Will the measures introduced to reduce the risk of infection lead to delays for newbuildings, rebuilds and flag registrations?

Answer: As with other public sector organisations, the Norwegian Maritime Authority is also affected by the corona pandemic. As a result, we have reduced our supervisory activities. This applies to both registration, inspection of vessels and verification of documentation that is the basis for certification of the vessels. This can cause delays. If you have questions about the certification process, contact the project manager for the relevant vessel.

I am an approved provider of recreational skipper training / practical exam ICC (International  certficate of competence), course holder and / or test center for the boat licence exam. Can I still arrange training courses and exams?

Answer: On 12.02.2020, the Government and the Directorate of Health published a resolution banning meetings and closing down of businesses in order to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The decision can be read here: https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/nyheter/the-norwegian-directorate-of-health-has-issued-a-decision-to-close-schools-and-other-educational-institutions 

The Norwegian Maritime Directorate's assessment is that approved providers of recreational skipper training and practical exam ICC, as well as course holders and approved test centers for the boat master's test, fall under the category of other educational institutions.

Among other things, it has been decided to close kindergartens, schools and other educational institutions from Thursday 12 March to Thursday 26 March. These measures may be extended.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority recommends to regularly check the current and future measures from the authorities dealing with educational institutions.

We have a vessel where the certificates and the date for equipment are approaching their expiry date. What should we do?

Answer: The Norwegian Maritime Authority has decided that certificates and vessel instructions that are due before June 12, 2020 will be extended for 3 months without further approval from the NMA. You can read more about these extensions, as well as download the documentation on this, via this link:  https://www.sdir.no/en/news/news-from-the-nma/regarding-extension-of-statutory-inspections-and-issuanceendorsement-of-statutory-certificates-due-to-covid-19/

I have a personal certificate that expires, and I cannot apply for renewal as the safety course location is currently closed due to the corona outbreak. What should I do?

Answer: Due to the challenges related to the corona virus, the Norwegian Maritime Authority has decided to grant an extension for personal certificates for a period in the future. There is no need to apply for this extension of validity. Read more here: https://www.sdir.no/en/news/extending-the-validity-of-personal-certificates/

What is the situation for seafarers in relation to travel restrictions at airports, with regard to crew changes on ships?

Answer: When it comes to travel restrictions, the Norwegian Maritime Authority will refer to updated information at the Directorate of Health.

The same regulations apply to seafarers as for other travellers. Questions regarding the practical enforcement of these regulations must be directed to national or local health authorities. More info can be found here: https://www.sdir.no/en/news/presisering-av--og-pamonstring-skip-i-norge/