Given the impact from COVID-19 pandemic and in order to assure the normal operation of Chinese flagged ships, Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China issues the Notice on Extension of Duration of Related Certificates of Chinese Flagged Ships and Chinese Seafarers Engaged in International Voyages.
1. Validity of ship survey certificates, Safety Management Certificate （SMC）, Document of Compliance （DOC） and International Ship Security Certificate（ISSC） with dates of expiry falling between 20th January 2020 and 30th September 2020 will be extended to 30th September 2020 in case that it is impossible to proceed with the surveys, audits and inspections due to impact of the COVID-19. The anniversary dates of above mentioned certificates will be unchanged after extension.
2. Validity of Certificate of Competency（CoC）and Certificate of Proficiency （CoP） for seafarers of the People’s Republic of China engaged in international voyages and Medical Certificate for seafarers of the People’s Republic of China currently serving international voyages, with dates of expiry falling between 20th January 2020 and 30th September 2020, will be extended for 6 months starting from the next day of expiry dates of the certificates automatically in case that it is impossible for seafarers to go through with the trainings, examinations/assessments or medical examinations due to the impact of the COVID-19. Furthermore, the extension of Medical Certificate requires the seafarer’s written declaration of compliance with seafarer’s medical requirements which shall be agreed and signed by the ship’s Master.
3. This Notice comes into effect on the day of its release.
Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China
4th April, 2020