How to become a seafarer in Poland

Choose your path

What both paths have in common

• Anyone applying for, renewing or exchanging a certificate of competency or proficiency must hold a valid seafarer medical certificate.
  Source: Regulation on training and qualifications of crew members of sea-going ships (consolidated text, Dz.U. 2023 item 1383), § 5
• The first seafarer certificate (junior deck rating) requires basic safety training certificates: personal survival techniques, basic fire fighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities.
  Source: Regulation on training and qualifications of crew members of sea-going ships (consolidated text, Dz.U. 2023 item 1383), § 13
• The seaman's book (książeczka żeglarska) is issued by a maritime office for 10 years.
  Source: Maritime Office in Szczecin — information card: documents required for a seaman's book
• Certificates of competency and proficiency are issued in Polish and English.
  Source: Regulation on training and qualifications of crew members of sea-going ships (consolidated text, Dz.U. 2023 item 1383), § 4

Beware of scams

• Recruitment and placement agencies must not charge seafarers for finding them a job; the seafarer pays only for the medical certificate, the seafarer's book and a passport.
  Source: ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended — Standard A1.4
• New-design seaman's books are better protected against forgery.
  Source: Maritime Office in Szczecin — information card: documents required for a seaman's book
• Training counts only at maritime education units recognised by the Minister of Infrastructure — check the official list before you pay for a course.
  Source: Ministry of Infrastructure — maritime education units (MJE)

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