How to become a seafarer in Croatia

Facts from official sources only, each with a link to the source. Choose the path that fits you.

Choose your path

I am at school or have just finished school

Officer through a maritime academy and cadet training at sea, or rating through a rating course.

I am an adult and want to change my career

Age limits, entry through your shore profession, the minimum set of documents, official fees and timing.

What both paths have in common

A seaman's book (pomorska knjižica) is issued to a person who is at least 16 and medically fit; it is valid for 10 years.
Source: Pravilnik o pomorskim i brodarskim knjižicama te postupcima i načinu prijave i odjave na obvezno mirovinsko i obvezno zdravstveno osiguranje (NN 21/2024)
Medical fitness is proven by a valid certificate from an authorised health institution.
Source: Pravilnik o pomorskim i brodarskim knjižicama te postupcima i načinu prijave i odjave na obvezno mirovinsko i obvezno zdravstveno osiguranje (NN 21/2024)
The application for a seaman's book needs an identity document, the medical certificate and two photographs.
Source: Pravilnik o pomorskim i brodarskim knjižicama te postupcima i načinu prijave i odjave na obvezno mirovinsko i obvezno zdravstveno osiguranje (NN 21/2024)
Ratings need the basic safety certificate (Temeljna sigurnost na brodu).
Source: Pravilnik o zvanjima i svjedodžbama o osposobljenosti pomoraca (NN 130/2013)
All seafarers must complete safety familiarization and basic training under STCW VI/1.
Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention
Under the MLC 2006, no person under 16 may work on board a ship.
Source: ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)

Beware of scams

Employment mediation for seafarers may only be done by a Croatian legal entity authorised for it.
Source: Pravilnik o pomorskim i brodarskim knjižicama te postupcima i načinu prijave i odjave na obvezno mirovinsko i obvezno zdravstveno osiguranje (NN 21/2024)
Certificates are issued only after an exam before a commission appointed by the minister, not by private agencies.
Source: Pravilnik o zvanjima i svjedodžbama o osposobljenosti pomoraca (NN 130/2013)

Krew Guru numbers

85% of open vacancies on Krew Guru accept citizens of Croatia.

Seafarer profiles from Croatia on Krew Guru: 1,100+.

Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (Ministarstvo mora, prometa i infrastrukture)