Validity periods of seafarers’ qualification certificates are extended once more

The Maritime Administration of the Russian Federation extends the validity of the seafarers’  documents which expire till March 31, 2021. The statement on a new prolongation of these  emergency measures was announced by Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.

As such, in case a seafarer being on the voyage is not able to extend his credentials through the established procedure he will have his documents extended automatically for a three-month period.

The documents in case include: qualification certificates (diplomas) issued by the Administration, confirmations of recognition of qualification certificates issued by foreign countries, certificates of competency, confirmations to certificates allowing for operation on tankers (oil, gas and chemical carriers), ship's cook certificates and  other documents required under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW)

No extension marks or new documents are required.

However, Maritime Administration of the Russian Federation reserves the right to change or cancel the measures taken at any time, depending on the situation with the COVID-19 spreading.

Note that such measures are due to various  crew change restrictions continue to apply in many ports around  world. Recently  a number of states have again tightened the existing rules as concerns over new coronavirus strains rise.  In particular, the Philippines banned crew change  for seafarers  who visited during last 14 days one of the 33 countries that the authorities considered dangerous. The list of the countries includes: many European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, South Korea, Brazil, India, Israel, Lebanon, Singapore and others. The list is so long that perhaps it covers  most of the major ports in the world.

Seafarers Union of Russia highlights the following: unfortunately, taking into consideration the current situation, we should not expect the crew change crisis would be tackled in the short term. Therefore, the extension of the validity of seafarers’ credentials is a logical and  predictable action.