The Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport has announced that China's seafarer electronic certificates have been formally recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Since their domestic implementation in August 2025, these certificates have achieved a significant leap from "domestic acceptance" to "global acceptance," marking a new stage of international recognition for the digitization of China's seafarer certifications.
Can you really sail the world with just a QR code and a smartphone? Yes, you read that correctly. Ocean-going seafarers can now travel globally simply by presenting their electronic certificates. The Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport recently announced that Chinese seafarer e-certificates have been recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This signifies a major milestone for the certificates, which have progressed from domestic to international validity since their rollout in China began in August 2025.
The profession of a seafarer, which may seem distant, is in fact closely connected to everyone's daily life. Now, with this breakthrough in global e-certification, what changes will it bring to the shipping industry and our lives?
Certificates have been "slimmed down" for efficient passage. Previously, crew members boarding a ship needed to carry over ten types of paper documents, including certificates of competency and training qualification certificates, which were difficult to keep safe and cumbersome to inspect. Now, with just a smartphone, all certificates can be stored with a single click, accessed anytime, making the process easy and convenient! Key point: maritime supervision, port clearance, job hunting, and certificate management—all can be verified instantly by scanning a code, comprehensively boosting efficiency!
The application process for e-certificates is also straightforward, with two methods to choose from! Install the "Maritime Connect" app on your phone, enter the "Electronic Certificates" section to check and obtain them; or use a computer to log in to the MSAs "One-Stop Service" platform and follow the path "Information Disclosure - Public Service Inquiries - Electronic Certificate Inquiry" to quickly acquire them. Key point: Paper certificates can still be applied for according to regulations, but electronic certificates have become the primary tool for travel and official business!
A single certificate for global passage makes shipping smoother. This small electronic certificate connects the major arteries of global maritime transport. Every day, nearly 90,000 ship movements enter and leave Chinese ports, transporting everything from bulk minerals to daily necessities. Nearly 700,000 ocean-going seafarers quietly ensure the smooth operation of global logistics, supporting every aspect of convenience in our "clothing, food, housing, and transportation." Key point: This initiative reduces the burden on seafarers, increases efficiency for shipping, and safeguards the global supply chain.
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