As the COVID-19 guidelines have affected seafarers as they may face challenges in renewing their certificates, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore collaborated with Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and took a pragmatic approach concerning seafarers’ certification.
Specifically, the two Authorities informed that all Certificate of Competency, training certificates (i.e., certificates issued under Chapter VI of the STCW) and associated endorsements issued by MPA or on behalf of MPA expiring between 01 April and 01 October 2020 may be extended for a period of six months from the expiry of the respective certificates.
Moreover, they add that all GMDSS General/Restricted Operator certificates (GOC/ROC) issued by IMDA expiring between 01 April and 01 October 2020 may be extended for a period of six months from the expiry of the respective certificate.
The seafarer will have to complete the declaration form, included in Circular No.6 of 2020, and further submit it to MPA or IMDA respectively for the request of extension of certificate(s). Then, each of the authorities will conduct assessment of the request accordingly and issue a letter for confirmation of extension if the request is approved. If required, MPA/IMDA will schedule a telephone call or video-conference call with the Seafarer as part of the assessment.
