In view of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, MPA understands that seafarers may be facing challenges in renewing their certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended (the STCW Convention).
In line with the IMO, MPA and the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) have taken a pragmatic approach as follows:
- All Certificate of Competency, training certificates (i.e., certificates issued under Chapter VI of the STCW) and associated endorsements issued by MPA or on behalf of MPA expiring between 01 April and 01 October 2020 may be extended for a period of six months from the expiry of the respective certificates.
- All GMDSS General/Restricted Operator certificates (GOC/ROC) issued by IMDA expiring between 01 April and 01 October 2020 may be extended for a period of six months from the expiry of the respective certificate.
The seafarer shall complete a declaration and MPA/IMDA will carry out an assessment of the request accordingly and issue a letter for confirmation of extension, if the request is approved.
Notwithstanding the above, seafarers who can renew their certificates before the expiry date are strongly encouraged to apply for revalidation of the certificate before the expiry date. Certificates that are revalidated successfully will be extended for 5 years from the date of issue printed on the certificate.
For more information, please refer to MPA's Shipping Circular No. 6 of 2020.