“Most of us seafarers work abroad and are away from the country for at least six months. When renewing or obtaining diplomas, the exams are quite difficult, and failing multiple times is possible. Since exams are held only once a month, we lose time and may even lose our jobs.”
Graduates of the Maritime College under the Azerbaijan State Maritime Academy shared this concern with Qafqazinfo.
Chief Officer Bahruz Sadiqzadeh stated that their professional opportunities have been restricted in recent years. According to him, their education programs were aligned with those of the Azerbaijan State Maritime Academy and conducted in accordance with the STCW-78/95 Convention set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO):
“Previously, by passing the required exams, we could qualify for senior positions such as captain, chief engineer, and others. However, since 2022, the State Maritime and Port Agency has limited these rights, and since 2024, we have effectively been restricted to lower-ranking positions. Currently, college graduates can only work as watch officers or watch engineers.”
Seafarers claim that the legal basis for these decisions has not been clearly presented to them and argue that the changes contradict international standards. They also express dissatisfaction with the revised examination system. Previously held weekly, exams are now conducted only once a month, which creates serious difficulties for seafarers working abroad.
In addition, they consider the practical experience requirements to be overly strict and impractical. According to them, alongside a 24-month sea service requirement, additional criteria such as 3,000 GRT and 3,000 kW engine capacity create significant challenges in practice.
In response, the State Maritime and Port Agency stated that the certification of seafarers is carried out in accordance with both international and national legislation. According to the agency, diplomas are issued only to individuals who fully meet requirements related to sea service, age, health, education, and professional training.
The agency emphasized that under the Law on Education, vocational (secondary specialized) education prepares operational-level specialists, while management and decision-making competencies are developed at the level of higher education. Therefore, positions such as captain, chief officer, and chief engineer on large-tonnage vessels are reserved for highly qualified professionals with higher education.
According to IMO standards, serving at the management level on vessels of 3,000 gross tonnage or more or with engine power above 3,000 kW requires extensive theoretical and practical knowledge, including risk management, emergency decision-making, and human resource management.
Such competencies, the agency argues, can only be developed through comprehensive higher education programs. Allowing vocational graduates direct access to management-level certification exams could violate international obligations.
The agency also noted that holding exams once a month aligns with international practices and aims to improve the quality of assessments.
Overall, the disagreement between the parties stems from differing views on education levels, certification requirements, and examination procedures.
