Company receives certificate of conformity for seafarers training

Complainee:  The State Service of Maritime and River Transport of Ukraine (Maritime Administration), Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine
Complaint in brief: The Business Ombudsman Council received a complaint from the Seafarers Training and Advanced Training Center. The company complained that, despite its application, the Maritime Administration had not inspected the applicant for compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the national seafarers training requirements. According to the law, the company must be inspected every two years and receive a certificate allowing seafarers training.
The Maritime Administration informed it had received the application and included the complainant in the inspection schedule, but never conducted it. The company tried to find out the inspection date, but did not receive any response. The company’s old certificates expired. The company asked the Council for help.
Actions taken: The investigator examined the circumstances of the case and found the complaint substantiated. The Council approached the Ministry of Infrastructure and asked to ensure a full and comprehensive review of the company’s complaint as well as to check the company’s compliance with the STCW Convention requirements.
Result achieved: The Maritime Administration inspected the company for compliance with the STCW Convention requirements and issued a certificate to the complainant. The company was able to continue seafarers training. The case was successfully closed.