Ring-fencing goes live

Ring-fencing goes live

30 September 2017

Seafarers can now ring-fence most old and legacy tickets - for free - keeping them valid for life without the cost of moving into the new seafarer certification framework, SeaCert.

Changes to the seafarer certification rules come into force today (30 September) and allow more than 30 different tickets to be ring-fenced, enabling seafarers to continue using them to work domestically.

Seafarers can use an online tool to find out the options for their tickets and advise Maritime NZ what they want to do, at: www.maritimenz.govt.nz/ringfence

Seafarers have until 1 September 2017 to make a decision on ring-fencing. They can also choose to transition tickets to SeaCert – but must also notify Maritime NZ of this choice by1 September 2017.

It will not be possible to ring-fence tickets after this date. If seafarers take no action, their tickets will expire.

After seafarers have made their choices, Maritime NZ will send them a Verification of Status card confirming what tickets they have ring-fenced.

Seafarers are able to ring-fence any eligible old or legacy certificates they hold. Even if a ticket has previously expired, a seafarer can revive the ticket by requesting it be ring-fenced.

They will be able to continue using ring-fenced tickets to work, for life but need to have a medical certificate from any GP if they are using their ring-fenced tickets.

They will have two years from the date of issue of their Verification of Status card to get their first medical if they are actively working. Seafarers who want to start using their ring-fenced ticket more than two years after ring-fencing will need to get a medical certificate before they start work.

Medical certificates must be renewed every two years if a seafarer is continuing to work. If they are not working, seafarers do not need a medical certificate.

If seafarers have ring-fenced a ticket, they can also choose to move to a new SeaCert ticket at any time in the future. If they have transitioned an eligible ticket before 30 September 2016, they can now also choose to ring-fence the original legacy ticket.

Maritime NZ Director Keith Manch said the SeaCert framework provides seafarers with clear career pathways, and certificates that are recognised internationally, but-fencing would suit many seafarers – saving them up to $592 in transition costs.

“Ring-fencing has been introduced after we heard from industry that a lot of seafarers just want to keep doing what they are doing,” he said. “If you have old or legacy tickets it makes sense to ring-fence because it leaves all options open – you can choose to transition to a SeaCert ticket in the future if you decide that is what you want to do with your career.”

Seafarers can continue using their old or legacy tickets until 1 September 2017 but must either ring-fence, or tell Maritime NZ they plan to transition, by this date or the tickets will expire on 2 September 2017.

Advice for seafarers on what their options are is available on the Maritime NZ website at:www.maritimenz.govt.nz/ringfence, or by phoning: 0508 669 734.

© Scoop Media