Four certificates are the most basic certificates for working on a ship and are necessary for everyone. After passing the training of four certificates, you should know the relevant skills of ship rescue, fire fighting, first aid and raft operation. However, only four certificates can't be employed on the ship, and (the personnel of the Ministry of Affairs can, such as cooks and waiters) must also have certificates of competency for corresponding positions, such as mechanic's certificate, sailor's certificate, driver's certificate and engineer's certificate. Four certificates for seafarers, specifically: familiarity and basic safety training certificate, survival craft and rescue boat training proficiency certificate, advanced fire protection training certificate, first aid training proficiency certificate, advanced medical training certificate, ship security officer training certificate, safety awareness training certificate, crew training certificate with safety responsibility, etc.

The captains, officers, sailors on duty and mechanics on duty working on seagoing ships registered in China shall hold valid competency certificates consistent with the navigation area, ship type, grade or main engine type they serve and the positions they hold. However, under the circumstances as stipulated in Article 66 of these Rules, a certificate of competency as stipulated in Chapter 8 of these Rules shall be held.

Captain, pilot and radio personnel working on ships, offshore mobile devices, offshore platforms or facilities equipped with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (hereinafter referred to as GMDSS) shall also hold GMDSS radio personnel competency certificates.

Legal Basis: Rules for Examination, Assessment and Certification of Seagoing Crew in People's Republic of China (PRC) Article 1 These Rules are formulated in accordance with the Maritime Traffic Safety Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) and relevant international conventions to which China is a party in order to improve the technical quality of seamen, ensure the safety of life and property at sea, protect the marine environment and promote the development of the maritime industry.