Over 1,000 seafarers capitalise on MARAD’s amnesty period

Hundreds of seafarers have regularised their certification in keeping with the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD’s) recent amnesty granted on June 24, 2022.
Within the one-month amnesty granted, MARAD reported that over 900 seafarers have been added to their registry, and over 1,000 have regularised their licences and discharge books.
The amnesty was granted by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on the eve of “Day of the Seafarer”, which was observed on June 25. At time of the amnesty announcement, MARAD’s Director General Stephen Thomas had said there were only about 300 registered seafarers in the database, DPI reported.
Some 1,058 seafarers took the opportunity to either renew or acquire a licence in a number of categories. These include Boat Master Grade 3 for speedboat, and Boat Master Grade 3 for general certificate of competency, bowman and river navigation.
Operators of all vessels are required to have certification based on the size and trading area of the vessel.
Regarding discharge books, 53 persons were able to get their books in order. The discharge book shows the record of the seafarer’s experience and certification.
The cost to acquire a licence ranges from $2,380 to $32,500, and the licence is valid for between three and five years, while the cost for a discharge book is about $11,440.
MARAD’s Director General had, back in June, stressed on the importance of seafarers being registered. He had said seafarers being in the system would allow MARAD to offer support and guidance, where necessary.