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Published on 6 January 2025

Information for seafarers

The Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (SMNO) is the point of contact for prospective and qualified seafarers. It provides information and services related to working on commercial seagoing vessels, including the medical and training requirements for employment on a Swiss commercial seagoing vessel. The SMNO also issues the seaman's record book for Swiss seafarers.

Seafarers celebrating graduation.

6 January 2025

Seaman's book for Swiss seafarers

The SMNO issues a seaman's book to all seafarers of Swiss nationality working on board Swiss commercial seagoing vessels.

The lifebuoy as a symbol of the physical and medical fitness of seafarers, which is an essential prerequisite for working at sea.

6 January 2025

Medical requirements

All persons employed on commercial seagoing vessels must possess a medical fitness certificate that complies with the Regulation I/9 of the STCW Convention and with the Regulation 1.2 of the MLC.

Un winch avec des amarres qui retiennent.

6 January 2025

Training and maritime courses

All required courses and certificates must be completed and obtained abroad. Certificates of Competency (CoC) are recognised if the country is on the IMO's STCW White List.