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Practical flag service guide

Active — official registration, technical and seafarer routes published; acceptance and scope remain vessel- and document-dependent

Cook Islands Maritime Services

Cook Islands vessel registration, delegated class/statutory work and seafarer certificates. Pharaohs Marine reviews files, prepares checklists and coordinates the proper MCI, Registrar, RO/RSO or approved training-centre route; those authorities issue the documents.

Operational information reviewed: 2026-09-13

One country, one working guide

Routes, requirements, timing and expected documents.

How to use this page

Maritime Cook Islands and the Registrar administer Cook Islands registration and flag functions. Pharaohs Marine reviews the route, prepares the file, coordinates submission and tracks delivery. For class and statutory work, when our surveyor appointment and the appointing organization’s current Cook Islands authority are confirmed, our appointed surveyor can conduct the applicable survey or audit and manage certification directly from our office through that organization; if the owner selects another authorized society, we coordinate with it. Training files go to an approved centre and eligible flag-document files go directly to MCI as the route requires. The named authority remains the issuer.

01
Cook IslandsVerified

Ship Registration

MCI and the Registrar publish provisional, permanent, merchant, private-yacht, commercial-yacht, dual and demise-charter routes. The vessel, ownership or charter structure, previous flag, technical records and risk review determine the applicable route and decision.

Service routes

Registration types

Provisional registration

Use this route for: Open a provisional Cook Islands registry record while permanent-registration requirements are completed.

Requirements for Provisional registration
  • Application for Registration through the applicable MCI Deputy Registrar or registry route.
  • Bill of Sale or Builder's Certificate.
  • Evidence of owner shareholding where there is more than one owner.
  • Completed CISOA membership application where that ownership route is used.
  • Signed Cook Islands Declaration for Vessel Registration Form 1A.
  • Charter agreement and written consent from the underlying flag for charter registration, where applicable.
Validity
  • Provisional Certificate of Registry: 3 months from issue.
  • The Registrar may extend it in special circumstances; the statutory total provisional period, including extensions, may not exceed 6 months.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Provisional Certificate of Registry
Important conditions
  • Registrar approval is required; MCI applies risk analysis and vetting to vessels within its published scope.
  • Missing documents may delay permanent registration.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the vessel file, prepare the route checklist, coordinate submission with the proper Cook Islands registry route, track requests and missing items, and deliver the registry documents issued by the Registrar/MCI.

Request Provisional registration support →

Permanent registration

Use this route for: Complete entry of an eligible vessel on the Cook Islands Ships Register after provisional or direct review.

Requirements for Permanent registration
  • Company Certificate or CISOA membership letter, or applicable CIYS/foreign-company evidence.
  • Carving and Markings Note with a current vessel photograph.
  • Pre-Registration Inspection, where required.
  • Proof of deletion from the previous flag, and proof of suspension for demise-charter registration.
  • Closed CSR records for vessels over 500 GT, where required.
  • Classification Certificate for vessels of 500 GT or more, where required by the current Form 1A.
  • P&I policy evidencing MLC Regulations 2.5 and 4.2 financial security for applicable commercial vessels.
  • LRIT Conformance Test Report and any additional survey or evidence requested by the Registrar.
Validity
  • The Certificate of Registration remains effective until it expires or is cancelled; the issued certificate controls the operative term.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Certificate of Registration
  • Cook Islands Ships Register entry
Important conditions
  • The owner or demise charterer must satisfy the qualified-person and route requirements.
  • The Registrar may require additional surveys or information before issuing the certificate.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the vessel file, prepare the route checklist, coordinate submission with the proper Cook Islands registry route, track requests and missing items, and deliver the registry documents issued by the Registrar/MCI.

Request Permanent registration support →

Merchant-vessel registration

Use this route for: Register a cargo ship, bulk carrier, tanker or other eligible merchant vessel under the Cook Islands flag.

Requirements for Merchant-vessel registration
  • Application for Registration and signed Cook Islands Declaration for Vessel Registration Form 1A.
  • Bill of Sale or Builder's Certificate and qualified-person/company evidence.
  • Carving and Markings Note with a current vessel photograph.
  • Proof of deletion or suspension from the previous flag, where applicable.
  • Current Class Certificate and applicable statutory, safety, manning and management records.
  • Closed CSR records for vessels over 500 GT and LRIT Conformance Test Report, where applicable.
  • P&I policy evidencing MLC Regulations 2.5 and 4.2 financial security for applicable commercial operation.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Provisional Certificate of Registry, where approved
  • Certificate of Registration
Important conditions
  • Acceptance depends on vessel type, tonnage, ownership, previous flag, safety history, proposed ISM management and MCI risk vetting.
  • The actual certificate term and technical certificate cycles control operation.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the vessel file, prepare the route checklist, coordinate submission with the proper Cook Islands registry route, track requests and missing items, and deliver the registry documents issued by the Registrar/MCI.

Request Merchant-vessel registration support →

Private-yacht registration

Use this route for: Register a yacht used for private pleasure or recreation rather than trade, passenger reward or commercial charter.

Requirements for Private-yacht registration
  • Application for Registration and qualified-person ownership evidence, such as CIYS or applicable company evidence.
  • Bill of Sale or Builder's Certificate, where applicable.
  • Carving and Markings Note with a current vessel photograph.
  • Self-assessment survey evidence for the published under-24-metre route, where applicable.
  • Pre-Registration Inspection for a private yacht over 24 metres, where applicable.
  • Classification-society survey and certificate for a private yacht over 500 GT.
Validity
  • MCI publishes 1-, 3- or 5-year yacht registration periods.
  • A 1-year selection requires annual renewal; the issued certificate and renewal record control.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Private-yacht Certificate of Registration
  • Applicable yacht registration record
Important conditions
  • The yacht must remain within the private-use route; length, gross tonnage and operation determine survey and class requirements.
  • The Registrar must approve the registration.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the vessel file, prepare the route checklist, coordinate submission with the proper Cook Islands registry route, track requests and missing items, and deliver the registry documents issued by the Registrar/MCI.

Request Private-yacht registration support →

Commercial-yacht registration

Use this route for: Register a yacht engaged in trade, commerce, charter or carriage of passengers for hire.

Requirements for Commercial-yacht registration
  • Application for Registration and CIYS membership or Cook Islands company ownership evidence.
  • Bill of Sale or Builder's Certificate, where applicable.
  • Carving and Markings Note with a current vessel photograph.
  • Survey and certification evidence under the LY3 or Cook Islands Large Yacht Code, as applicable.
  • Safe-manning, statutory, insurance and management records requested for the yacht.
  • Previous-flag deletion, charter or classification evidence where applicable.
Validity
  • MCI publishes 1-, 3- or 5-year yacht registration periods.
  • A 1-year selection requires annual renewal; the issued certificate and applicable safety certificates control.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Commercial-yacht Certificate of Registration
  • Applicable yacht registration record
Important conditions
  • MCI describes commercial yachts as limited to a maximum of 12 passengers.
  • The owner or demise charterer must be a qualified person and the Registrar must approve the route.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the vessel file, prepare the route checklist, coordinate submission with the proper Cook Islands registry route, track requests and missing items, and deliver the registry documents issued by the Registrar/MCI.

Request Commercial-yacht registration support →

Dual private/commercial yacht registration

Use this route for: Maintain a yacht route that alternates between private and commercial operation under MCI's dual-registration process.

Requirements for Dual private/commercial yacht registration
  • Current private and commercial registration or operating certificates, as applicable.
  • Advance notification to the Deputy Registrar or Fleet Manager for each operating-status change.
  • Official logbook record of the selected private or commercial operation.
  • Scheduled survey, inspection and certificate evidence maintained for the commercial safety standard.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Private-operation certificate set
  • Commercial-operation certificate set
  • Dual-registration record
Important conditions
  • The yacht must maintain the higher commercial safety standard except for MCI-stated safe-manning treatment.
  • Display the certificates for the selected operation and notify MCI before changing status.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the vessel file, prepare the route checklist, coordinate submission with the proper Cook Islands registry route, track requests and missing items, and deliver the registry documents issued by the Registrar/MCI.

Request Dual private/commercial yacht registration support →

Demise (bareboat) charter registration

Use this route for: Register a foreign-flag vessel in Cook Islands bareboat charter or place an eligible Cook Islands vessel under another flag for the charter period.

Requirements for Demise (bareboat) charter registration
  • Application for demise-charter registration.
  • Certified copy of the charter party or charter agreement.
  • Written owner consent and underlying-flag consent where required.
  • Proof of deletion or suspension of the previous registration, as applicable.
  • Evidence that the charterer is a qualified person.
  • Prior closed certificate or registry evidence where requested.
Validity
  • The demise-charter certificate runs from the specified date to expiry or termination of the charter party.
  • A provisional demise-charter certificate follows the provisional rules, including the 6-month statutory total cap.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Demise-charter Certificate of Registry
  • Provisional demise-charter Certificate of Registry, where approved
Important conditions
  • The arrangement is charter-period registration, not ordinary ownership registration.
  • Underlying and receiving registries must consent where required and the charter documents must remain aligned.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the vessel file, prepare the route checklist, coordinate submission with the proper Cook Islands registry route, track requests and missing items, and deliver the registry documents issued by the Registrar/MCI.

Request Demise (bareboat) charter registration support →
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Cook IslandsVerified_scope_dependent

Class & Statutory

Cook Islands class and statutory work is vessel- and certificate-specific. MCI publishes delegated RO/class routes, direct or partner statutory functions, and a limited security-organization scope; current authority must be verified before engagement.

Service routes

Class, statutory and inspection routes

Delegated class and statutory certification — commercial vessels under 500 GT and private yachts

Use this route for: Request class or delegated statutory survey/certification where the current Cook Islands allocation places the work with an IACS Recognized Organization.

Requirements for Delegated class and statutory certification — commercial vessels under 500 GT and private yachts
  • Vessel particulars: type, gross tonnage, IMO number, service, flag and passenger status.
  • Requested class or statutory certificate and applicable convention scope.
  • Current class/statutory certificates, survey status and previous findings.
  • Plans, manuals, PSC, CSR and LRIT evidence requested for the vessel and certificate.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Class Certificate
  • Delegated statutory certificate or endorsement, when within current RO authority
Important conditions
  • MCI states that statutory work for commercial vessels under 500 GT and private yachts is performed by IACS ROs only; scope is not universal.
  • Published IACS options include ABS, BV, CCS, CRS, DNV, IRClass, KR, LR, ClassNK, RINA, RMRS, PRS and TÜRK LOYDU; verify current vessel-specific authority.
  • Check MCI and IMO GISIS before engagement; the selected society/RO is the issuer.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

Where Pharaohs Marine has a current surveyor appointment and the appointing society/RO/RSO has current Cook Islands authority for the requested certificate, our appointed surveyor can conduct the applicable survey or audit and manage certification directly from our office through the appointing organization. If the owner selects another authorized society, we coordinate with it. The named society/RO/RSO or Cook Islands Administration remains the issuer; verify current authorization before engagement.

Request direct survey & certification →

Delegated statutory certification — commercial vessels over 500 GT and passenger ships

Use this route for: Request statutory survey, audit or certification for a commercial vessel over 500 GT or a passenger ship of any size under the current MCI allocation.

Requirements for Delegated statutory certification — commercial vessels over 500 GT and passenger ships
  • Vessel particulars: type, gross tonnage, IMO number, service, flag and passenger status.
  • Requested statutory certificate, convention basis and survey location.
  • Current statutory/class certificates, audit reports and open-finding evidence.
  • Plans, manuals, safety-management, security or MLC records requested by MCI or the recognized partner.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • MCI or authorized-partner statutory certificate
  • Survey, audit or inspection report, as applicable
Important conditions
  • MCI publishes direct or recognized-partner delivery for this allocation; the exact certificate issuer must be confirmed.
  • Vessel-specific delegation, certificate scope and current appointment must be verified before engagement.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

Where Pharaohs Marine has a current surveyor appointment and the appointing society/RO/RSO has current Cook Islands authority for the requested certificate, our appointed surveyor can conduct the applicable survey or audit and manage certification directly from our office through the appointing organization. If the owner selects another authorized society, we coordinate with it. The named society/RO/RSO or Cook Islands Administration remains the issuer; verify current authorization before engagement.

Request direct survey & certification →

MCI flag-state audits, surveys, inspections and selected statutory certificates

Use this route for: Request an MCI flag-state audit, survey, inspection or selected ISM, ISPS, MLC or other statutory certificate within the confirmed Cook Islands scope.

Requirements for MCI flag-state audits, surveys, inspections and selected statutory certificates
  • Vessel particulars and requested audit, survey, inspection or certificate.
  • Existing statutory certificates, audit history and deficiency or corrective-action records.
  • Safety-management, security, labour, plans and manuals relevant to the requested scope.
  • RO/RSO survey material or technical evidence requested by MCI.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • MCI-issued statutory certificate or endorsement, where authorized
  • MCI audit, survey or inspection record
Important conditions
  • MCI publishes ISM, ISPS, MLC and selected other statutory functions, but not one universal certificate package.
  • Phoenix Register of Shipping is listed for ISM, ISPS and MLC functions; confirm current authority and issuer for the requested certificate.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

Where Pharaohs Marine has a current surveyor appointment and the appointing society/RO/RSO has current Cook Islands authority for the requested certificate, our appointed surveyor can conduct the applicable survey or audit and manage certification directly from our office through the appointing organization. If the owner selects another authorized society, we coordinate with it. The named society/RO/RSO or Cook Islands Administration remains the issuer; verify current authorization before engagement.

Request direct survey & certification →

Ship-security-plan approval and ship-security certificate functions

Use this route for: Request ship-security-plan approval, ship verification or Ship Security Certificate endorsement within the published Cook Islands RSO scope.

Requirements for Ship-security-plan approval and ship-security certificate functions
  • Vessel particulars and current flag/class information.
  • Ship Security Plan and applicable amendments or approval history.
  • Current International Ship Security Certificate and verification records, where applicable.
  • Company security officer, ship security officer and corrective-action evidence requested for the review.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Ship Security Plan approval
  • Ship verification record
  • Ship Security Certificate endorsement
Important conditions
  • MCI lists Altec Services S.r.l. for these security functions only; it is not the flag administration or a general class issuer.
  • Confirm Altec's current Cook Islands RSO authority and the requested function before engagement.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

Where Pharaohs Marine has a current surveyor appointment and the appointing society/RO/RSO has current Cook Islands authority for the requested certificate, our appointed surveyor can conduct the applicable survey or audit and manage certification directly from our office through the appointing organization. If the owner selects another authorized society, we coordinate with it. The named society/RO/RSO or Cook Islands Administration remains the issuer; verify current authorization before engagement.

Request direct survey & certification →
Classification / RO list status 14 named organizations
Source date, scope and limitations

Undated named list verified: the MCI Classification Societies page accessed 2026-09-13 names 13 IACS classification societies and Phoenix Register of Shipping for ISM, ISPS and MLC functions. The page does not publish a certificate-by-certificate statutory matrix or validity date; the MCI page directs users to IMO GISIS for RO authority, so vessel- and certificate-specific scope must be checked there and with MCI. Class authority is not treated as proof of statutory/RO authority.

Current delegation

Authorized classification societies & recognized organizations

OrganizationTypeClass certificateFull scopePartial scopeISSC scopeOfficial scope matrixOfficial list
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Bureau Veritas (BV) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
China Classification Society (CCS) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Korean Register of Shipping (KR) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Lloyd’s Register (LR) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
RINA Services S.p.A (RINA) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Polski Rejestr Statkow (PRS) IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
TÜRK LOYDU IACS classification society; MCI-published class authority (not a blanket statutory/RO authority) Yes
1 published items
  • Classification Certificate (class authority published by MCI)
Not established by the reviewed MCI class listing; no RSO/ISPS/ISSC authority inferred from class authority. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
Phoenix Register of Shipping (ISM, ISPS, MLC) Non-IACS organization; MCI-published limited statutory/RO functions (not a classification-society authority) No
3 published items
  • ISM functions as listed by MCI
  • ISPS functions as listed by MCI
  • MLC functions as listed by MCI
ISPS function is listed by MCI; exact International Ship Security Certificate/RSO scope is not itemized on the reviewed page. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
RSO list status 1 named organizations
Source date, scope and limitations

Undated named list verified: the dedicated MCI Recognised Security Organisations page accessed 2026-09-13 names one RSO, Altec Services S.r.l., and expressly publishes Ship Security Plan approval, verification for ships and endorsement of Ship Security Certificates. The page provides no expiry or certificate-by-certificate matrix. Phoenix Register of Shipping remains in authorized_organizations for its separately published ISM/ISPS/MLC functions, but is not labeled an RSO because the reviewed MCI page does not state that status.

Security delegation

Recognized Security Organizations

OrganizationISSC authorizationPublished scopeOfficial scope matrixOfficial list
Altec Services S.r.l. Yes — the three ISPS/security functions above are expressly published by MCI; exact vessel- and certificate-specific authority must be confirmed. Yes — the three ISPS/security functions above are expressly published by MCI; exact vessel- and certificate-specific authority must be confirmed. Open official matrix ↗ Open official source ↗
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Cook IslandsVerified_document_dependent

Seafarer Certification

MCI publishes national CoC/CoP routes through approved training centres, STCW and Non-STCW endorsements, specialized training endorsement, Seaman's Discharge Books and medical-fitness evidence. The required credential depends on rank, capacity, vessel and underlying qualification.

Service routes

Credential and document routes

STCW Certificate of Endorsement for officers and radio operators

Use this route for: Obtain Cook Islands flag endorsement of an existing STCW CoC or CoP for a deck or engineering officer or radio operator before embarkation.

Requirements for STCW Certificate of Endorsement for officers and radio operators
  • Current online STCW Certificate of Endorsement application.
  • Underlying STCW Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency.
  • STCW basic safety training evidence under VI/1 and applicable advanced training certificates.
  • Fit-and-proper-person application or evidence requested by MCI.
  • Minimum Safe Manning Certificate and capacity evidence where required for the intended assignment.
Validity
  • Electronic Letter of Acknowledgement: 3 months from issue.
  • Cook Islands Certificate of Endorsement: duration of the underlying qualification being endorsed.
Processing: MCI publishes an electronic Letter of Acknowledgement within 24 hours after successful review; the final Certificate of Endorsement is issued within 3 months from application.
Issued documents
  • Electronic Letter of Acknowledgement
  • Cook Islands Certificate of Endorsement — STCW
Important conditions
  • Applies to published deck, engineering and radio-operator capacities; authentication, verification and validation remain with MCI.
  • The endorsement recognizes the underlying qualification and does not replace it.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the file, submit it to an approved training centre Pharaohs Marine works with when training or course certification is required, follow the course-certificate process, submit to the Cook Islands flag administration where required, and track and deliver the issued electronic certificate when available. The training centre or flag administration remains the issuer.

Start your seafarer certificate request →

Non-STCW Certificate of Endorsement

Use this route for: Request Cook Islands recognition of a national-legislation or recognized-institution qualification such as RYA or similar non-STCW credential.

Requirements for Non-STCW Certificate of Endorsement
  • Current online Non-STCW Certificate of Endorsement application.
  • Underlying national or recognized-institution qualification.
  • Authentication, verification and validation evidence requested by MCI.
  • Fit-and-proper-person application or evidence requested by MCI.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Electronic Letter of Acknowledgement, where issued
  • Cook Islands Certificate of Endorsement — Non-STCW
Important conditions
  • The Cook Islands endorsement is recognition only and does not replace the underlying national or institutional qualification.
  • Acceptance depends on current MCI review of the document, rank, capacity and vessel.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the complete file, submit it directly to the Cook Islands flag administration where the route does not require training-centre issuance, track the review and deliver the issued document when available. The flag administration or named practitioner remains the issuer.

Start your seafarer certificate request →

Specialized tanker and passenger-vessel training endorsement

Use this route for: Obtain Cook Islands flag endorsement of STCW Chapter V specialized training for the relevant tanker or passenger-vessel capacity.

Requirements for Specialized tanker and passenger-vessel training endorsement
  • Current STCW Certificate of Endorsement application.
  • Underlying specialized STCW Certificate of Proficiency or training certificate.
  • Underlying CoC/CoP and basic safety evidence applicable to the capacity.
  • Vessel type, cargo or passenger-service and intended-capacity evidence.
  • Fit-and-proper-person evidence requested by MCI.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Electronic Letter of Acknowledgement, where issued
  • Cook Islands Certificate of Endorsement recording the specialized training
Important conditions
  • MCI publishes this requirement for deck and engineering officers and radio operators serving on tankers or passenger vessels.
  • The exact course and capacity requirement depends on the vessel and assignment; MCI remains the flag issuer.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the file, submit it to an approved training centre Pharaohs Marine works with when training or course certification is required, follow the course-certificate process, submit to the Cook Islands flag administration where required, and track and deliver the issued electronic certificate when available. The training centre or flag administration remains the issuer.

Start your seafarer certificate request →

Cook Islands national Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency

Use this route for: Apply for a Cook Islands national CoC or CoP after training through a current Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution.

Requirements for Cook Islands national Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency
  • Application for the requested Cook Islands CoC or CoP route.
  • Training completion and assessment certificates from a Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution.
  • Rank, capacity, upgrading or revalidation evidence required by the course route.
  • Fit-and-proper-person application or evidence.
  • Medical and other STCW evidence required for the requested credential.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Cook Islands Certificate of Competency
  • Cook Islands Certificate of Proficiency, as applicable
Important conditions
  • MCI accepts applications after training at an approved centre; the published list includes PMA Turkey, SSM Croatia, MAC Greece, IMS Egypt, STC Panama and Yak India, with the current list controlling.
  • The training centre delivers approved training; MCI remains the flag issuer of the national credential.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the file, submit it to an approved training centre Pharaohs Marine works with when training or course certification is required, follow the course-certificate process, submit to the Cook Islands flag administration where required, and track and deliver the issued electronic certificate when available. The training centre or flag administration remains the issuer.

Start your seafarer certificate request →

Cook Islands Seaman's Discharge Book

Use this route for: Apply for a Cook Islands discharge book or confirm use of an accepted foreign discharge book for service on a Cook Islands vessel.

Requirements for Cook Islands Seaman's Discharge Book
  • MCI Form 60 Seaman's Discharge Book Application.
  • Scanned passport copy.
  • One passport-sized photograph.
  • Fit and Proper Person application form or evidence listed in Form 60.
  • Delivery address and contact information requested by Form 60.
Validity
  • Cook Islands Seaman's Discharge Book: 5 years from issue.
  • A foreign discharge book follows the validity rules of its issuing flag.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Cook Islands Seaman's Discharge Book
Important conditions
  • Every seafarer intending to serve on a Cook Islands vessel must hold a discharge book; MCI accepts qualifying foreign books.
  • The book is a service record, not a passport, CoC, CoP or national identity document.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the complete file, submit it directly to the Cook Islands flag administration where the route does not require training-centre issuance, track the review and deliver the issued document when available. The flag administration or named practitioner remains the issuer.

Start your seafarer certificate request →

Medical fitness certificate

Use this route for: Obtain the medical-fitness evidence required for service on a Cook Islands-flagged vessel.

Requirements for Medical fitness certificate
  • Medical Examination Report/Certificate, using MCI Form 31 where appropriate.
  • Examination by a medical practitioner authorized by the state in which the practitioner operates.
  • STCW/MLC medical-fitness evidence and identity details requested by the practitioner or MCI.
Validity
  • Not published in the reviewed official route.
Processing: Not published by the flag administration for this route.
Issued documents
  • Medical Fitness Certificate issued by the authorized medical practitioner
Important conditions
  • All seafarers serving or intending to serve on Cook Islands-flagged vessels must hold valid medical-fitness evidence.
  • The practitioner is the issuer; Pharaohs Marine and MCI do not issue the medical certificate.
How Pharaohs Marine helps

We review the medical file, check the current MCI form and practitioner route, coordinate the submission to the authorized medical practitioner and track delivery. The practitioner remains the issuer.

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Training-centre list status 6 named centres
Source date, scope and limitations

Undated named list verified: the MCI Approved Training Centres page accessed 2026-09-13 names six approved Maritime Training Institutions and publishes centre-specific course lists. The page publishes no approval resolutions, approval dates or expiry dates, so this is a named-list publication rather than a guarantee of current approval or course availability. The exact course scope above is transcribed/summarized from the reviewed official directory; confirm the centre, course and current status with MCI before enrollment.

Training verification

Approved maritime training centres

CentreCountry / locationApproval / resolutionDisplayed valid untilAuthorized course scopeOfficial source
Poseidon Maritime Academy (PMA) Turkey MCI-listed Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution (MTC); approval instrument not published. Not published in the reviewed official directory. Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; Personal Safety and Social Responsibility); Advanced Fire Fighting; Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Fast Rescue Boats; Medical First Aid; Medical Care; Security Awareness; Designated Security Duties; Ship Security Officer; RADAR Navigation, RADAR Plotting and ARPA; RADAR, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork; ECDIS; Bridge Resource Management; Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tankers; Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Advanced Training for Oil Tankers; Advanced Training for Chemical Tankers; Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Specialised Training for Passenger Vessels (Safety Training; Crowd Management; Crisis Management and Human Behaviour; Passenger Safety and Hull Integrity); Leadership and Teamwork; Marine Environmental Awareness; Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork; Basic Safety Training for Polar Waters; Engine Room Simulator; High Voltage Installation; Engine Room Resource Management; Deck Rating; Engine Rating; Able Seafarer Deck; Able Seafarer Engine; Electrotechnical Rating; Upgrading — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Upgrading — Master and OICNW <500GT; Upgrading — OOW Deck; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Upgrading — OOW Engine; Upgrading — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); Revalidation — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Revalidation — Master and OICNW <500GT; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Revalidation — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); GMDSS Radio Operations. Open official source ↗
SSM United – Ship Management Ltd Croatia MCI-listed Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution (MTC); approval instrument not published. Not published in the reviewed official directory. Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; Personal Safety and Social Responsibility); Advanced Fire Fighting; Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Fast Rescue Boats; Medical First Aid; Medical Care; Security Awareness; Designated Security Duties; Ship Security Officer; RADAR Navigation, RADAR Plotting and ARPA; RADAR, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork; ECDIS; Bridge Resource Management; Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tankers; Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Advanced Training for Oil Tankers; Advanced Training for Chemical Tankers; Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Specialised Training for Passenger Vessels (Safety Training; Crowd Management; Crisis Management and Human Behavior; Passenger Safety and Hull Integrity); Leadership and Teamwork; Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork; Engine Room Simulator; High Voltage Installation; Engine Room Resource Management; Deck Rating; Engine Rating; Able Seafarer Deck; Able Seafarer Engine; GMDSS Radio Operations. Open official source ↗
Maritime Activities Consultants (MAC) Greece MCI-listed Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution (MTC); approval instrument not published. Not published in the reviewed official directory. Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; Personal Safety and Social Responsibility); Advanced Fire Fighting; Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Fast Rescue Boats; Medical First Aid; Medical Care; Security Awareness; Designated Security Duties; Ship Security Officer; RADAR Navigation, RADAR Plotting and ARPA; RADAR, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork; ECDIS; Bridge Resource Management; Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tankers; Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Advanced Training for Oil Tankers; Advanced Training for Chemical Tankers; Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Specialised Training for Passenger Vessels (Safety Training; Crowd Management; Crisis Management and Human Behaviour; Passenger Safety and Hull Integrity); Leadership and Teamwork; Marine Environmental Awareness; Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork; Basic Safety Training for Polar Waters; Engine Room Simulator; High Voltage Installation; Engine Room Resource Management; Deck Rating; Engine Rating; Able Seafarer Deck; Able Seafarer Engine; Electrotechnical Rating; Upgrading — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Upgrading — Master and OICNW <500GT; Upgrading — OOW Deck; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Upgrading — OOW Engine; Upgrading — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); Revalidation — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Revalidation — Master and OICNW <500GT; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Revalidation — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); GMDSS Radio Operations. Open official source ↗
International Maritime Science Academy (IMS) Egypt MCI-listed Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution (MTC); approval instrument not published. Not published in the reviewed official directory. Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; Personal Safety and Social Responsibility); Advanced Fire Fighting; Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Fast Rescue Boats; Medical First Aid; Medical Care; Security Awareness; Designated Security Duties; Ship Security Officer; RADAR Navigation, RADAR Plotting and ARPA; RADAR, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork; ECDIS; Bridge Resource Management; Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tankers; Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Advanced Training for Oil Tankers; Advanced Training for Chemical Tankers; Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Specialised Training for Passenger Vessels (Safety Training; Crowd Management; Crisis Management and Human Behaviour; Passenger Safety and Hull Integrity); Leadership and Teamwork; Marine Environmental Awareness; Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork; Basic Safety Training for Polar Waters; Engine Room Simulator; High Voltage Installation; Engine Room Resource Management; Deck Rating; Engine Rating; Able Seafarer Deck; Able Seafarer Engine; Electrotechnical Rating; Upgrading — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Upgrading — Master and OICNW <500GT; Upgrading — OOW Deck; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Upgrading — OOW Engine; Upgrading — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); Revalidation — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Revalidation — Master and OICNW <500GT; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Revalidation — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); GMDSS Radio Operations. Open official source ↗
Seafarers Training Center Inc. (STC) Panama MCI-listed Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution (MTC); approval instrument not published. Not published in the reviewed official directory. Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; Personal Safety and Social Responsibility); Advanced Fire Fighting; Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Fast Rescue Boats; Medical First Aid; Medical Care; Security Awareness; Designated Security Duties; Ship Security Officer; RADAR Navigation, RADAR Plotting and ARPA; RADAR, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork; ECDIS; Bridge Resource Management; Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tankers; Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Advanced Training for Oil Tankers; Advanced Training for Chemical Tankers; Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Specialised Training for Passenger Vessels (Safety Training; Crowd Management; Crisis Management and Human Behaviour; Passenger Safety and Hull Integrity); Leadership and Teamwork; Marine Environmental Awareness; Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork; Basic Safety Training for Polar Waters; Engine Room Simulator; High Voltage Installation; Engine Room Resource Management; Deck Rating; Engine Rating; Able Seafarer Deck; Able Seafarer Engine; Electrotechnical Rating; Upgrading — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Upgrading — Master and OICNW <500GT; Upgrading — OOW Deck; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Upgrading — OOW Engine; Upgrading — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); Revalidation — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Revalidation — Master and OICNW <500GT; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer <3000KW; Revalidation — Electrotechnical Officer (ETO); GMDSS Radio Operations. Open official source ↗
Yak Maritime Academy India MCI-listed Cook Islands approved Maritime Training Institution (MTC); approval instrument not published. Not published in the reviewed official directory. Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; Personal Safety and Social Responsibility); Advanced Fire Fighting; Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Fast Rescue Boats; Medical First Aid; Medical Care; Security Awareness; Designated Security Duties; Ship Security Officer; RADAR Navigation, RADAR Plotting and ARPA; RADAR, ARPA, Bridge Teamwork; ECDIS; Bridge Resource Management; Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tankers; Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Advanced Training for Oil Tankers; Advanced Training for Chemical Tankers; Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers; Specialised Training for Passenger Vessels (Safety Training; Crowd Management; Crisis Management and Human Behaviour; Passenger Safety and Hull Integrity); Leadership and Teamwork; Marine Environmental Awareness; Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork; Basic Safety Training for Polar Waters; Engine Room Simulator; High Voltage Installation; Engine Room Resource Management; Deck Rating; Engine Rating; Able Seafarer Deck; Able Seafarer Engine; Electrotechnical Rating; Upgrading — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Upgrading — OOW Deck; Upgrading — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; Upgrading — OOW Engine; Revalidation — Master and Chief Mate >500GT; Revalidation — Chief Engineer and Second Engineer >3000KW; GMDSS Radio Operations. Open official source ↗

Primary references

Official sources used for this guide.

Published requirements and authorization scopes can change. We verify the current route again when preparing a live file.

01Cook Islands Ministry of Transport — Maritime authority and MCI delegationMinistry maritime responsibility; open register; MCI management of the register and performance of flag-state duties under agreement. 02Cook Islands Ship Registration Act 2007 — official government PDFQualified person; Registrar; refusal grounds; registration and provisional certificates; provisional 6-month statutory cap; demise-charter requirements and validity. 03Maritime Cook Islands — Vessel Registration RequirementsRisk analysis and vetting; provisional 3-month certificate; owner, charter, permanent-registration, CSR, P&I and inspection documents. 04Maritime Cook Islands — AgentsDirect MCI engagement; approved Deputy Registrar or Agent submission route; MCI-exclusive RTO and STC administration statement. 05Maritime Cook Islands — Ownership StructureCISOA, CIYS, Cook Islands international-company and foreign-company qualified-person pathways. 06Maritime Cook Islands — Declaration for Vessel Registration Form 1ACurrent conditions of registration; charter, deletion, suspension, CSR, PSC, LRIT, class, P&I and English-document requirements. 07Maritime Cook Islands — Merchant ShipsMCI administrator description; open merchant register; electronic systems; international and flag-service context. 08Maritime Cook Islands — YachtsYacht categories; Large Yacht Code and Small Yacht Code; yacht periods; STCW and survey context. 09Maritime Cook Islands — Private YachtsPrivate-use definition; under/over-24-metre routes; self-assessment, pre-inspection, over-500-GT classification and 1/3/5-year periods. 10Maritime Cook Islands — Commercial YachtsCommercial-yacht definition and 12-passenger limit; LY3 or Cook Islands Large Yacht Code; ownership, safe manning and 1/3/5-year route. 11Maritime Cook Islands — Dual RegistrationPrivate/commercial alternation; notice, commercial safety standards, survey and certificate-display requirements. 12Maritime Cook Islands — Ship Registration Act 2007 online textDemise-charter registration and charter-period certificate provisions. 13Maritime Cook Islands — Company Portfolio 2026Registration stages; bareboat charter-in/out; 3-to-6-month provisional period; named technical service allocation; RTO and national-certification context. 14Maritime Cook Islands — Survey and CertificationDelegated survey and certification; MCI ISM/ISPS/MLC and selected statutory functions; named IACS societies; Altec security functions; GISIS referral. 15Maritime Cook Islands — Classification SocietiesCurrent named IACS classification societies and Phoenix Register of Shipping's limited ISM, ISPS and MLC listing. 16Maritime Cook Islands — Recognised Security OrganisationsAltec Services S.r.l. Ship Security Plan approval, ship verification and Ship Security Certificate endorsement scope. 17IMO GISIS Public Area — Recognized Organizations moduleOfficial verification pathway for Member State-submitted recognized-organization information; MCI's linked scope-checking source. 18Maritime Cook Islands — Seafarer Training & CertificationSTCW implementation; officer, engineer and radio-operator scope; flag endorsement before embarkation; STCW and Non-STCW forms. 19Maritime Cook Islands — Certificate of EndorsementOfficer/radio endorsement; tanker/passenger specialized endorsement; LOA 24-hour statement; 3-month LOA; final endorsement within 3 months; duration of underlying qualification; online forms and verification. 20Maritime Cook Islands — Seafarers FAQSTCW White List acceptance statement; nationality; MSMC; LOA process; training; foreign discharge books; 5-year Cook Islands book; medical and dispensation rules. 21Maritime Cook Islands — Approved Training CentresNational CoC/CoP route and current named approved maritime training institutions and course scope. 22Maritime Cook Islands — Seafarer Discharge BookMandatory discharge book; minimum contents; foreign-book recognition; official email submission route. 23MCI Form 60 — Seaman's Discharge Book ApplicationCurrent Form 60 supporting documents and confirmation that the book is not a national identity document. 24Maritime Cook Islands — Medical Fitness CertificatesMedical fitness requirement; Form 31; recognized practitioner and state-authorization rules. 25Maritime Cook Islands — Fit & Proper PersonFit-and-proper requirement for CoC, CoP, recognition endorsement and Seaman's Discharge Book. 26Maritime Cook Islands — Electronic Certificate VerificationMCI electronic certificates, QR-code verification and official verification portal warning. 27Maritime Cook Islands — Electronic Certificate Circular 248/2021Electronic certificate issuance and QR codes; online endorsement submission; STCW White List document rule. 28Maritime Cook Islands — Vessel Verification PortalExact-match vessel status verification and registry-transcript request route. 29Cook Islands Maritime STCW Rules 2014 No. 1Legal distinction between flag-state seafarer-certification Administration and port/coastal-state functions; STCW incorporation. 30IMO — STCW ConventionSTCW minimum standards, chapters and White List concept. 31IMO — Certificate VerificationSTCW register and authenticity/validity verification obligation.

Document coordination

Discuss your vessel or seafarer-document request.

Pharaohs Marine can review the intended route, identify the working document pack and coordinate submission. The competent Administration or authorized organization retains approval and issuance decisions.

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