Extension of the period of validity of documents

In accordance with Article 3(3) of the Law on Safe Navigation of the Republic of Lithuania, Article 4(2) of the Law on Merchant Shipping of the Republic of Lithuania, and in view of the difficult situation arising from the global pandemic of the COVID-19 disease (coronavirus infection) in relation to the change of crews and repatriation of seafarers:

1. Under the decree of the Minister of transport and communication (19 November 2021 No 3-356) is determined that:

1.1. The following documents issued by the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration: maritime degree diplomas, Global Maritime Distress Safety System radio operator diplomas, maritime degree qualification certificates and confirmations of the issue of these documents, as well as special certificates, confirmations of the recognition of certificates of competency and seafarer’s booklets, which expire during a seafarer’s voyage which is unscheduled to be prolonged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shall be extended until the end of the seafarer’s voyage, but not more than six months after the expiry of the period of validity specified in the relevant document;

1.2. in circumstances where, due to the pandemic of COVID-19 disease (coronavirus infection), it is not possible to carry out surveys of ships flying the flag of the State of Lithuania and to issue or endorse the relevant certificates, the period of validity of the certificates shall be extended by three months from the expiry of the period of validity of the certificates or of the period of time allowed for endorsement of the certificates.