Contingency Guidelines for Ships and Seafarers against Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, in considering the COVID-19 outbreak as a force majeure, has decided to take the temporary measures for the Korean-flagged ships and seafarers. The Guidelines apply to all Korean-flagged ships, fishing vessels and seafarers who bear the certificates issued by the Republic of Korea until further guidance is provided.
When a ship, which is not able to undergo survey or audit due to the COVID-19, makes a request to extend the validity of the certificate in order to move to a place where survey or audit is possible, the government of the Republic of Korea will grant an extension for up to 3 to 6 months in accordance with the relevant International Convention standards. In order to prevent Korean-flagged vessels, which may not be able to comply with the requirements of International Conventions pertaining to crew changes, employment period and the validity of seafarers’ certificates due to COVID-19, from being subjected to unnecessary detention at foreign ports, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will provide an official letter requesting the Port Authority to cooperate, when requested by shipowners. Based on guidelines from Port State Control in the Asia-Pacific Region, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea has decided to conduct Port State Control inspections for foreign vessels calling at Korean ports by taking the pragmatic approach.