How to become a seafarer in Latvia

Choose your path

What both paths have in common

• A candidate for a rating certificate (other than able seafarer, motorman, electrician or cook) must be at least 16.
  Source: Ministru kabineta 2005. gada 22. novembra noteikumi Nr. 895 "Jūrnieku sertificēšanas noteikumi" (consolidated)
• Medical fitness is confirmed by a seafarers' doctor recognised in the EU or EEA.
  Source: Ministru kabineta 2026. gada 24. februāra noteikumi Nr. 78: Grozījumi noteikumos Nr. 895 "Jūrnieku sertificēšanas noteikumi"
• A medical check is also required before enrolling in a maritime vocational education programme.
  Source: Latvijas Jūras administrācija: Jūrnieku veselības pārbaude
• Certificates are issued by the Latvian Seafarers' Registry of the Latvian Maritime Administration.
  Source: Ministru kabineta 2005. gada 22. novembra noteikumi Nr. 895 "Jūrnieku sertificēšanas noteikumi" (consolidated)
• 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

• The Latvian Maritime Administration warns of fraudsters posing as licensed crewing agencies who later ask for money, e.g. for medical checks.
  Source: Latvijas Jūras administrācija: Aicinām jūrniekus uzmanīties no krāpnieciskiem darba piedāvājumiem (29.09.2026)
• Contact the company yourself through its official website, not through contacts sent by the person offering the job.
  Source: Latvijas Jūras administrācija: Aicinām jūrniekus uzmanīties no krāpnieciskiem darba piedāvājumiem (29.09.2026)
• The administration publishes the list of Latvian companies licensed to provide crewing services.
  Source: Latvijas Jūras administrācija: Jūrnieku darbiekārtošana

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