Seafarer certification and inspections extended by Cyprus shipping

Provisional measures to help onboard seafarers secure their certificates because of difficulties encountered in crew changes worldwide, as well as the inspections of ships due to the coronavirus outbreak, have been issued by Cyprus’ junior ministry for shipping

The Deputy Ministry for Shipping said in a memo issued to all shipowners, bareboat charterers, managers and representatives of ships flying the Cyprus flag, that it has adopted measures for seafarers who joined a ship prior March 1, 2020, and remain on board with a renewed contract.

These include extending to September 1, 2020, the Certificates of Competency and Certificates of Proficiency which expired on or after March 1, 2020, as well as Medical Fitness Certificates and Seafarer’s Identification and Sea Service Record Books.

The memo also includes measures to accommodate vessels and shipowners facing difficulties to arrange surveys, audits, inspections and servicing activities 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 world.

The same extension applies to Cyprus endorsements attesting the recognition of national certificates of competency as provided by a similar extension issued by the competent authorities of the country which issued the certificate of competency.

Elsewhere, an announcement to postpone the payment of registry and tonnage tax dues to the end of May, as well as measures to avoid physical contact between the maritime industry and government services, had already been announced. 

In areas not affected by COVID-19, operators are urged to arrange for surveys, audits or inspections of their vessels as early as possible and 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.

For more information visit www.dms.gov.cy

6th April 2020