Which two certificates have five-year validity?

• A. IOPP and ISSC
• B. IOPP and Medical certificate
• C. ISSC and Medical certificate
• D. Medical certificate and STCW

Answer: (A)

Certificates issued for international shipping have set validity periods, and knowing these timeframes helps you quickly determine which ones last five years. The International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, required under MARPOL for ships to verify their oil pollution prevention measures, is valid for five years and is accompanied by annual verifications and an intermediate survey to ensure ongoing compliance. The International Ship Security Certificate, issued under the ISPS Code to confirm ship security arrangements, also has a five-year validity, with annual verifications to confirm that security measures remain in place. The medical certificate, which confirms the seafarer’s fitness to work, is typically valid for about two years, depending on age and health status, so it does not match a five-year period. STCW-related certificates and endorsements have their own renewal and revalidation requirements tied to training and competency, and are not universally described as a five-year certificate in standard practice. Therefore, the two certificates with five-year validity are the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate and the International Ship Security Certificate.