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1. In consideration of the challenges being faced due to the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the GOI vide DGS Order No. 06 of 2020 (copy attached) has informed regarding following wider measures, applicable to all Indian flagged ships, for a period of one (1) month from the date of issuance of the Order (23 March 2020); 
   
   

   1. Extension of service beyond the COC/COE/COP revalidation deadline:
      

      The COC /COE/ COP of seafarers, who are currently sailing onboard Indian flagged ships and Indian seafarers sailing on foreign Flag ships, whose COC / COE /COP are about to expire, stands extended for a maximum period of one month or till they sign off, whichever is earlier.

   2. Safe Manning Document (SMD) and exemptions to SMD:

      1. Where the Ship Owner/Operators/Managers need to sign-off a crew member from a vessel due to the port restrictions at some ports and travel restrictions and the Ship Owners/Operator/Manager is unable to repatriate them, exemptions to Safe Manning Documents will be considered by the Administration on a case by case basis.

      2. Each request should be supported by risk assessment from the company.

      3. There will be no fees charged for these exemptions and exemptions will be issued on email.

   3. Extension of mandatory surveys, audits and expiry of statutory certificates:

      1. The Administration will consider granting extension to mandatory statutory surveys, inspections and DOC/SMC/MLC/ISPS audits for a maximum period of 3 months under 'force majeure' due to the COVlD-19 situation, provided necessary justification are submitted for approval.

      2.  Application seeking request for extension for DOC/SMC/MLC/ISPS and inspection is to be submitted much before the due date of the inspection / audits or expiry date of concerned statutory certificates in order to avoid issues arising out of PSC.

      3. The Administration will not charge fees for these extensions/exemptions and extensions/exemptions will be issued on email.

      4. With respect to extension of dry-docking surveys / periodical/ annual / renewal surveys, if practicable, the Class may carryout necessary inspections for the purpose of the proposed extension of surveys. If the class is finding it impractical to carry out certain inspections due to the prevailing conditions in various ports / Countries, the class may issue the requested survey extension with proper justification after obtaining an undertaking from the Master of the vessel for the satisfactory condition of the vessel and verification of survey records, as deemed appropriate. For this, the Administration has advised that the online payment of applicable fees as being done currently shall continue.
         
         

2. Records with respect to aforementioned relaxations will be verified during the next scheduled audit of the ship/ company.

3. The Administration will review the validity of this order as the situation on spread / check of COVID-I9 unfolds.

4. Ship owners/ operators and managers of Indian flagged ships contemplating delay in carrying out mandatory periodical surveys, audits and inspections due to the COVlD-19 situation are advised to be guided by above and act accordingly.

Enclosure:

DGS Order No. 06 of 2020, dated 23 March 2020.

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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