The Verkhovna Rada adopted the draft law № 3944, which finally introduces international standards for the automatic extension of seamen's certification. The bill was supported by an absolute majority of deputies — 333 votes.
Thus, the extortion of levies will become a thing of the past, with which Ukrainian sailors regularly face.
"Today, the country has a problem with the examination, training of sailors and the issuance of qualification certificates. For a long time, there have been protests among sailors on these issues. The volume of corruptly ripped off sailors is approximately 100 million dollars per hour!, — said the author of the document, People's Deputy Ivan Shinkarenko.
The main innovations of the new law:
- The appointment of the captain and other members of the command staff will now take place in accordance with the International Convention on the Training and Certification of Seamen and Watchkeeping of 1978 (as amended).
- Reconfirmation of the diploma every 5 years is now possible without taking exams at the state qualification commission, provided the following requirements are met:
▪ the person is fit for work in courts due to his health;
▪ availability of valid certificates of approved compulsory training necessary for the diploma;
▪ presence of work experience on ships confirmed by the Maritime Administration or successful completion of an approved training course or courses, or completion of confirmed work experience on a ship with the performance of functions corresponding to the existing diploma for at least three months in a freelance position or in a command staff position, below that , which is provided by the current diploma, immediately before taking up the position for which this diploma is valid. - Mandatory certification every 5 years has also been canceled for work on tankers, provided:
▪ the presence of work experience on a ship, with the performance of functions in accordance with the received diploma or confirmation for a total of at least three months from the previous five years, or successful completion of an approved educational course or courses.
However, this law stipulates that it enters into force in 2022, and this means that the sailors will be "indicted" for another six months.
The Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov called the adoption of the bill "another important step in the fight against bureaucracy and corruption in the sphere of public services for seafarers."
"The practice of mandatory certification every 5 years is now a thing of the past - practical skills, qualifications and work experience will be the determining factors. The task of the Ministry — together with partners in the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Health and other state institutions, is to ensure the automation and verification of the data on the basis of which the seafarer receives re-certification." - he added.
