Extending the Validity of Canadian Marine Personnel Certificates - SSB No.: 03/2020

RDIMS No .: 16367208
Date (Y-M-D) : 2020-03-16

 
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Purpose

In order to alleviate pressures tied to community based mitigation measures surrounding COVID-19, Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) will grant a general extension for the validity of the following marine personnel certificates:

  • Certificates of Competency;
  • Certificates of Proficiency;
  • Provisional Marine Medical Certificates; and,
  • Marine Medical Certificates

Scope

TCMSS has received several indications that seafarers may experience challenges completing courses required for the renewal of certain marine personnel certificates or access to medical examinations. This could be caused by community based mitigation measures such as school closures, social distancing, or travel restrictions.

As a result, TCMSS will grant a general extension to the validity of all Certificates of Competency, Certificates of Proficiency, Provisional Medical Certificates and Marine Medical Certificate, which are required by the Marine Personnel Regulations.

Background

Certificates of Competency and Certificates of Proficiency

As of March 16, 2020, the validity of Canadian Certificates of Competency and Proficiency which will expire before September 1, 2020, are granted an extended validity of 6 months (from date of expiry). The individual seafarer will not be required to submit an application.

The extended validity has been granted in order to provide sufficient time for the situation to get back to normal, and to avoid reduced capacity issues when new courses are offered.

Provisional Marine Medical Certificates and Marine Medical Certificates

As of March 16, 2020, the validity of Marine Medical Certificates and Provisional Marine Medical Certificates, which will expire before September 1, 2020, are granted an extended validity of 6 months (from date of expiry). The individual seafarer will not have to submit an application for the extension.

Keywords

1. Coronavirus
2. Certificate of proficiency
3. Medical certificate       

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

Transport Canada
Marine Safety and Security
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street, 11th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N8
 

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).