancillary and safety course certificates;
c) verify seagoing service testimonials and Seafarer’s Book entries;
d) course completion certificates.

8.2.If applicants submit fraudulent seagoing service records or certificates, EMAA may take appropriate
administrative action and shall not allow applicants to proceed with their application. EMAA
reserves the right not to let applicants apply again until after a period specified by the EMAA
Examiner(s).

8.3.EMAA may also refer the application supported by fraudulent documentary evidence to the
concerned law enforcement organs for appropriate legal action.

ANNEX 1.

Table 1 - Ancillary Training and Requirements

Additional Trailing Requirement STCW 1978, Regulations as amended STCW Code Ref.
III/1 III/2 III/3
Basic Training    A-VI/1
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats    A-VI/2 para-1-4
A-VI/3 Para-1-4
Advanced Fire Fighting   

Medical First aid    A-VI/4 para-1-3

Designated Security duty    A-VI/6

High Voltage (operational) Optional  - - A-III/1

High Voltage (management) Optional -  - A-III/2

A-III/1
HELM (operational)  -

A-III/2
HELM (management) -  
A-III/1
Environmental Awareness   

Page 8 of 8