Philippines issues One-year Extension to expiring STCW certificates

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) extends anew the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates of Filipino seafarers due to continued limitations brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This applies to all STCW certificates of all Filipino seafarers who are both on board or ashore at the time of expiry of their certificates, and are compliant with the provisions that are mentioned by MARINA on its advisory,” the MARINA said.

These provisions, it said, include that the seafarer must have completed an approved seagoing service appropriate to the certificate they hold—12 months of service during the last five years or three months of service during the last six months immediately prior to revalidation.

“For Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in tanker courses, the seafarer must have completed approved seagoing service performing the duties appropriate to the tank certificate held, for a period of at least three months in total during the preceding five years,” explained the Maritime Authority.

Manning agencies and shipping companies meanwhile are required to ensure that their crew members are compliant with the said provisions and to submit a list of all those that avail of the extension. Seafarers are also encouraged to apply for the revalidation of their Certificate of Competency and COP after completing online or traditional courses as applicable to their certificate.

 

Source: Philippine News Agency