Orientation
Governing: MI-118 §2.3–2.5. Builds on: L1.3. See also Keeping Your CoC Valid for the national side.
Two clocks
Every endorsed officer lives with two expiry dates:
- the national CoC, revalidated under your own administration's rules; and
- the RMI CoE, issued for the unexpired term of that national CoC and never for longer than five years (§2.3.1).
When the national certificate is revalidated, the CoE does not update itself. You renew it on a fresh MI-105.
The renewal window
MI-118 §2.4.3.1 lets any certificate be renewed within 12 months before or 12 months after its expiry. In practice, file as soon as the revalidated national certificate is in your hand; there is no benefit in waiting.
The renewal package
With the MI-105 you send (§2.4.3.2):
- the expired certificate or a certified copy (MI-280 asks for a copy of the previous RMI CoC or CoE);
- one passport-size photograph;
- a medical on MI-105M or equivalent within 24 months;
- the fee (US$275 in MN 1-005-2);
- evidence of professional competence.
You must also still meet the §2.11 training requirements: firefighting, PSCRB, first aid, radar, ARPA, BRM, leadership, ECDIS and HV as relevant (§2.4.5).
Evidence of professional competence
| Option | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Sea service | At least one year in the grade held, in the preceding five years |
| Shore employment | At least five years' employment closely related to vessel operations, judged equivalent |
| Supernumerary service | At least three months immediately before taking up the position |
| Examination | Passing an examination |
Most yacht officers use the first option. Keep your discharge records and testimonials in one place; MI-280 does not want your whole career, only enough to show the year.
TIP — Sea service on RMI yachts For service on RMI yachts, the RMI wants a copy of your SIRB or a certificate of service (§3.2.1). If your captain forgets to sign up the SIRB, your renewal evidence has a hole in it.
Lost, suspended and surrendered
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Lost, stolen or destroyed | Affidavit MI-116 sworn before a Deputy Commissioner, Special Agent (includes the Master of an RMI vessel), filing agent, notary or commissioner for oaths; replacement valid for unexpired term; US$275 |
| Lost in the post | Replaced free, sent by courier; filing agent may pay courier |
| Suspended or revoked | Surrender as directed; not reinstated; new application needed after restoration |
| On joining | Provide the certificate or temporary permit to the Master as soon as practicable (§2.6) |
All RMI certificates remain the property of the Administrator and must be with the seafarer, the Administrator, or in transit to the seafarer (§2.3.2).
Ratings and the SIRB
Ratings do not revalidate watchkeeping SQCs; they are renewed when the SIRB is renewed. All SQCs expire with the SIRB. Renewal of the SIRB should be requested three months to a year before it expires (Lesson 3.2).
CAUTION — Upgrade versus renewal Moving from Mate to Master on a new national CoC is not a renewal. It is a new endorsement application at the new grade, and the one-year shortcut in §2.11.18 applies from the new certificate's issue date.