Re-validation of Seafarers Certificates of Competency (CoC) / Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)

**Executive Summary** DGS Order No. 16 of 2020, dated 22.06.2020, addresses the re-validation of Seafarers Certificates of Competency (CoC) / Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It extends the validity of certificates expiring on or before December 31, 2020, and specifies conditions for revalidation. The order provides interim revalidation until December 31, 2021 for joining ships but not for issuance of new CoCs or endorsements. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Certificate Extension:** * All CoCs and CoPs expiring on or before December 31, 2020, are deemed revalidated until December 31, 2021. This applies to all seafarers, irrespective of whether they were on a ship at the time of expiry. * This extension is only to allow seafarers to join ships with expired certificates and not for issuance of new CoCs or endorsements. * **Revalidation Process:** * No application is required for this interim revalidation. * When a full revalidation is carried out, normal processes and fees apply, and the new validity date will be five years from the original expiry date. * **Responsibilities:** * Seafarers and shipping companies, including Recruitment and Placement Services (RPS), must ensure seafarers have a print-out of their sea service record from the seafarers profiles Master Checker. * Shipping companies must demonstrate their responsibilities as per Regulation I/14 and Section A-I/14 of the STCW on "Responsibilities of companies". * **Annex 1 (Regulation I/11 of the STCW Convention- Revalidation of Certificates and Section A-I/11 of the STCW Convention - Professional competence)** * Every Master, Officer and Radio Operator holding a Certificate issued or recognized under any Chapter of the Convention other than Chapter VI, who is serving at sea or intends to return to sea after a period ashore, shall meet the standards of medical fitness prescribed by Regulation I/9, and establish continued professional competence in accordance with section A-1/11 of the STCW Code * Every master, officer and radio operator shall, for continuing seagoing service on board ships for which special training requirements have been internationally agreed upon, successfully complete approved relevant training. * Every master and officer shall, for continuing seagoing service on board tankers, meet the requirements in paragraph 1 of this regulation and be required, at intervals not exceeding five years, to establish continued professional competence for tankers in accordance with section A-I/11, paragraph 3 of the STCW Code. * Continued professional competence as required under regulation I/11 shall be established by approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate held, for a period of at least: * Twelve months in total during the preceding five years, or * Three months in total during the preceding six months immediately prior to revalidating; * Continued professional competence for tankers, as required under Regulation I/11, shall be established by: * Approved seagoing service, performing the duties appropriate to the tanker certificate or endorsement held, for a period of at least three months in total during the preceding five years; or * Successfully completing an approved relevant training course or courses **Impact Analysis** **Seafarers** * **Impact:** Seafarers with CoCs/CoPs expiring on or before December 31, 2020, can continue to join ships until December 31, 2021, without immediate full revalidation. However, this does not allow for the issuance of new CoCs or endorsements. * **Action Required:** Seafarers must ensure they have a print-out of their sea service record from the seafarers profiles Master Checker. **Shipping Companies and RPS Agencies** * **Impact:** These entities are responsible for ensuring that seafarers have the required documentation and meeting their responsibilities as required under Regulation I/14 and Section A-I/14 of the STCW on "Responsibilities of companies". * **Action Required:** Verify that seafarers have their sea service record and demonstrate compliance with STCW regulations.

Key Entities Referenced