In light of the measures taken by the whole shipping industry for the COVID-19 mitigation, affecting crew change and repatriation, BIMCO provides information, outlining the formalities to extension and exceptions to statutory certificates for ships and seafarers.
Specifically, BIMCO highlights that seafarers should be recognised as essential key workers in the supply chain, bringing food, medical equipment and other commodities across the world, noting that the industry should take a pragmatic approach.
Ships have a variety of nationalities onboard, with each seafarer subject to different administrations. Thus, ships flying yet a different flag, the crew composition is becoming even more relevant, as original certificates and the seafarers’ employment agreements will expire.
If the ship is manned with foreign crew it is therefore important to make sure the underlying certificates are valid and that the flag state have made arrangements for endorsement of a potential temporary extension
… BIMCO adds.
The national administrations are able to make exceptions to national certificates, such as:
- Certificates of competency
- Medical fitness certificates
- Radio operator certificates
- Certificates of endorsement
It is commented that flag states are showing a pragmatic approach and will in most cases extend the endorsement if the underlying certificates are extended.
To learn more about BIMCO’s overview, click here.
