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Dispensation during the Corona Crisis – Updated February 16, 2022

12 August 2021

As a result of the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, delegates may be unable to undertake essential refresher training causing their offshore, maritime or wind certification to expire.

Please see the extension regulations and how to apply for dispensation per certification authority below.

OPITO

Update per July 5, 2021;

In March 2020, OPITO implemented a certificate extension process to support those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This process was originally scheduled to draw to a close on 1st May 2021. However, as situations remain evolving in certain regions, OPITO has decided to continue to offer support for submitted certificate extensions – this assuming they continue to be submitted in line with the exceptional eligibility criteria detailed in the current Policy. The process, therefore, will not cease on 1st May 2021 and advanced warning of support being withdrawn will be communicated in due course and when suitable.

From now on there is a dispensation of 2 months for basic and refreshment certificates to participate with a refresher training. In those 2 months, the certificate is not valid and the participant can’t use this certificate to perform work. However, he/she can still refresh and receive a certificate with a stamp back to the last expiry date.

If you will not be able to participate in your refresher course within the two month period of grace employers and individuals can apply for extension. If you have been impacted by COVID-19, and your certification expires within 14 days before the expiry date, please click the appropriate link below to complete a short form to submit your extension request. There are separate processes for employers (OPITO | Support for Employing Companies) and delegates (OPITO | Support for Delegates (Self-Sponsors)).

OPITO does work with two different kinds of dispensations:

  1. The normal dispensation of 3 months: The expired certificate (for which dispensation has been requested and approved) CAN be used as a pre-requisite for another course. The certificate is still valid during the dispensation period.
  2. The Covid dispensation (periode of grace) of 2 months: The certificate is not valid anymore, but the delegate is allowed to join a refresher course. The certificate CANNOT be used as a pre-requisite for another course. The period of grace is normally used for an extension of the normal dispensation period of 3 months.

Link to latest update: OPITO | COVID-19 Information and Response from OPITO

My OPITO certificate is expired, now what?
When your OPITO certificate is expired you can’t just take the refresher course. If your OPITO BOSIET is expired, you have to take this course again. Only when your OPITO FOET certificate is expired, you can submit a request for dispensation till 3 months after the expiry date. You can download the request for dispensation form here. When you have filled out the form, please send it to info@fmtcsafety.com.

GWO

Update per February 16, 2022;

60-Day Extension to the Refresher Period Reinstated until 30 April 2022
Course Participants who are unable to attend a refresher course before the current record expires due to a Covid-19 related cancellation may refresh expired training up to a maximum of 60 days after expiry. || Any refresher training taken using this exemption must be completed no later than April 30. || Read more on our website at this link – https://bit.ly/3sowA1O

My GWO certificate is expired, now what?
If your certificate is expired more than 60 days and/or you have no proof of cancellation from your earlier planned course, you cannot attend the GWO refresher courses. You have to do the GWO Basic course again. To save money and time you can choose for the GWO E-learning + practical. With those courses, you can do the theory at home and just come over to the training center for a shorter practical session. You can do the GWO Basic Safety Training already from 2,5 days! At all of our training centers.

NOGEPA

Update per April 6, 2021;

Link to latest update: Update NOGEPA dispensaties d.d. 04-20-2021 ENG
From May 1st 2021, the regular dispensation rules for expired NOGEPA certificates will
apply again. However, after May 1st there is 1 more corona-related exception, namely:

• Employees with a basic certificate;
• who, due to travel restrictions, cannot be in the Netherlands for a NOGEPA refresher training before their basic certificate expires;
• can receive dispensation for following the refresher training, up to a maximum of 3 months after the expiry date of the basic certificate

With this temporary exception, NOGEPA wants to accommodate employees who are not
stationed in the Netherlands. This duration is the limit and therefore for example employees whose basic certificate expired 4 months ago will therefore have to follow the basic training, instead of the refresher training. FMTC can issue the dispensation. So, please contact our training center for any assistance via info@fmtcsafety.com.

Download the dispensation form here. After completing the form, please forward it to info@fmtcsafety.com to request the dispensation.

STCW

Update per March 19, 2021;

Link to latest update; Corona virus (COVID-19) Contingency Plan and Guidelines | Publicatie | Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT) (ilent.nl)

As of March 19th, 2020, the validity of Dutch Certificates of Competency and Proficiency which will expire before or on September 30th, 2021, are granted an extended validity of 6 months (from date of expiry) but no longer than October 31st, 2021 whichever date comes first. The individual seafarer will not be required to submit an application for renewal pending the COVID-19 related restrictions.

The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate will grant a general extension to the validity of all Certificates of Competency and Certificates of Proficiency which are required by the Dutch Manning Act and accompanying legislation.

Certificate of Proficiency (Certificate of STCW courses)
A certificate of Proficiency issued on behalf of the Netherlands under STCW Regulations VI/1, VI/2, VI/3, VI/4, VI/5 or VI/6 which has expired or will expire in the period between March 19th, 2020 and September 30th, 2021, is granted an extended validity of 6 months (from date of expiry) but no longer than October 31st, 2021.

Seafarer Medical Certificate
A Seafarer Medical Certificate which has expired in the period between March 19th, 2020 and September 30th, 2021 is granted an extended validity (from date of expiry) of maximum 6 months but no longer than October 31st, 2021. Extended medical certificates may also be used for the application of a CoC at KIWA Register.

More information?

Would you like to have more information about your dispensation or do you have any further questions about our courses? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@fmtcsafety.com or call +31(0)85 – 130 74 61.

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