The Shipping Deputy Ministry is responsible for the implementation of the “Subsidy Scheme for on-board training of new entrants to the profession of Merchant Marine Officer”.
Prior to the submission of an application to participate in the Subsidy Scheme, applicants are advised to read thoroughly the Subsidy Scheme Guide and any other clarifications or/and announcements on the Shipping Deputy Ministry’s website.
The application must be submitted by the physical person that has completed the practical training on board ships.
A. Applicants must be:
(a) Cypriot citizens studying at a Merchant Marine Academy or any other academy to obtain a certificate of competency as officers in charge of a navigational watch or officers in charge of an engineering watch or electro-technical officers that allows the holder to work on a Cypriot-flagged ship as an officer (Circular 19/2022).
It is understood that the schools attended by the applicants are recognized by the competent authority of the country, in order to ensure the acquisition of a certificate of competency as officers in charge of a navigational watch or officers in charge of an engineering watch or electro-technical officersˑ
or
(b) citizens of another European Union member state studying at the following Merchant Marine Academies of the Republic of Cyprus that are recognized by the Shipping Deputy Ministry:
(i) Cyprus Maritime Academy
(ii) Cyprus Marine Technology Academy of Frederick University
(iii) Mediterranean Maritime Academy
B. Applicants must not receive or have received any other subsidy from any program of the ship’s flag state or another state, for the particular practical training.
C. The ship, which the cadet is embarked on, should:
(i) be at least 1500 gross tonnage
(ii) have propulsion power 750 kW or more,
(iii) perform international voyages,
(iv) be managed by a company located in an EU Member State and/or
fly the Cyprus flag.
D. The type of education of the applicant must be consistent with the field of study.
The subsidy is paid for up to six (6) months of training per cadet per year, with the total subsidy period not exceeding twelve (12) months within the duration of the Plan (2024 – 2027). The Subsidy Application may be submitted no later than 31/10/2027.
Regardless of the provisions of this paragraph, the total subsidy period for CYMARTA (Frederick) students is nine (9) months within the duration of the Plan (2024 – 2027). A Subsidy Application may be submitted no later than 31/10/2027.
The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
• Copy of Cyprus ID (Cypriot citizens) or copy of passport (for EU citizens)
• Certificate of attendance (Form EN05F37 )
• Employer Certificate signed by the captain bearing the ship's seal where the trainee completed the training (Employer Certificate - EN05F34/03). Alternatively, Employer Certificate signed by an official of the company operating the vessel on which the training took place, bearing the employer's seal.
• Original FIMAS Form indicating all the details of the bank account of the applicant.