MSAF: Renew certificates
THE MARITIME Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has reported a growing trend of requests for certificate renewal coinciding with or nearing the certificate’s expiration date.
A marine notice issued by MSAF urged all vessel owners, operators, masters, officers, ratings, seafarer training organisations, pilots and industry organisations to correctly apply for certificates before expiry.
Late applications will be dealt with within MSAF’s normal processes and timelines, and no exemption or dispensation will be issued to ensure renewals occur before expiration dates, except as provided for in the relevant laws.
“The submission of an application does not automatically guarantee the issuance of a certificate prior to the expiration date,” the notice stated.
The submission of a renewal application “does not imply compliance; rather, it is a request subject to assessment based on receipt date and applicable regulations.”
“As certificate holders, your responsibilities include, but is not limited to, providing accurate and timely information in your application(s), maintaining honesty and fairness in all dealings, promptly reporting any changes to contact details and upfront payment of application fees.”
Certificate holders are notified that the turnaround time for applications is 14 days for an initial application to be assessed and seven days for certificate renewal.
MSAF reminds companies and operators that valid certifications are required under the Safe Ship Management System and the Fiji Safe Ship Management Code.
Expired certificates noted by Enforcement and Compliance Officers will result in a ‘No Load’ Order on the ship.