Certificates for Seafarers

Transitional regulations for Seafarers Regarding Certificates of Competency Due to the Situation in the Strait of Hormuz

The current security situation in the Strait of Hormuz may prevent seafarers from renewing or extending their certificates of competency and other supporting documents in a timely manner.

To ensure the operational readiness of ships and to provide unbureaucratic support to affected seafarers in this exceptional situation, pragmatic transitional regulations regarding seafarer qualifications are temporarily in effect.  The following measures apply exclusively to seafarers who, due to their current assignment aboard affected ships in connection with the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, are prevented from renewing their certificates in a timely manner.

What does this mean specifically for seafarers?

Extension of German certificates of competency and certificates of profiency:

German certificates of competency, certificates of profiency, and certificates of qualification issued by the German Maritime Administration or approved training providers remain valid automatically; whichever occurs first:

• for up to three months beyond the original expiration date, or
• until the end of the current voyage on the affected ships.

Extension of German Endorsements:

If other flag states or issuing authorities extend the validity of the underlying foreign certificates, this also applies accordingly to German endorsements. In such cases, the endorsements are extended; whichever occurs first:

• in accordance with the extended validity of the underlying certificate, but by no more than three months from the original expiration date, or
• until the end of the current assignment on board the affected ships.

Certificates of Medical Fitness for Seafarers:

For German certificates of medical fitness for seafarers, the statutory provisions of § 12 Abs. 6 SeeArbG continue to apply. This means:

• If the validity expires during a voyage, the certificate remains valid until the next port where an examination by a qualified physician is possible—but for no longer than an additional three months.

Who is eligible for these provisions?:

The transitional regulations apply exclusively to seafarers who are currently serving on affected vessels and who, due to the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, are unable to renew their certificates in a timely manner.

A separate application to the BSH is not necessary. The extensions mentioned apply automatically under the specified conditions.

If there is any doubt in individual cases as to whether the seafarer is affected, this can be proven by an informal certificate from the ship’s command or the respective shipping company.