Green light for exams to become a second-class recreational officer. The last knot related to First Aid has fallen.
Recreational officer 2nd class
The title of second-class recreational officer is one of the big new features of 2024. Basically it is used to be able to work as a skipper in good standing without contrivance and in the light of day in compliance with the law. Officially introduced last year, until now a small but crucial bureaucratic hurdle had stuck: First Aid. Until now, it was only possible for seafarer members to take First Aid training courses. Now, however, the Ministry of Health after months of waiting has given the green light even to those who are not enrolled.
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What this title is for
Brief review. What is the purpose of the “Officer of Navigation of the Recreational Craft Second Class” qualification? This qualification allows skippers not registered as “maritime” workers to command Italian-flagged charter vessels, not exceeding 200 GT, while sailing in the Mediterranean (or inland waters).
The problem was purely bureaucratic, as is unfortunately often the case in boating. In fact, among the requirements to participate in the exam, which must be organized by the Port Authorities, is to have to pass a series of training courses: basic firefighting, survival and rescue, personal safety and social responsibility (Pssr), and medical first aid (First Aid).
However, in order to participate in these courses, which were already mandatory and qualifying for seafarers, registration among “freshmen seafarers” was required. To overcome the obstacle, the Ministry of Transport shortly after last May’s decree that had established programs and examination methods for the new qualification, had therefore authorized the participation of non-seafarers in the courses under its jurisdiction.
The initial problems
The same did not happen with the “First Aid” first aid course, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. Which to non-seafarers has remained inaccessible for months, effectively freezing exams and title. And this in spite of appeals, protests and solicitations from industry associations and bodies, government officials and the specialized press, including our newspaper. Now the green light has finally come from this department as well, so the relevant certificate can be accessed and consequently the exams can start. But will this be arranged in time to issue the long-awaited professional skipper certificates by next summer season?
The situation now
The law stipulates that the examinations for the second class officer’s certificate of Navigation of the Diporto be organized by the Harbour Master’s Offices “at least semiannually.” Some, such as those in Rome, Trieste and Rimini have already taken action, publishing the relevant notice with exams scheduled in March; others (Civitavecchia) are organizing. But in most of the others at the link on the “exam calendar” page there is still nothing. Those interested are then advised to keep an eye on the website of the harbormaster’s of choice (but the exam can be taken in any maritime district) or, even better, contact the office directly to solicit the notice. Having overcome the bureaucratic hurdles now all that is needed is organization and good will.
Fabrizio Coccia
