Communication from the Maritime Administration of Estonia regarding extension of
crew certificates and of statutory certificates for ships with reference to the emergency
situation declared with the Government of the Republic Order No 76
The Estonian Maritime Administration, in accordance with IMO Circular Letter No
4204/Add.1 and the prevailing circumstances of the outbreak of the pandemic virus
Covid-19 and the resultant severe restrictions, provides the following information.
The extension of statutory certificates for ships flying the Estonian flag:
? Endorsement of certificates – in case the mandatory shore-based services cannot be carried out,
the mandatory shore-based services for all statutory surveys are extended for three months for
services required to be carried out before 01.07.2020.
? Endorsement of certificates – in case the mandatory periodical surveys cannot be carried out,
the mandatory surveys are extended for three months for surveys required to be carried out
before 01.07.2020, but for no longer than three months after the end of the annual survey
window (+/- 3 months).
? Expiring certificates – in case the mandatory renewal surveys cannot be carried out, the
mandatory surveys are extended for three months for surveys required to be carried out before
01.07.2020, but for no longer than three months after the end of the expiry date of the full-term
certificate. The extension shall be in compliance with relevant RO internal procedures.
The extension of seafarers?certificates:
? The extension of endorsements and other required certificates shall be carried out by recognized
maritime educational institutions using e-learning to evaluate continuous competence and
following the requirements of Circular No 5-1-7/5 of 17.03.2020.
? This assessment is granted to crew members who have performed 12 months of seagoing
service in the last five years or three months of seagoing service in the last six months.
? The certificates issued on the basis of this assessment shall be valid until the end of the
emergency situation, but for no longer than six months from the date of issue.
? The medical certificates issued to seafarers by Estonian physicians with a validity period of two
years and expiring during the voyage due to the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the
pandemic virus Covid-19 shall be extended for three months in accordance with STCW
Regulation I/9 and Regulation 1.2 of the MLC 2006, as amended.
These measures shall be reviewed and relevant amendments adopted if deemed necessary on
01.07.2020.
(signed digitally)
Marek Rauk
Head of Maritime Safety Division
Deputy Director General
