How to Add Appraisal Reports to Your Seafarer CV – Step-by-Step Guide
A professional seafarer CV is more than a list of vessels, positions and certificates. Your previous performance at sea can also play an important role when applying for a new maritime job.
Appraisal Reports, also known as seafarer performance evaluations or crew appraisal reports, help document your professional performance during previous contracts.
These reports may include assessments of your technical skills, safety awareness, teamwork, leadership, discipline and overall performance on board.
For maritime employers and crewing agencies, a genuine appraisal report can provide additional information about a candidate's previous experience and professional conduct.
With CREW ARIA CV Editor, you can upload appraisal reports directly to the relevant sea service records, keeping supporting documents organized alongside your work experience.
In this guide, we explain what maritime appraisal reports are, why they matter and how to upload them using the Work Experience section of CREW ARIA CV Editor.
What Is an Appraisal Report in the Maritime Industry?
An Appraisal Report is a document used to evaluate a seafarer's professional performance during a particular contract or period of service.
Depending on the shipping company and vessel, the evaluation may be prepared by a Master, Chief Engineer, department head or another authorized supervisor.
The report may assess:
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Professional knowledge and technical competence.
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Safety awareness and compliance with procedures.
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Teamwork and communication.
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Leadership and management skills.
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Reliability and discipline.
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Ability to perform assigned duties.
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Overall performance during the contract.
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Recommendations for future employment or promotion.
Appraisal formats vary between shipping companies.
Some companies use detailed evaluation forms with performance ratings, while others provide written assessments or letters of recommendation.
Both may be useful supporting documents when preparing a maritime job application.
Why Should You Add Appraisal Reports to Your Seafarer CV?
Crewing agencies regularly evaluate candidates with similar certificates, ranks and vessel experience.
A professional CV helps recruiters understand your qualifications, while a genuine appraisal report can provide additional evidence of how you performed during previous contracts.
Demonstrate Your Professional Performance
An appraisal report can provide documented feedback from your previous vessel or employer.
This may be particularly useful when applying for positions that require substantial experience or responsibility.
Support Career Progression
If you are applying for promotion, previous evaluations may help demonstrate your readiness for additional responsibilities.
For example, a Second Officer applying for a Chief Officer position may benefit from a positive evaluation covering navigation, safety and leadership.
Provide Additional Information to Employers
A report may help a prospective employer understand your previous responsibilities and performance.
However, an appraisal is not a guarantee of employment, and recruiters may still request independent references or verify your experience.
Keep Your Career Records Organized
Instead of searching through old emails and folders, you can attach relevant appraisal files to the corresponding sea service records in CREW ARIA CV Editor.
This helps you maintain a more complete professional history.
Step 1: Open CREW ARIA CV Editor
Visit CREW ARIA CV Editor and sign in to your account.
Open your existing seafarer CV.
If you have not created a CV yet, follow our introductory tutorial:
How to Create a Seafarer CV Online – Complete Guide
Before uploading appraisal reports, make sure you have entered the relevant sea service experience.
Step 2: Open the Work Experience Section
Find the Work Experience section in your CV Editor.
This section contains information about your previous vessels and contracts.
Each contract can include important details such as:
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Vessel name.
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Position.
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Vessel type.
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Flag.
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DWT.
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Year of construction.
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Contract dates.
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Ship Owner.
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Crewing agency.
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Main Engine Power (ME Power, kW).
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Main Engine Type (ME Type).
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IMO number.
The Work Experience section also includes a dedicated upload field for appraisal reports.
If you need help entering your contract details, read:
How to Add Sea Service Experience to Your Seafarer CV – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 3: Select the Correct Sea Service Contract
Find the contract associated with your appraisal report.
For example, if you received an evaluation after working as a Second Engineer on a bulk carrier, attach the document to that specific contract.
Make sure the information in your CV corresponds to the report.
Check the vessel name, rank and service period.
This helps you avoid attaching a performance evaluation to the wrong employment record.
If you need to create another contract entry, use the Add contract button in Work Experience.
Step 4: Find the Appraisal Photos / PDF Field
Within the contract form, scroll down to the field labeled:
Appraisal Photos / PDF
In the CREW ARIA CV Editor interface, this field appears below the vessel's technical information, including ME Power, kW, ME Type and IMO.
The upload area contains a file selection control and a section displaying the upload status.
Before adding a document, the interface shows:
No files uploaded
This indicates that no appraisal file is currently attached in that area.
Step 5: Prepare Your Appraisal Report
Before uploading, check that the document is complete and readable.
CREW ARIA CV Editor provides an appraisal upload field for photos and PDF files.
You may prepare:
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A PDF copy of a crew appraisal report.
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A clear photograph of a signed appraisal form.
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A scanned performance evaluation.
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A relevant letter of recommendation, where appropriate.
Use an original, genuine document.
If your appraisal contains several pages, make sure the full report is included.
Avoid cropped photographs, blurred text or incomplete scans.
Recommended File Naming
Use a clear filename that identifies the document.
For example:
Appraisal_Chief_Officer_MV_Ocean_Star_2026.pdf
Or:
Appraisal_Second_Engineer_2025.pdf
These are illustrative filenames.
A descriptive name can help you identify the correct file when managing your career documents.
Step 6: Upload Your Appraisal Report
In the Appraisal Photos / PDF section:
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Click or tap the file selection control.
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Choose the appraisal report from your device.
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Select the appropriate photo or PDF file.
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Follow any upload prompts displayed by the editor.
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Check the file area for the resulting upload status.
Depending on your device, the file picker may look different.
For example, on a smartphone you may be able to select a file from your device's file storage or photo library.
Do not assume the upload has succeeded simply because you selected a file. Check the interface and save your work experience.
Step 7: Save Your Work Experience
After adding the appraisal file, scroll to the bottom of the Work Experience section.
You will see two important buttons:
Add contract
Use this to create another sea service entry.
Save all work experience
Use this button to save the information entered in the Work Experience section.
After uploading your appraisal report, click Save all work experience.
Wait for the editor to complete the save operation and check that your information has been retained.
This is especially important if you have edited several contracts or added multiple supporting documents.
Step 8: Check Your Uploaded Appraisal
Once your work experience has been saved, review the relevant contract.
Check that:
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The appraisal is associated with the correct vessel.
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The contract details are accurate.
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The selected document is the intended report.
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The file is readable.
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No incorrect or duplicate files have been attached.
If you need to replace a document, review the available file controls carefully.
The contract form also contains a red Delete button. Be careful: this control belongs to the contract entry and should not be assumed to delete only an attached appraisal file.
Always check the available action before removing information.
Step 9: Add Appraisal Reports From Other Contracts
If you have appraisal reports from several previous vessels, you can organize them under the relevant Work Experience entries.
For example:
Contract 1
Position: Chief Officer
Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Supporting Document: Chief Officer Appraisal Report
Contract 2
Position: Second Officer
Vessel Type: Oil Tanker
Supporting Document: Second Officer Appraisal Report
Contract 3
Position: Second Officer DPO
Vessel Type: Platform Supply Vessel
Supporting Document: DP-related Performance Evaluation
These are illustrative examples.
Each appraisal should correspond to the actual vessel and employment period.
Do not attach the same evaluation to unrelated contracts.
What Should a Good Seafarer Appraisal Report Include?
The exact format depends on the shipping company, but a useful maritime performance evaluation may include several key elements.
Seafarer Information
The report should clearly identify the crew member being evaluated.
This may include the seafarer's name, rank and department.
Vessel and Contract Details
A report may identify the vessel, company and relevant period of employment.
This helps connect the evaluation to the correct sea service record.
Professional Performance
Depending on the position, the report may evaluate navigation, engineering, cargo operations, maintenance, safety procedures or other duties.
Teamwork and Communication
The ability to work effectively with an international crew is important in maritime employment.
Leadership and Responsibility
For senior officers and management-level positions, leadership and decision-making may be important evaluation criteria.
Overall Assessment
The report may contain a final rating, written comments or recommendations.
Authorized Signature
A report signed or issued by an authorized representative may be easier for an employer to verify.
However, an appraisal's credibility depends on its authenticity, not simply on the presence of a signature or stamp.
Appraisal Reports vs. Sea Service Testimonials
These documents are related but serve different purposes.
Appraisal Report
Primarily evaluates the seafarer's performance, competence, conduct and suitability for future responsibilities.
Sea Service Testimonial
Typically confirms factual employment information such as vessel details, rank and dates of service.
Letter of Recommendation
May provide a professional reference from a previous supervisor or employer.
A single document may contain elements of more than one category.
When preparing your CV, use each document for its intended purpose.
An appraisal report should not automatically be treated as an official sea service certificate.
Are Appraisal Reports Important for Offshore Jobs?
Appraisal reports may be particularly useful for certain offshore positions where employers evaluate previous operational experience, safety performance and technical competence.
Examples include:
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Chief Officer SDPO.
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Second Officer DPO.
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Master.
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Chief Engineer.
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Second Engineer.
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ETO.
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Crane Operator.
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Offshore Deck Crew.
For Dynamic Positioning positions, an appraisal may provide additional context about professional performance.
However, it does not replace an applicable DP Certificate, DP logbook, verified DP sea time or other required qualifications.
The same principle applies to specialized offshore safety training.
Supporting performance evaluations complement your professional certificates; they do not substitute for them.
Can You Upload Captain's Recommendations?
If you have a genuine written recommendation from a previous Master or authorized supervisor, it may be useful as a supporting document.
The Appraisal Photos / PDF field is intended for appraisal-related files, so a relevant recommendation may be appropriate if it is accepted by the editor and suitable for the contract.
Keep recommendations professional and accurate.
Do not edit the contents of a signed reference or present an informal personal message as an official company appraisal.
If a crewing agency requests a specific reference format, follow that requirement.
Protect Your Personal Information
Appraisal reports may contain sensitive information about you, your supervisors or your previous employer.
Before uploading or sharing an appraisal:
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Make sure you are permitted to retain and use the document.
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Avoid distributing confidential company information.
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Review any personal contact details included in the report.
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Share supporting documents only with legitimate recipients.
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Check whether your prospective employer actually needs the full document.
Creating a CV in CREW ARIA CV Editor does not automatically make it publicly accessible to employers.
You decide when to share your CV and supporting materials.
Also remember that uploading a document into the editor does not necessarily mean that the file will be embedded in the downloaded PDF. Review the generated CV and any attachments separately before sending an application.
Common Mistakes When Uploading Appraisal Reports
1. Attaching the Report to the Wrong Contract
Always match the appraisal to the correct vessel and employment period.
2. Uploading an Unreadable File
Use clear photographs or PDF scans.
3. Forgetting to Save Work Experience
After uploading or changing information, use Save all work experience.
4. Uploading Incomplete Reports
Check that all relevant pages are included.
5. Using Altered or Misleading Evaluations
Never modify ratings, signatures or comments to create a false impression.
6. Confusing an Appraisal With a Certificate
A performance evaluation is not a substitute for STCW training, a CoC or other mandatory qualifications.
7. Sharing Confidential Information Unnecessarily
Review documents before sharing them with third parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an appraisal report for seafarers?
An appraisal report is a professional performance evaluation that may be prepared by a Master, Chief Engineer or another authorized supervisor during or after a sea service contract.
Can I upload appraisal reports to CREW ARIA CV Editor?
Yes. The Work Experience section includes a dedicated Appraisal Photos / PDF upload field.
What file formats can I use?
The field is designed for appraisal photos and PDF documents. Check the editor's file picker for any additional format or size restrictions.
Can I add appraisal reports from multiple vessels?
Yes. You can organize appraisal documents under the relevant sea service contract entries.
Where is the appraisal upload option located?
Open Work Experience, find the relevant contract and scroll to Appraisal Photos / PDF.
Do I need to upload an appraisal for every contract?
No. You can add reports when you have suitable documents. The absence of an appraisal does not necessarily mean that your sea service record is incomplete.
Can I upload a recommendation letter instead?
A relevant professional recommendation may be suitable as a supporting document, depending on the document and the editor's accepted files.
Will employers automatically see my appraisal reports?
No. Uploading a report to your CV Editor does not automatically publish it to a public employer database. Review what is included when you choose to share your CV or supporting files.
Will my appraisal report be included in the downloaded PDF?
Do not assume that an uploaded appraisal is automatically embedded in the CV PDF. Check the generated document and provide supporting files separately when requested.
Can an appraisal report replace a Certificate of Competency?
No. Appraisal reports provide information about performance but do not replace mandatory maritime qualifications or certificates.
Strengthen Your Seafarer CV With CREW ARIA
A professional maritime CV should present your sea service experience, qualifications and supporting information clearly.
Appraisal reports can add valuable context by documenting your previous performance and professional development.
With CREW ARIA CV Editor, you can attach appraisal photos or PDF files to relevant sea service records, organize your work experience and prepare an updated maritime CV.
Whether you work in the Merchant Fleet, Offshore, Tankers, Passenger Shipping or Yachting, keeping your professional records organized can make your next job application easier to prepare.
Create or Update Your Seafarer CV With CREW ARIA
More CREW ARIA CV Editor Guides
Continue improving your maritime CV with our step-by-step tutorials:
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How to Import Your Seafarer CV Using AI – Step-by-Step Guide
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How to Add Maritime Certificates and Documents to Your Seafarer CV
CREW ARIA – Your Maritime Career Starts Here.
