The Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping (TZIRS) is the international ship registry operating under the authority of the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) TZIRS is responsible for the registration and oversight of ocean-going vessels flying the Tanzanian flag, delivering registry services within a clear statutory, regulatory, and governance framework
+255 670 375 336
seafarers@tzirs.tz
Defined requirements. Authenticated credentials. Consistent decisions.
The Tanzania Zanzibar International Register of Shipping (TZIRS) issues STCW endorsements in accordance with applicable maritime legislation, registry regulations, and relevant international standards, including the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention, where applicable.
An STCW endorsement confirms the recognition of a valid national Certificate of Competency or Certificate of Proficiency for service aboard Zanzibar-flagged vessels.
To preserve the credibility of the Zanzibar flag and ensure international acceptance of issued endorsements, all applications must be complete, accurate, and fully verifiable.
All STCW endorsement applications must be supported by the documentation listed below.
Incomplete or non-compliant submissions will not be processed.
• Completed seafarer application form
• Valid medical fitness certificate
• Valid drug and alcohol test results
Medical and testing documentation must not be older than one (1) year from the date of submission.
2) Identification Photograph• One (1) recent colour passport-style digital photograph
The photograph must be clear, compliant with identification standards, and suitable for official documentation.
3) Certificates of Competency & Endorsements• Clear copies of national Certificates of Competency or Proficiency
• Copies of any existing STCW certificates or endorsements
All submitted certificates must be valid and unexpired at the time of application.
4) Issuing Authority Verification (Mandatory)• Official verification issued by the administration or competent authority that issued the original certificate(s)
The verification must confirm document authenticity and include:
• Seafarer’s full legal name
• Certificate number(s)
• Date of issuance
• Expiry date
Applications cannot proceed without satisfactory verification from the issuing authority.
5) Required STCW Short Course CertificatesCopies of valid training certificates relevant to the applicant’s rank and function, which may include:
• Basic Fire Fighting
• Advanced Fire Fighting (for senior officers where applicable)
• Elementary First Aid / Medical Care
• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
• Survival Techniques / Survival at Sea
• Security Awareness or Designated Security Duties
Additional training documentation may be required depending on vessel type or operational profile.
6) Cover LetterA formal cover letter must accompany the application, specifying:
• Name of the vessel
• Name(s) of the seafarer(s)
• Submitting company or representative
• Delivery instructions for issued documentation
• Letter from the vessel owner, operator, or employer confirming the application
Where submission is made through an authorised agent or representative, this must be clearly stated.
Applications may be submitted by:
• Seafarers applying directly
• Vessel owners or operators
• Crewing or recruitment agencies
• Authorised registry representatives
TZIRS conducts identity verification, certificate authentication, and regulatory compliance review. Additional documentation or clarification may be requested where necessary.
• All applications are subject to strict verification and integrity controls
• Altered, inconsistent, or unverifiable documents will result in refusal
• Legible, accurate, and complete submissions significantly reduce processing delays
Applicable fees are published in the TZIRS Fee Schedule.
Processing timelines commence upon receipt of a complete and compliant application package.

