Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

CONSIDERING That, in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, to which the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a party, States must verify that Seafarers possess the skills and competences in compliance with the law, and must promote education and training programs.

CONSIDERING That, in accordance with the provisions of the Decree with Rank, Value, and Force of the Law of Marinas and Connected Activities, holders of certificates and licenses who aspire to obtain a higher certificate or license may apply for them, provided they prove that they have complied with the requirements demanded by law.

CONSIDERING That it is a power of the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, in the exercise of the Aquatic Authority and Administration, to issue endorsements for Seafarers’ certificates, for the purpose of their international validity, based on the model established in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

CONSIDERING That the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, establishes in its Article VI that certificates for Masters, Officers or Ratings shall be issued to candidates who, to the satisfaction of the Administration, meet the requirements for service, age, medical fitness, training, qualification and examinations in accordance with the provisions of the annex to the Convention.

CONSIDERING That the mandatory periods of sea service required by law are of paramount importance for the purpose of acquiring the skills, abilities, and training in the specific duties of an officer, which are necessary for the candidate to attain the level of competence required by law; and therefore, when properly planned and structured, they will allow for optimal levels to be reached in the development of the candidate’s training processes, for the purpose of acquiring and putting into practice the necessary skills with a view to the assessment of competence.

CONSIDERING That the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, in its Article II, literal c), to which the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is a party, establishes that the calculation of periods of sea service shall include the period during which seafarers serve on board seagoing ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party, excluding from said calculation any time served on: Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade.