MPA Singapore extends validity of seafarers' STCW certificates

MPA Singapore extends validity of seafarers’ STCW certificates

It is known that due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, several seafarers may still face challenges in renewing their STCW certificates.

Therefore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced that extends validity of seafarers’ certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended (the STCW Convention).

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To remind, back in 2020, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) issued a Circular Letter No.4204/Add.5/Rev.1 to encourage STCW certificates issuing administrations to take a pragmatic and practical approach regarding the extension of certificates, including medical certificates, and endorsements due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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In line with the IMO’s guidelines and in view of the persistent difficulties in revalidating STCW certificates due to COVID-19 pandemic, MPA and Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) have decided to continue extending the validity of STCW certificates issued by Singapore on basis of case by case.

As explained, seafarers shall complete the declaration form provided in Annex A of this circular and submit to MPA ([email protected]) and/or IMDA ([email protected]) respectively for the request to extend the validity of their certificate(s).

MPA/IMDA will carry out assessment on the request to determine whether to extend the validity of the certificate(s) and length of extension to be granted, thereafter issue a letter or an email to inform the applicant on the outcomes of the assessment.

Concluding seafarers who can renew their certificates before the expiry date of the certificate are strongly encouraged to apply for revalidation of the certificate before the expiry date. Certificates that are revalidated successfully will be extended for 5 years from the date of issue printed on the certificate.