It’s better for stuck sailors to renew documents

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommended that the IMO member states and the State Port Control (GPC) authorities extend the qualification and working documents of those seafarers who are currently forced to be on board ships without the ability to retire at the end of the contract due to the outbreak of the COVID- coronavirus 19, as well as those quarantine measures associated with the worldwide declared pandemic of the virus.

 In addition to problems with expired documents from blocked seafarers, today, as part of quarantine measures, many IMO member states have suspended the process of issuing and renewing certificates to seafarers, in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention on the Preparation, Certification of Seafarers and Watchkeeping (STCW Convention), 1978. , as amended.

 Given both problems, IMO issued Circular No. 4204 / Add.5 of March 17, 2020, which states:

 “The actions taken around the world as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus pose serious challenges for IMO member states to ensure the continuous training of seafarers, the confirmation of certificates, and the issuance of confirmations for seafarers working diplomas.

 The document recommends IMO member states (in particular, their competent authorities) and the State Port Control Authority (GIC) to take a pragmatic and practical approach with respect to renewing certificates and confirmations for seafarers' working diplomas.

 Member States are also encouraged to report to the IMO on practical measures taken by their competent authorities responsible for issuing maritime documents, as well as local GIC authorities. ”