Operator Competence

Pleasure Craft Operators

Pleasure craft operators must provide evidence of competence once operating small craft under the Small Craft Act and Regulations based on the following criteria:

• Certification for the operation of pleasure craft.
• Operators with no formal certification, who operated small pleasure craft in Antigua and Barbuda for many years prior to 1 January 2016 may provide a verified statement of operational experience.  Evidence of competence is assessed on application, based on operational experience, and will be stated on the small craft control safety certificate and licence.
• Inexperienced and new operators after 1 January 2016 should take an approved training course. Read More

Commercial Craft Operators

All commercial vessels must be manned by a person holding a requisite Boatmaster licence.

Licenses are issued by ADOMS, valid for 3 years, and can be renewed on their expiry on the production of a valid medical fitness certificate and upon initial application, receipt of the declaration from one of the approved training providers, or presentation of a valid STCW Certificate of Competence.  Read More

Officers Endorsements and Seafarers Books

Antigua and Barbuda does not issue Certificates of Competency and therefore all officers serving in a watchkeeping role onboard Antigua and Barbuda ships on international voyages are required to have an Antigua and Barbuda endorsement to their existing certificate as per STCW Regulation I/10.

It is a requirement of the Antigua and Barbuda regulations that all seafarers in Antigua and Barbuda ships on international voyages have a national seafarer’s book.

Application Procedure

1. Complete Application Form

• Forms can be collected from the ADOMS Office or
• Click here to download the application for Seafarers documents
• Click here to fill in the seafarers’ documents checklist

2. Return application form with supporting documents to ADOMS:

• In-person submission at the ADOMS Office; or
• Emailing application form, seafarers’ documents checklist, and any other supporting documents to technical@abregistry.ag

3. Payment of fees based on the invoice provided by ADOMS

• In-person payment at ADOMS Office (cash, cheque, credit/debit card); or
• Email submission of Credit Card Authorization (form available upon request); or
• Wire transfer (bank details available upon request)

4. Issuance of seafarers’ documents 

• On submission of the application and payment of fees, ADOMS will advise when the documents are ready for collection to complete the application process.