Legal frame
Governing: D.Lgs. 71/2015 art. 12; D.M. 121/2005 art. 4-bis; Cod. nav. arts 119 and 318 (art. 119 rewritten by L. 70/2026 art. 21); L. 172/2003 art. 3(4); STCW I/9. Builds on: L1.2, L3.1.
Medical fitness
- STCW seafarers. Anyone holding an STCW CoC or training certificate and working on board needs a medical certificate drawn up under STCW Section A-I/9 (D.Lgs. 71/2015 art. 12(1)). In Italy it is issued by the Ministry of Health. Appeals go to a permanent medical commission at the Capitaneria that is seat of the maritime compartment (art. 12(3)). Under STCW the certificate is valid for at most two years.
- Expiry at sea. If it runs out during a voyage it stays valid until the next port where an authorised doctor is available, for no more than 3 months (art. 12(5)).
- UND 2ª classe. Candidates not enrolled as seafarers are assessed to the patente B standard, by the doctors listed in D.M. 146 art. 36 (D.M. 121 art. 4-bis(2)(f)).
- Foreign medicals. A foreign STCW medical is normally accepted alongside a recognised CoC. Check with the company which certificates the flag office expects.
The matricole after 2026
Italian professional yacht crew are enrolled in the matricole della gente di mare and carry a libretto di navigazione (L1.2). L. 70/2026 rewrote Cod. nav. art. 119. Enrolment is now open to nationals of Italy, the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, and to nationals of other states if they are resident in Italy, from age 16, provided they meet the requirements for each category. Losing the citizenship or residence requirement is a ground for removal.
Crew nationality
| Regime | Rule |
|---|---|
| National ships (Cod. nav. art. 318) | Crew entirely Italian or EU, with derogations allowed by national collective agreements |
| Charter units (L. 172/2003 art. 2(6)) | Non-EU crew work under the law the parties choose, subject to immigration law and ILO conventions |
| RI charter ships (L. 172/2003 art. 3(4)) | "Di norma" master plus 2 Italian/EU crew; the master may add crew of other nationalities |
These rules pull in different directions and no circular reconciling them for yachts was found. A non-EU crew member should get the employer's written confirmation of the legal basis for his berth, and of his immigration status, before joining.
Social security, in outline only
Italian-flag employment may bring you into the Italian seafarer social-security system, but the regime depends on the flag, the contract, the employer's establishment and your residence. This guide does not cover contribution rates or income tax, which turn on individual facts. Ask the employer for the registration details and take independent advice before signing.
WARNING — Do not assume your old cover follows you Moving from a Red Ensign yacht to an Italian-flag one can change your social-security position. Get it in writing.
For medical and CoC upkeep generally, see Keeping Your CoC Valid.