1Guidance

Description and purpose

The introduction of new green fuels necessitates the development of new competencies among seafarers. However, given the relatively limited deployment of such fuels, acquiring hands-on experience on vessels, particularly in handling these fuels, managing and training hazardous or uncommon scenarios, remains a significant challenge.

Given this challenge the Danish Maritime Authority were approached by shipping companies and training providers, with an inquiry to an alternative model for training and certification.

Under the advisory and supervision of The Danish Ships Inspection Council, an alternative model have been developed in collaboration between the training providers and DMA, which initially will be a scheme for testing and gathering of experience, prior to evaluation on becoming a permanent part of implementation.

The purpose of the scheme is to allow seafarers, through a goal-based full mission simulator training course, to obtain an equivalency of up to 25 days of the required 30 days of seagoing service needed to acquire a certificate of proficiency for the management of operations on ships subject to the IGF Code.
In combination with the course, the seafarer are still to obtain the remainder of seagoing service, with a minimum of 5 days or longer, whichever is sufficient to complete the list of specified mandatory onboard training activities.

DMA case number 2025125707 as reference for this pilot scheme.

2List of mandatory

Onboard training activities

Activity 1:

Participate in a complete bunkering operation of IGF-relevant fuel, including planning and debrief.

Verification Method:

Take part in bunkering with supervising officer.

Activity 2:

Identify and explain ship's hazard zones and describe their significance.

Verification Method:

Review layout plans, perform site walk with supervising officer.

Activity 3:

Locate and identify main IGF fuel system components and associated piping.

Verification Method:

Site walk, schematic/piping diagram review with supervising officer.

Activity 4:

Understand and operate the IGF control system, including appropriate response to alarms.

Verification Method:

Demonstration exercise, operational instruction review, familiarization with crew/supplier.

Activity 5:

Describe and explain the fixed gas detection system, including its use and location.

Verification Method:

Review session, oral questioning with supervising officer.

Activity 6:

Describe the ship-specific emergency procedures and contingency plans for IGF systems.

Verification Method:

Review procedures, scenario-based discussion with supervising officer.

Activity 7:

Identify and explain Emergency Shutdown (ESD) system triggers and functions.

Verification Method:

System review, practical demonstration with supervising officer.

Activity 8: 

Operate and calibrate handheld portable gas detectors.

Verification Method:

Demonstrate turn on, set point check, alarm activation, calibration with supervising officer.

3List of competencies through

Full mission simulator based training activities

  • Safely plan and conduct LNG and low-flashpoint fuel bunkering
  • Identify, respond to, and manage fuel system alarms and
  • Respond effectively and appropriately to simulated leaks and alarms.
  • Perform fuel changeover between low-flashpoint fuels and conventional
  • Execute fuel system isolations using double block and bleed
  • Safely prepare for LNG fuel tank-related maintenance (such as for dry-docking or maintenance on equipment), and prepare system for operation again, including drying, inerting, gassing up and cooling down.
  • Respond effectively and appropriately to emergency situations including ESD activation and manual
  • Restoration of machinery to normal operational status after system shutdowns.
  • Demonstrate understanding of IGF fuel systems by analyzing and presenting ship-specific system
  • Apply safe communication and teamwork during routine and emergency operations involving IGF

Assessment during training

Participants will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, simulator evaluations, and oral presentations.

4Form

Attestation of completed onboard training activities

The seafarer must complete the list of mandatory onboard training activities, as specified in this guidance.

In order to document this completion, as required for certification with the Danish Maritime Authority, the shipping company must attest using this form.

Download attestation form

The attestation must serve as documentation for the digital application for the issuance of a certificate of proficiency at the Danish Maritime Authority, through the self-service solution for seafarers.
In application proces, please refer to DMA case number 2025125707 as reference for this pilot scheme.

5Step-by-step

Proces for seafarers from training to certification

This is a step-by-step guide from training to certification from the seafarers perspective:

  • Course - IGF Basic
    • Training provider issues Certificate of Proficiency and report this to DMA
  • Course - IGF Advanced
    • Training provider reports completed course to DMA
  • Course - Pilot scheme - Full Mission Simulator
    • Training provider reports completed course to DMA
  • Seagoing Service - Minimum 5 days
    • Master or Shipping Company signs completed attestation to the seafarer
    • Attestion form is available from section 4 of this guidance
  • Seafarer submits application for "Certificate of proficiency in advanced training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code" with DMA
    • Self-service for seafarers
    • Attach completed attestation to application
    • Please refer to DMA case number 2025125707 in field for remarks
  • When all above steps are completed, DMA issues Certificate of Proficiency
6Illustration

Proces of pilot for seafarers, comparison with existing proces for certification

Requirements for seagoing service are specified as minimum amount of days, and 1 bunker operation as minimum, given that 2 bunker operations are completed in simulator training ref. existing STCW requirements.
Certification in the pilot scheme requires attestation by the shipping company, for the seafarers completion of required onboard training activities.