How to become a seafarer in Bulgaria

Choose your path

What both paths have in common

• Candidates for a certificate of competency must be at least 18 (unless a specific certificate sets another age) and medically fit for work on a ship.
  Source: Наредба № 6 от 17 юни 2021 г. за компетентност на морските лица в Република България (consolidated text, 06.01.2026)
• Medical fitness of seafarers is assessed under the national ordinance on seafarers' medical fitness (Ordinance N-11).
  Source: Наредба № 6 от 17 юни 2021 г. за компетентност на морските лица в Република България (consolidated text, 06.01.2026)
• Medical certificates are registered with the Maritime Administration directorate and recorded in the seafarer's service book.
  Source: Наредба № 6 от 17 юни 2021 г. за компетентност на морските лица в Република България (consolidated text, 06.01.2026)
• All seafarers must complete safety familiarization and basic training under STCW VI/1.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention
• Safety and other additional training is certified by a certificate issued by the Executive Agency Maritime Administration (IAMA).
  Source: Наредба № 6 от 17 юни 2021 г. за компетентност на морските лица в Република България (consolidated text, 06.01.2026)

Beware of scams

• The authenticity of a Bulgarian certificate of competency and its data can be checked online on the IAMA website.
  Source: Executive Agency Maritime Administration (IAMA): home page
• Only courses on the IAMA list of approved institutions and centres are approved; check the course end date on the list.
  Source: ИА «Морска администрация»: Списък на учебните заведения и центрове (12.10.2026)
• Under the MLC 2006, recruitment and placement fees must not be charged to the seafarer.
  Source: ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)

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