The US Coast Guard (USGC) has announced a further extension of expiring mariner documents, to ease some of the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on seafarers and the maritime industry.
Documents expiring between March 1 and September 30, 2020 will be extended until December 31 this year, an additional two months from the earlier extension, US Masters, Mates & Pilots union (MM&P) reported.
The documents covered by the extension include Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) and Medical Certificates (National Endorsements only), MMCs with STCW endorsements and STCW Medical Certificates.
The USGC has consulted with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other administrations to ensure alignment with extensions of endorsements in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
Mariners working on an expired credentials or certificates must possess the expired document along with a copy of the Coast Guard notice.
- View the notice.
Tags
More articles
Nautilus FAQs on Covid-19 Coronavirus
Seafarer quarantine exemption 'certificate' released for UK arrivals
Nautilus International and the UK Chamber of Shipping have jointly produced a special 'guidance letter' for seafarers arriving at UK ports supporting their exemption from the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the UK.
New UK mandatory arrivals form rolled out
New UK mandatory arrivals form rolled out
Nautilus launches beta online yacht sea service verification form
Nautilus launches beta online yacht sea service verification form
TUC calls for UK to take lead in urgent action to release up to 200,000 seafarers trapped onboard ships
The TUC has warned the UK government of the threat posed to Britain's economic recovery from the mounting crisis on board merchant vessels, where 200,000 seafarers remain stranded at sea by travel restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shipmasters urged 'not to sail if their complaints not resolved'
In a move that vindicates an earlier statement issued by the twenty-two unions affiliated to the Nautilus Federation, the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA) has taken the unusual step of issuing a direct Notice to all Shipmasters calling on them to 'protect themselves and their crew against fatigue' and reminding them of their duty and responsibility to report to shipowners any complaints of breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).