Working on International Ships? Essential Documents Every Greek Seafarers Must Carry (2025 Guide)
Working on international ships requires Greek seafarers to maintain a specific set of maritime documents—both for compliance and smooth clearance at ports worldwide. Whether you are joining a cargo vessel, tanker, cruise ship, or offshore vessel, carrying the right documents is essential for legal employment, immigration clearance, and verifying your qualifications onboard.
This guide explains the essential documents every Greek sailor must carry, the latest CDC requirements for Greece, and important details about maritime ID cards for seafarers in 2025.
Why These Documents Matter for Greek Seafarers
With increased global maritime regulations and stricter port inspections, Greek seafarers must show proof of:
- Identity
- Competence & training
- Medical fitness
- Sea-service history
- Compliance with STCW and IMO standards
Carrying complete documentation helps avoid delays during joining, port-state control checks, immigration inspections, and onboard audits.
1. Greek Seafarers Identity Document (SID / Maritime ID Card)
The Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) is one of the most important documents for Greek sailors working internationally.
✔ What It Is
A biometric maritime identity document issued under ILO Convention C185, accepted globally as official seafarer identification.
✔ Why It’s Needed
- Essential for immigration clearance
- Required for joining most foreign-flagged vessels
- Needed during port-state control checks
- Helps prove seafarer status in emergencies
✔ What Greek Sailors Must Ensure
- SID must be valid and up-to-date
- Carry both physical and digital copies
- Name, date of birth & passport number must match all documents
2. Greek Seafarers Service Book (Nautilia Viviariou / Greek CDC)
The Greek Seafarer’s Service Book functions similarly to the Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) issued in other countries.
✔ What It Contains
- Sea service entries (sign-on / sign-off)
- Ship details
- Ranks held
- Employment duration
✔ CDC Requirements for Greek Seafarers
- Must be carried at all times when joining or leaving a ship
- Sea-service entries must be updated and stamped
- Should be renewed before expiry
- Any mismatch with the SID or passport can cause delays
3. Passport (Valid for at Least 6 Months)
Your passport is your primary travel document and must remain valid throughout your contract period.
✔ Tips for Greek Sailors
- Keep at least six months of validity
- Ensure passport details match SID and CDC
- Carry photocopies for immigration and agent use
4. STCW Certificates (Mandatory Training Certificates)
All Greek seafarers working on international vessels must carry valid STCW certificates according to IMO regulations.
Mandatory Certificates Include:
- STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Fire Prevention & Firefighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Security Awareness / SDSD (depending on role)
Additional Certificates (If Applicable):
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Advanced Firefighting
- GMDSS certificate
- Passenger Ship Crowd Management
- Tanker Familiarization / Advanced Tanker courses
Important Note
STCW certificates should be issued by a recognized maritime training center and remain valid during your contract.
5. Medical Fitness Certificate (ENG1 or Equivalent)
A valid maritime medical fitness certificate is mandatory for all international crew.
✔ Requirements
- Must be issued by an approved maritime doctor
- Valid for 1–2 years depending on age
- Should confirm physical & mental fitness to sail
✔ Why It’s Critical
- Required during joining
- Needed in case of emergencies
- Requested during ship inspections
6. Greek Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA) / Contract
Every Greek sailor joining a vessel must carry a copy of their official employment agreement.
✔ Contract Must Include
- Rank & position
- Ship details
- Tenure and wages
- Company obligations
- Conditions for repatriation
7. Vaccination Records & Medical History
International ships often require vaccinated crew members, depending on destination and shipping company rules.
Carry Copies Of:
- Yellow fever certificate (mandatory for many ports)
- COVID-19 vaccination proof
- Other vaccinations as required by trade routes
8. Flag-State Endorsements (If Applicable)
Many foreign-flagged ships require Greek officers to hold flag endorsements.
Common Flag Endorsements Include:
- Panama
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Liberia
- Bahamas
- Marshall Islands
These confirm that the flag state recognizes the seafarer’s Greek qualifications.
9. Sea Service Documents & Experience Records
Besides the Greek CDC, you may also need:
- Sea service letters
- Discharge certificates
- Ship experience records
- Training record book (for cadets)
These help verify your sea-service history during promotions or endorsements.
10. Travel & Company Documents
Greek seafarers must also carry supporting documents such as:
- Company letter / joining instructions
- Flight tickets
- Agent contact details
- Vessel joining approval
- Emergency contact form
Checklist: Documents Greek Seafarers Must Carry on International Ships (2025)
For quick reference:
Identity Documents
✔ Passport
✔ Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID)
✔ Greek Seafarer’s Service Book (CDC)
Professional & Training
✔ STCW certificates
✔ Flag-state endorsements
✔ Experience & sea-service records
Medical
✔ Medical fitness certificate
✔ Vaccination records
Travel & Contract
✔ Seafarer employment agreement
✔ Flight & joining instructions
✔ Crew change approval
Final Checklist for Greek Seafarers
Working on international ships requires Greek sailors to stay fully prepared with all essential maritime documents. A valid CDC, SID, passport, medical certificate, and STCW training ensure smooth onboarding, compliance with IMO regulations, and hassle-free immigration clearance at global ports.
Keeping these documents organized and up-to-date not only protects your maritime career but also ensures you are always ready for your next contract.
