COVID-19 Maritime Resources

Notes that Interim certificates under the ISM and ISPS Codes may be reissued for a further 6 months beyond an existing expiry date, and that other statutory certificates may be extended for 3 months, both requiring Administration agreement. Also notes that the Administration will consider requests for remote audits, if so recommended by the Recognized Organization.

Advises that extensions of certificates, statutory surveys, drydocking and audits during the COVID-19 crisis period may be submitted to the Administration for consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Provides advice to shipping crews on practices to mitigate chances of sickness among crewmembers.

Provides instructions on the pragmatic approach being used due to COVID-19. Includes conditions/instructions and authorization to ROs to consider extension or postponement and issuance of short-term statutory certificates for up to 3-months. The BMA 3-month extensions may be considered for ISM and ISPS internal audits. Instructions for external audits for ISM, ISPS and MLC inspections as well as seafarer certification are included. Finally requests for remote audits and surveys where supported by the ROs will be considered.

Notes availability of statutory survey extensions for up to 3 months from the last date of the survey window (subject to flag authorization), and supports requests for use of remote inspection techniques to be submitted to the Administration. Also notes that short-term certificates of 3 months validity may be issued if survey attendance is not possible, and the Administration is to be notified in each case.

Also notes that upon request, the Administration will authorize a 3-month extension for annual ISM audits (including Initial, Intermediate and Renewal ISM Verification). Annual ISPS Verification may be postponed by 3 months without further authorization from the Administration, including use of remote audit in lieu of physical audit when necessary.

Provides guidance to operators on extension of seafarers’ agreements.

Temporary Extension of STCW Certificates Provides guidance to operators on the extension of seafarers’ credentials. Those expiring before 1 September 2020 have been granted extension of up to 6 months without the need for individual seafarers to submit an application.

Provides contact information for the Administration to use for any urgent correspondence.

Notes that an extension of 3 months may be granted for ISM/ISPS renewal audits which cannot be completed due to difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual ISM/ISPS internal audits may also be extended up to 3 months. Each extension must be reported to the Administration.

Also provides details on restrictions in Greek ports due to COVID-19, and extension of seafarers’ agreements and credentials.

Promulgates IMO Circular Letter No. 4204 on the precautions to be taken to minimize risks to seafarers, passengers and others on board ships from novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Provides instructions for the extension of certificates and postponement of surveys and audits where it is not possible to attend the vessel. Also provides instructions related to SEAs and seafarer certification.

Extension of statutory certificates, surveys, audits and inspections requests under force majeure or unforeseen exceptional circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Also, guidance on extensions for sea service beyond contract period and beyond certification expiry date is given.

Defines a Temporary Alternative Inspection Protocol (TAIP) to meet the Administrator’s inspection requirements.

Provides additional guidance on the topic of exceptional circumstances, difficulty when scheduling docking or repair facilities for Statutory survey requirements, necessitating an extension of the Docking and/or Renewal Surveys.

Provides instructions on handling ISM, ISPS, AND MLC, 2006 due to COVID-19. Includes instructions on 3-month extensions of various ISM and ISPS verifications. With adequate justifications, MLC extensions may also be considered. Remote audits to be authorized on a case-by-case basis

Provides instructions on handling certificates due to Covid-19. Force majeure (quarantine, travel, etc. restrictions) will be favorably considered by Administrator with extensions for up to 3-months for SOLAS, MARPOL, LL & BWMC. For dry-dock extensions and problems with BWMS instructions are referenced.

Provides ship owners/operators with guidance on developing a risk assessment on operations vulnerable to COVID-19 disruption, and for prevention of boarding sick individuals onto ships.

For certificates with expiration dates 1-March to 1-July 2020, the Administration has authorized the extension of statutory certificates on an as-needed basis, for up to 3-months extension. Internal audits due dates may also be extended up to 3 months.

Postpones/Extends all surveys, audits and inspections with due date between March and May 2020 for a period of 3-months. ROs authorized to issue a Conditional Certificate valid for 3-months using remote surveys or visits and to record correspondent justification for each case. Additional information provided for life saving appliances, firefighting equipment, MLC, SMC, DOC, ISSC, ITC, IBWMC and other certificates as well as inspection of ships’ bottom and the ISPS code.

Provides guidance on extensions of mandatory surveys, audits and expiry of statutory certificates. Also, on extensions for sea service beyond contract period and beyond qualification revalidation deadline.

Provides guidance on obtaining a 12-month extension for ballast water treatment system compliance under Title 33 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 151, Subparts C and D (33 C.F.R. 151 Subparts C and D). Also provides guidance for justifying instances where an extension of greater than 12-months is needed.

Provides an update on USCG actions regarding U.S. Flagged Vessel and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Inspections, Recognized Organizations (ROs) and Third Party Organizations (TPOs) that are conducting surveys and audits on behalf of the Coast Guard, subject to SubChapter M, PSC exams for foreign vessels, and Fishing Vessel Safety Exams. USCG may consider deferral of inspections and surveys up to 90 days based upon evaluation of the history of the vessel and in consultation with the vessel owner or operator, the cognizant OCMI, and RO (ABS).