Circular No. 016 of 2020, Extension of Seafarers’ Document Validity
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Ministry of People’s Power for Transport
National Institute of Aquatic Spaces
(Special Notice – COVID-19)
In the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 78, paragraph 1 of the Decree with the Rank, Value, and Force of the Organic Law of Aquatic Spaces, in conjunction with Articles 73, paragraphs 1 and 2, and 74, paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 16 ejusdem, and in accordance with the provisions of Article 17 of the Organic Law of Administrative Procedures.
CONSIDERING That the measures adopted to address the emergency of the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak present an issue regarding the revalidation process for licenses and certificates, including medical certificates, as well as the endorsements of licenses in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978, as amended, and pursuant to the recommendations of IMO Circular No. 4204/Add.5 dated March 17, 2020.
HEREBY DECIDES
- To extend the validity extension granted in Circular No. 012 dated March 20, 2020, until September 30, 2020, for the licenses, certificates, and endorsements mentioned in the preceding considering clause, issued to seafarers by this Administration, for those crew members who, due to any circumstance, are unable to complete the administrative procedure as stipulated by the Aquatic Administration.
- Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) shall accept the extension measures adopted by other administrations regarding this type of seafarers’ documentation when conducting inspection procedures, pursuant to 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.
Please notify and disseminate the content of this Circular.
Done in Caracas, on the 21st day of the month of June, 2020.
President of the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces
Decree No. 2,874 dated May 18, 2017
Official Gazette No. 41,153 dated May 18, 2017
Reprinted due to a clerical error, according to Official Gazette No. 41,166 dated June 6, 2017
