by Kalinga Weerakkody
Examinations are now being held by the Port and Shipping ministry to issue certificates of competency for Deck and Marine Engineering officers, Masters and Chief Engineer officers.

Due to this programme the Sri Lanka seafarers would not have to proceed to foreign countries like U.K, India or Australia to obtain certificates.

The examinations are being conducted in terms of the regulations issued under the Merchant Shipping (Training, certification and Watchkeeping) regulations 1998 which give effect to the International Convention on Standard of Training (STCW-78), Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW-95 in 1978 as amended in 1995). The examination centre of the Merchant Shipping Division has obtained ISO 9002 Quality Assurance System from the Det Norske Vritas (DNV).

The two examinations will be held for Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) and Certificate to Merchant Navy Officers (CMNO) rating.