Validity of identity documents and certificates of Azerbaijani seafarers extended

The State Maritime Agency under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies has extended the validity of identity documents and certificates of Azerbaijani seafarers until September 30, 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the world.

The possibility of expiration of identity documents of Azerbaijani seafarers and certificates issued in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) has created a need for taking a number of decisive steps.

According to the decision, the State Maritime Agency has taken relevant measures in this regard and sent notifications to the International Maritime Organization, Port State Control and Flag Control authorities, Azerbaijani seafarers, shipowners, shipping companies, as well as staffing companies and individuals concerned.

Taking into account the seafarers who are working onboard ships sailing under the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan and foreign-flagged ships, the State Maritime Agency extends the validity of expired seafarers’ identity documents and certificates until September 30, 2021, subject to the following requirements.

Relevant ship staffing agencies, shipping companies or seafarers shall submit electronically an application form for extension of the validity period together with the following documents:

– A letter from relevant ship staffing agencies, shipping companies or seafarers stating the reason for the extension;

– A written statement or official notification from the port or migration agency that you cannot leave the ship under the existing conditions;

– A copy of the labor contract.

It should be reminded that the validity period of expired seafarers’ identity documents and certificates was initially extended until July 1, 2020, October 1, 2020, December 31, 2020, March 31, 2021 and then until June 30, 2021.