In an effort to support shipping companies face the difficulties brought by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry put in place some special arrangements.
Namely, the Shipping Deputy Ministry remains fully committed to continue to provide its high-quality services without any disruption, so that all ships registered under the Cyprus flag will continue to operate as usual.
Due to the continuing pandemic and this force majeure situation, the SDM continues to implement a number of urgent provisional measures adopted relating to the following matters:
Seafarers:
Provisions related with seafarers’ repatriation during COVID-19: The intention is to examine applications for the approval of seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) extensions over twelve months due to COVID-19 imposed travel restrictions that prevent the normal crew change and repatriation of seafarers, provided that this will be supported by documented evidence, therefore immediately after a seafarer completes eleven months continuous sea service a repatriation plan shall be submitted by the owner / bareboat charterer or manager of a ship flying the Cyprus Flag, for the approval of the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
The following supporting documents need to be submitted:
- Signed contracts for the period for which the extension of SEA is requested.
- Repatriation plan, as per the attached form, with the inclusion of seafarers whose contracts have been extended, as well as the rest of the crew.
- Justification for the untimely repatriation of seafarers after the expiry of their contract.
- Evidence of the actions taken by the owner / bareboat charterer or manager of the ship to protect the mental health of seafarers and to fight fatigue due to long stay on board.
Statutory Surveys for Internationally Trading vessels
We acknowledge that Cyprus flag vessels and their operators alike are encountering increasing difficulties in arranging the surveys, audits, inspections and servicing activities required under national and international regulations due to a lack of availability of surveyors and auditors, travel restrictions, limited access to port facilities and the shutdown of many airports around the globe.
For this reason, the following arrangements will apply:
Surveys in areas not affected by Covid-19: Operators are urged to consider arranging surveys/ audits/ inspections of their vessels as early as possible and, if practicable, within the window provided by the relevant International Maritime Conventions at locations and under conditions which will not adversely affect the health of the personnel involved.
Extension of surveys: Extension of the annual/ intermediate/ periodic or renewal surveys is possible for all ships’ statutory certificates, subject to authorisation. Extension is possible for up to 3 months from the last date of the window survey, provided that this request is supported by the nClassification society of the vessel.
Remote Inspection: The Administration may also accept a remote inspection in lieu of the onboard survey, whenever the Recognised Organisation (RO) proposes that any of the abovementioned surveys may be carried out by remote inspection techniques. Remote inspections should ensure same level of accuracy as the on-site surveys.
Short Term Certificate: In the event that the authorised RO is unable to attend the vessel to complete a survey or inspection leading to the endorsement or renewal of a relevant certificate, then a short-term certificate may be issued with validity of not more than 3 months from the date of expiration of the current certificate or the closure of the required window for the conduct of the required activity. It remains the responsibility of the operator and the Master to ensure that the vessel is maintained and operated in accordance with the statutory requirements for the duration of the short-term certificate.
Re-alignment of Certificate dates: On expiration of the short-term certificate, or earlier if circumstances permit, a survey or inspection, must be completed and a new certificate issued,aligned with the expiration date of the previous certificate.
