CIRCULAR No 020

Considering that in Chapter I; General Provisions, rule 1/1 “Definitions and Clarifications” of the Training Agreement, the terms “certificate of competence” and “certificate of proficiency” do not expressly specify whether the certificates and diplomas must be issued and maintained in original paper or electronic format;

Whereas Regulation 1/2, paragraph 11 of the Formation Convention “Certificates and Endorsements” provides that: “Subject to the provisions of Regulation 1/10, paragraph 5, any certificate required by the Convention must be available, in original, on board the ship on which the holder is serving”;

Considering the clear orientation of the Venezuelan State towards an Electronic Government, which has as its objective the application of information and communication technologies to the operation of the public sector, with the purpose of providing better services to citizens and increasing efficiency, transparency and citizen participation; this orientation was materialized through the enactment of Decree Law No. 1.240 on Data Messages and Electronic Signatures, of 2001 and the creation of the Superintendence of Electronic Certification Services (SUSCERTE), an entity attached to the Ministry of Popular Power for Education.° 1.240 on Data Messages and Electronic Signatures, of 2001 and the creation of the Superintendence of Electronic Certification Services (SUSCERTE), an entity attached to the Ministry of the People’s Power for University Education, Science and Technology (MPPEUCT).

Whereas the Venezuelan aquatic administration, interprets that the term “original” included in paragraph 11 of regulation 1/2 of the Formation Convention “Titles and Endorsements”: “Subject to the provisions of Rule 1/10, paragraph 5, any certificate required by the Convention must be available, in original, on board the vessel on which the holder is serving”, should be understood as documents submitted on paper or as documents submitted electronically, provided that the latter provide for access to the digital database through the Internet and that it also has an electronic signature, as indicated in the circular “Guidelines for the Use of Electronic Certificates”, where this signature will be used in electronic certificates associated with other electronic data that serve as a method of authentication of the issuer and the content of the electronic data, providing due security;

Whereas the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces in the exercise of the Aquatic Authority and Administration, has the power to certify the merchant marine personnel through the issuance of titles, licenses, endorsements and certifications of Seafarers, in accordance with international conventions and national legislation governing the matter and is the competent entity to recognize the education, training and training of Seafarers.