Applicability: all classed vessels.
Flag States and Port State Control Authorities are acutely aware of the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the shipping industry and the need to maintain international supply lines during this crisis.
It is recognised that there are practical difficulties in arranging surveys for ships, managing crew changes and difficulties for seafarers to attend training courses to revalidate their certificates.
The need for flexibility and pragmatism is understood. This means:
Flag States are introducing national measures for their respective fleets.
Similarly, Port State Control authorities are also issuing guidance regarding:
- Extensions of validity of ships’ certificates
- Extended periods of service onboard ships
- Delaying periods for personnel certification.
Port State Control in the Paris and Tokyo MOU regions propose to consider the above issues on a case-by-case basis for periods up to a maximum of three months.
It is expected that there will be the active involvement of the Flag State and/or the Recognised Organisation, as appropriate, and the need for evidence that the owner/operator has a plan to cover how the ship will be brought back into compliance.
Port State Control guidance may be reviewed in accordance with the development of responses to the crisis.
The LR Class Direct home page carries a link to the latest COVID-19 Flag State updates.
Supporting documents
Press release: Guidance relating to the outbreak of COVID-19
Press release: Paris MOU guidance regarding the impact of COVID-19