Many missed contracts are not about skills. They are about an expired medical certificate, a passport that runs out too soon or a course that lapsed.
Build a tracking list
Create a simple table with these columns:
- Document (passport, seaman's book, medical, STCW certificates, visas, endorsements)
- Issue date
- Expiry date
- Renewal lead time (how long it usually takes)
- Reminder date
Rules of thumb
- Start renewals early. Book courses and medical exams months before expiry, not weeks.
- Check flag-State requirements. Endorsements and recognition can differ by flag.
- Keep scans and originals. Store digital copies in a safe place and carry originals as required.
- Verify passport validity against visa and port requirements, since many places require several months of remaining validity.
- Update your CV every time a document is renewed.
On Faroys, keep your CV up to date so companies see your current qualifications. Genuine employers will never ask you to pay a fee to place you on a ship.