MISMO COP Requirements 2023: Issuance, Revalidation, & Replacement

Here are the complete requirements for applying for a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) using MARINA’s latest online application platform.

MARINA’s Integrated Seafarers Management Online System more commonly known as MISMO enables seafarers to submit their COP requirements online for initial evaluation.

Once MISMO approves your application, you can immediately set a schedule for appearance or final evaluation as well as release of your certificate.

MISMO COP Requirements

There are three types of COP applications to choose from depending on the purpose of the applicant. These are Issuance, Revalidation, and Replacement.

COP Issuance is for those who want to apply for a Certificate of Proficiency for the very first time.

Some COPs have expiration dates. Hence, a revalidation is required to continue shipboard employment.

Replacement of COPs is for those who had lost or damaged their Certificate of Proficiency.

These three have different documentary requirements. Let us check them out below.

Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)

Issuance

• Certificate of Training Completion for AFF.
• SIRB/SRB first page OR any valid government ID OR birth certificate.
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Revalidation 

• Valid COP in AFF
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least twelve (12) months in total within five (5) years, OR three (3) months in total within six (6) months prior to the date of revalidation.
• Certificate of Training Completion for Refresher Course in AFF, OR Certificate of Training Completion in AFF (full course), if expired COP in AFF or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and
• Ship’s crew list

Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (ATLGTCO)

Issuance

• Valid COP in BTLGTCO
• Certificate of Training Completion in ATLGTCO
• While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations has completed an approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on Liquefied Gas Tankers, OR 
• At least 1 month of approved seagoing service onboard training on Liquefied Gas Tankers, in a supernumerary capacity, which includes at least 3 loading and 3 unloading operations and is documented in an approved training record book;
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format

Revalidation

• Valid COP in ATLGTCO
• Medical Certificate in PEME format
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation in the capacity as Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief, or Second Engineer Officer, as appropriate, onboard Liquefied Gas Tanker, OR
• Certificate of Training Completion in ATLGTCO, if expired COP in ATLGTCO or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and
• Ship’s crew list

Advanced Training For Chemical Tanker Cargo Operation (ATCTCO)

Issuance

• Valid COP in BTOCTCO
• Certificate of Training Completion in ATCTCO
• While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, has completed an approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on Chemical Tankers, OR 
• At least 1 month of approved onboard training, in supernumerary capacity, which includes at least 3 loading and 3 unloading operations and is documented in an approved training record book; AND
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format

Revalidation

• Valid COP in ATCTCO
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation in the capacity as Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief, or Second Engineer Officer, as appropriate, onboard Chemical Tanker, OR
• Certificate of Training Completion in ATOTCO, if expired COP in ATCTCO or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and
• Ship’s crew list

Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations (ATOTCO)

Issuance

• Valid COP in BTOCTCO
• Certificate of Training Completion for ATOTCO
• While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, has completed an approved seagoing service of at least three (3) months on Oil Tankers, OR
• At least 1 month of approved onboard training on Oil
• Tankers, in supernumerary capacity, which includes at least 3 loading and 3 unloading operations and documented in an approved training record book; AND
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format

Revalidation

• Valid COP in ATOTCO
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation in the capacity as Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief, or Second Engineer Officer, as appropriate, onboard Chemical Tanker, OR
• Certificate of Training Completion in ATOTCO, if expired COP in ATCTCO or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Basic Training (BT)

Issuance

• Certificate of BT Full Course taken or completed WITHIN TWO (2) years before the date of application.
• SIRB/SRB first page OR any valid government ID PLUS birth certificate
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Revalidation

• Valid BT COP *No need to upload. This will be verified in the system.
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least twelve (12) months in total within the last five (5) years OR three (3) months in total within the last six (6) months prior to the date of revalidation. This must be encoded by your local manning agency.
• Certificate of Training Completion for Refresher Course in BT OR Certificate of Training Completion in BT (full course) if expired COP in BT or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operation (BTLGTCO)

Issuance

• Valid COP in BT
• Certificate of Training Completion in BTLGTCO, OR
• Approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on Liquefied Gas Tankers and records or evidence of passing the assessment in an approved BTLGTCO
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format

Revalidation

• Valid COP in BTLGTCO
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation onboard Liquefied Gas Tanker, OR
• Certificate of Training Completion in BTLGTCO, if expired COP in BTLGTCO or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operation (BTOCTCO)

Issuance

• Valid COP in BT
• Certificate of Training Completion for BTOCTCO OR 
• Approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on Oil or Chemical Tankers and records or evidence of passing the assessment in an approved BTOCTCO
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format

Revalidation

• Valid COP in BTOCTCO
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation onboard Oil or Chemical Tanker, OR
• Certificate of Training Completion in BTOCTCO, if expired COP in BTOCTCO or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format from an approved medical center.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Medical Care (MeCa)

Issuance

• Certificate of Training Completion for MeCa
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• SIRB/SRB first page or any valid government ID or birth certificate.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag.

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

NOTE:
Not all COPs require revalidation. Some certificates have no expiration. Meaning, you don’t need to revalidate them until further notice from MARINA.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Medical First Aid (MeFA)

Issuance

• Certificate of Training Completion for MeFA
• SIRB/SRB first page OR any valid government ID or birth certificate.
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag.

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat (PFRB)

Issuance

• Certificate of Training Completion for PFRB.
• Valid COP in SCRB.
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Revalidation

• Valid COPs in SCRB and FRB.
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least twelve (12) months in total within the last five (5) years, OR three (3) months in total within the last six (6) months prior to the date of revalidation onboard ship fitted with FRB.
• Certificate of Training Completion for Refresher Course in FRB, OR Certificate of Training Completion in FRB (full course), if expired COP in FRB or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (Other Than Fast Rescue Boat) (SCRB)

Issuance

• Certificate of Training Completion for SCRB.
• Approved Seagoing service of not less than six (6) months.
• SIRB/SRB first page and entries.
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Revalidation

• Valid COP in SCRB.
• Approved seagoing service for a period of at least twelve (12) months in total within the last five (5) years, OR three (3) months in total within the last six (6) months prior to the date of revalidation.
• Certificate of Training Completion for Refresher Course in SCRB, OR Certificate of Training Completion in SCRB (full course), if expired COP in SCRB or if the applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list

Ratings as Able Seafarer Deck (AB-DECK) II/5

Issuance

• COP in RFPNW (II/4) *No need to upload. This will be verified in the system.
• Uploaded first page of Passport OR Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID), OR any valid government-issued ID bearing the Full Name and Birthdate PLUS Birth Certificate as Proof of Identity.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Certificate of Practical Assessment for Able-Seafarer Deck (For those assessments completed before 01 SEPTEMBER 2019, please upload Certificate of Assessment)
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background, and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag.

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list

Able Seafarer Engine (AB-ENGINE) III/5

Issuance

• COP in RFPEW (III/4) *No need to upload. This will be verified in the system.
• Uploaded first page of Passport OR Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID), OR any valid government-issued ID bearing the Full Name and Birthdate PLUS Birth Certificate as Proof of Identity.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Certificate of Practical Assessment for Able-Seafarer Engine (For those assessments completed before 01 SEPTEMBER 2019, please upload Certificate of Assessment).
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background, and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag.

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list

Ratings Forming Part of Navigational Watch II/4 (RFPNW)

Issuance

• Uploaded first page of Passport OR Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID), OR any valid government-issued ID bearing the Full Name and Birthdate PLUS Birth Certificate as Proof of Identity.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Practical Assessment Certificate for RFPNW (for those assessments completed before 01 SEPTEMBER 2019, please upload Certificate of Assessment).
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag. 

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list

Ratings Forming Part of Engineering Watch III/4 (RFPEW)

Issuance

• Uploaded first page of Passport OR Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID), OR any valid government-issued ID bearing the Full Name and Birthdate PLUS Birth Certificate as Proof of Identity.
• Medical Certificate in PEME format issued by a DOH-approved medical facility.
• Practical Assessment Certificate for RFPEW (for those assessments completed before 01 SEPTEMBER 2019, please upload Certificate of Assessment).
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag.

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

Seafarers With Designated Security Duties (SDSD)

Issuance

• Certificate of Training Completion for SDSD
• SIRB/SRB first page or any valid government ID or birth certificate
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format.
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag.

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list

Ship Security Officer (SSO)

Issuance

• Certificate of Training Completion for SSO
• Approved Seagoing service of not less than twelve (12) months
• SIRB/SRB first page and entries
• Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
• Colored 2×2 inches picture in white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and no name tag.

Revalidation

Revalidation not required.

Replacement

1. For seafarers applying personally:

• Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or the wrong details of information, and give a description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
• Any government-issued identification document

2. In case the seafarer is onboard the ship:

• Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency/ shipping company requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by the authorized official;
• Affidavit of Loss or Damage
• Employment Contract approved by the POEA;
• Oath of undertaking; and 
• Ship’s crew list 

This new system is better in many ways than its predecessors.  Not only this is more convenient for us but the fees are also reduced to almost half!

There is no need for us to go to MARINA because everything can be done online. This means that we can renew our certificates even if we are on board!

You can also check out the steps in processing your Certificate of Proficiencies in one of my posts.

Scrapping the 6-Month Rule

The 6-Month Rule states that all training must be applied for a Certificate of Proficiency within six months of its completion. 

If you fail to do this and your training certificate is more than 6 months old, you may have to take the whole course again. Once more, you have to strive for a COP within six months

But the latest advisory from MARINA suspended this rule. Training certificates less than five years old are now eligible for COP application. You can still file for a COP within two years after you complete your training.

However, there’s a catch. COP expiration for that document will be five years from the date of completion of the corresponding training.

For example. If you took your Basic Training last 2021 and applied for a Certificate of Proficiency today, its expiration would be in 2026.

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Here’s a trivia. Do you know that a long time ago, a sailor’s certificate of proficiencies, competencies, beliefs, and experience was with them forever in the form of a seaman’s tattoo?

May the winds be in your favor.