Preparing Your Photo for a Côte d’Ivoire Maritime Certificate
You need printed photos for your maritime certificate application in Côte d’Ivoire. Read this guide to prepare your pictures correctly.
Official Size and Requirements
The Direction des Transports Maritimes, Fluvio-Lagunaires et de la Plaisance handles your maritime certificate application[1]. You need to submit physical paper copies for this paperwork because digital uploads are not the primary method for this office.
The authority does not specify the photo dimensions[1]. A 35 by 45 millimetre crop (1.38 by 1.77 inches) is a common identity-photo size for cropping convenience.
Because the official rules do not name an exact required size, you should always confirm the correct dimensions with the issuing office before you print your pictures. You must supply two photos per requested certificate or brevet[1]. Making sure you have the exact count prevents processing delays when you hand in your file.
Head Height and Background Details
The official rules do not set a specific head height requirement for your picture. You have flexibility regarding how much space your head takes up in the frame, but keeping your head centered and straight is always a good practice.
Two photos are required per requested certificate or brevet, but no background wording or exact background colors are stated in the official rules[1].
Choose a plain, neutral background to keep the focus clearly on your face. Avoid busy patterns, textured walls, or harsh shadows behind you that might distract the reviewer when they inspect your application file.
Facial Expression and Personal Items
The official guidelines do not list specific rules for your facial expression, mouth position, or glasses. Even though the rules do not explicitly mention them, it is always wise to keep your facial features clearly visible and natural.
Take off your glasses if you wear them, to avoid any glare, reflections, or thick frames hiding your eyes. Keep your head uncovered unless you wear a covering for religious or medical reasons.
Make sure your full face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head remains completely visible and well-lit.
Taking Your Photo at Home
Find a bright spot in your home with good lighting, such as facing a window during daylight hours. Good natural light helps your camera capture clear details without creating harsh shadows on your face.
Ask someone else to take the picture for you instead of holding the camera out for a selfie. A selfie distorts facial proportions, changes the angle, and rarely looks professional.
Keep the camera at your eye level, about one to one and a half meters away from your face. Stand up straight, relax your shoulders, and look directly into the camera lens to maintain proper posture.
Using the Tool Above
You can use the tool above to crop your image to the common 35 by 45 millimeter size quickly and easily. Your photo stays right on your device and is never uploaded to any external server, keeping your personal images completely private and safe.
The tool helps you make a standard sheet containing your cropped photos so you can print them out at a local store easily.
You do not need any special software or technical skills to prepare your picture file for printing.
Printing and Submitting Your Photos
Print your prepared photo layout as an ordinary 4 by 6-inch photo at a local print kiosk, grocery store, or photo shop. Cut the printed sheet carefully along the lines to separate the pictures without damaging the edges or bending the paper stock.
Bring your two printed photos with you when you submit your maritime certificate or brevet application to the office[1].
Double-check that the print quality is sharp and clear before you hand the application papers in, helping make your pictures look clean and presentable.
Checking Your Final Photo Quality
Before you finalize everything, inspect your printed photos closely in good light. Check that the image is sharp, clear, and not blurry or grainy.
Make sure the lighting on your face is even and that there are no strange shadows cast across your forehead or cheeks.
Taking a few extra minutes to check these details helps make sure your application materials meet general standards before you visit the office.
Frequently asked questions
What size photo do I need for a Côte d’Ivoire maritime certificate?
The authority publishes no single official size. The size 35 by 45 millimeters is used as a common practice crop, so you should confirm the exact requirement with the issuing office.
How many photos must I submit with my application?
You must supply two photos per requested certificate or brevet[1].
Does the authority set a head height rule?
No, head height is not set by the authority in the official rules.
Who issues maritime certificates in Côte d’Ivoire?
They are issued through the Direction des Transports Maritimes, Fluvio-Lagunaires et de la Plaisance[1].
Can I print my photos at a kiosk?
Yes, you can arrange your cropped photos on a standard 4 by 6-inch sheet and print them as an ordinary photo at a local kiosk.