Circular Letter No. 012 (Special Notice-008-Covid-19) Regarding the granting of an extension until June 30, 2020, for certificates and endorsements issued to Seafarers by this Administration
Circular Letter No. 012 (Special Notice-008-Covid-19) Regarding the granting of an extension until June 30, 2020, for certificates and endorsements issued to Seafarers by this Administration
CIRCULAR No 012
(Special Notice – 008 COVID-19)
CONSIDERING
That the measures adopted to address the emergency of the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak generate a problem regarding the revalidation process of certificates and diplomas, including medical certificates, as well as the endorsements of certificates in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978, as amended, and according to the recommendations of IMO Circular No. 4204/Add.5 dated March 17, 2020.
DECIDES
To grant an extension until June 30, 2020, for the titles, certificates, and endorsements mentioned in the previous preamble, issued to seafarers by this Administration for those crew members who, due to any circumstance, are unable to complete the procedure in accordance with the provisions stipulated by the Aquatic Administration.
Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) shall accept the extension measures adopted by other administrations for this type of seafarers’ documentation, when carrying out inspection procedures in accordance with Article X (Control) and Regulation I/4 (Control procedures) of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended.
The Maritime Authority, through the Institute’s General Management of Operations, shall ensure strict compliance with this Circular.
Notify and disseminate the content of this Circular.
In Caracas, on the 20th day of the month of March 2020.
