THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA MINISTRY OF WORKS AND TRANSPORT TANZANIA SHIPPING AGENCIES CORPORATION TASAC MSN 2420 Amendment 1/2021
Guidance Relating to the Extension of Validity for Seafarers Documents and
Certificates due to Coronavirus (COVID – 19) Pandemic
This notice is hereby issued to all ship owners, small craft owners, fishing vessel owners, Masters, officers and other related parties.
1.0 Introduction:
1.1 Noting the danger created by the coronavirus (COVID- 19) pandemic, the Prime Minister ordered among other things the closure of all schools and highest leaning institutions as preventive measure against the spread of the virus in the country. Hence, seafarers. onboard and ashore have no opportunity to attend refresher training leading to the revalidation of their certificates upon expiration.
1.2 In light of the coronavirus pandemic, on 17” March 2020 the International Maritime Organization issued Circular Letter No 4201/Add.5 encouraging administrations to take pragmatic and practical approach with regard to the extension of validity documents and certificates in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchieeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended
1.3 June 2021 the Government through the Ministry of Health, Community development. Genders, Gender, Elderly and Children warned of third wave of COWD-19 and directed that all precautions to be taken for protection against infection.
1.4 Pursuant to Section 51 of the Written Laves, (Miscellaneous Amendments) (0.6) Act 2019, the Registrar shall take appropriate steps to advice and communicate to the seafaring community and the public of any developing or
existing situation which may adversely affect maritime safety, security and prevention of marine pollution,
2.0 Guidance
2.1 Certificates of Competency and Certificates of proficiency which will expire before 1* October 2021 will be accepted with general extended validity for a period of up to thee (3) months after date of expiry;
2.2 Medical fitness certificates which will expire before October 2021 will be accepted with general extended validity
for a period of up to three (3) months;
2.3 Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC! which will expiry before 1October 2021 will be with extended validity for a period up to the three (3) months;
2.4 Endorsements confirming or recognizing a certificate of competency, certificate of proficiency, certificate of an approved training course and certificate of GMDSS radio operator which will expire before October 2021 valid be accepted with a general extended validity for a period of up to thee (3) and
2.5 Within the extended period the individual seafarers will not be required to apply for extensions of validity of particular certificate of document.
3.0. This Notice may be amended again at any time taking into consideration any additional guidance and advise or instructions provided by the Ministry of Health, Community development, Gender, Gender Elderly and Children, IMO and other Organization. Any further
request for information or ratification should made through the contact provided below:
Director General,
Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC),
8 Floor PPF Tower, Ohio Street/Garden Avenue
P.O. Box 9a,
DARES SALAAM, TANZANIA,
Tel: +255 22 2127314
Fax: +255 22 2127313
Email: dg@tasac go.tz, info @tasacgo.tz
website: www.tasac.go.tz
