Professional training concerning ships using gases (IGF code)

Since January 1, 2017, a new international code of mandatory rules for ships using gas or other low flashpoint fuels (known as the IGF Code) has come into force.

France implemented it by publishing the order of July 19, 2017, on the issuance of certificates required for service on board ships subject to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

This order sets out the framework for:

  • the basic training certificate for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code;
  • the advanced training certificate for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code.

Basic Training Certificate for Service on Board Ships Subject to the IGF Code

Who must hold this certificate?

Seafarers responsible for the operation and navigation of the ship who are assigned specific safety-related duties associated with the precautions to be taken with regard to fuels on board ships subject to the IGF Code, the use of such fuels, and emergency response involving such fuels on board ships subject to the IGF Code.
This means that all seafarers who are assigned a role on board related to the safety, use, and emergency response of fuels are required to undergo basic IGF training.
The criterion triggering the training requirement is therefore not the fact of being in the engine department or being part of the minimum safe manning, but rather a question of the specific tasks assigned to the seafarers concerned.

Who can be issued with this certificate?

All candidates for a basic training certificate for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code must:

Using the IGC training certificate to obtain the IGF training certificate

Any seafarer who meets the medical fitness standards required for navigation and holds a valid certificate of basic or advanced training in cargo operations on liquefied gas tankers issued under the conditions provided for in the decree of November 28, 2012 shall be issued a basic training certificate for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code.

Advanced training certificate for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code

Who must hold this certificate?

Shipmasters, chief mates, engineer officers, electrical officers, and all personnel directly responsible for the precautions to be taken with regard to fuels and fuel systems on board ships subject to the IGF Code and the use of such fuels and fuel systems.

Who can be issued with this certificate?

All candidates for an advanced training certificate for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code must:

  • meet the medical fitness standards required for navigation under the conditions set out in the aforementioned Decree No. 2015-1575 of December 3, 2015;
  • hold a valid certificate of basic training for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code;
  • provide proof of successful completion of advanced training for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code, the program for which is set out in Annex II to this order;
  • have completed at least one month of sea service on board ships subject to the IGF Code; and
  • have participated in at least three bunkering operations during the required sea service. Two of the three bunkering operations may be replaced by simulator training in bunkering operations. In the latter case, the training certificate shall specify the number of simulator bunkering operations in which the candidate has participated.

Use the IGC training certificate to obtain the IGF training certificate

Any seafarer who meets the medical fitness standards required for navigation and holds a valid advanced training certificate in cargo operations on liquefied gas tankers issued under the conditions set out in the decree of November 28, 2012 shall be issued with an advanced training certificate for service on board ships subject to the IGF Code, provided that:

  • they hold the IGC basic training certificate;
  • they have successfully completed the additional training program defined in Appendix III of the decree of July 19, 2017, relating to the issuance of certificates required for service on board ships subject to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code);
  • have completed three months of sea service in the previous five years aboard ships subject to the IGF Code, tankers carrying cargoes covered by the IGF Code, or ships using gases or low flashpoint fuels as fuel; and
  • have participated in at least 3 bunkering operations on board ships subject to the IGF Code or 3 cargo-related operations on board a liquefied gas tanker during the sea service required in paragraph 3 of this article. Two of the three bunkering operations aboard ships subject to the IGF Code may be replaced by simulator training in bunkering operations.

Taking into account time spent on board the ship during shipyard work/sea trials for IGF training

In accordance with the decree of September 4, 2025 amending the decree of July 19, 2017, until July 1, 2027, the following are fully taken into account as days eligible for validation of sea service and bunkering for the purpose of obtaining the IGF advanced training certificate:

  • sea trial days on ships subject to the IGF code,
  • days in pre-fitting and fitting-out,
  • days spent in construction or repair yards prior to delivery of the ship,
  • as well as bunkering carried out during these periods, and upon justification by the shipowner.

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