Becoming a seafarer in Lithuania as a career change

Age limits

• Under STCW an able seafarer must be at least 18 and first qualify as a watch rating.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention
• A deck watch rating must be at least 16.
  Source: IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (2010): Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention

Entry through your shore profession

Minimum set of documents

• Minimum set for a deck rating: the rating training programme, sea service, medical certificate, basic safety certificate and exam.
  Source: Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija: Jūrininkų diplomavimas (archived copy of 14.08.2020)
• Basic safety training (personal survival, fire fighting, first aid, personal safety) is offered by accredited institutions.
  Source: Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija: Akredituotų mokymo įstaigų, rengiančių jūrininkus, sąrašas (updated 22.01.2025)

Costs and timing: official fees only

• Every document issued to seafarers carries a state fee that must be paid.
  Source: Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija: Jūrininkų diplomavimas (archived copy of 14.08.2020)
• Endorsements and special certificates are issued for a limited period and must be renewed.
  Source: Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija: Jūrininkų diplomavimas (archived copy of 14.08.2020)

How to avoid scams

• Only entities that have acquired the right to train seafarers under the Law on Safe Shipping may train seafarers in Lithuania.
  Source: Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija: Mokymo įstaigos, rengiančios jūrininkus (updated 04.12.2023)
• The LTSA publishes the list of accredited training institutions and marks those whose accreditation was revoked.
  Source: Lietuvos transporto saugos administracija: Akredituotų mokymo įstaigų, rengiančių jūrininkus, sąrašas (updated 22.01.2025)

First job: starter vacancies

Krew Guru numbers