C5.2.3.r. If a Maritime Labour Certificate expires during a voyage, can it be extended for a Iimited period?

Although the MLC, 2006 follows the ship inspection and certification system in the IMO Conventions on many matters, it did not have the same provision regarding the extension of an expired certificate. This means that shipowners will need to consider voyage planning in connection with the timing of renewal inspections. However, the 2016 amendments to the Code of the MLC, 2006, which entered into force on 8 January 2019, allow for an extension of the validity of Maritime Labour Certificates in one very specific case. According to Standard A5.1.3, paragraph 4, where, after a renewal inspection completed prior to the expiry of a Maritime Labour Certificate, the ship is found to continue to meet national laws and regulations or other measures implementing the requirements of the Convention, but a new certificate cannot immediately be issued to and made available on board that ship, the competent authority, or the recognized organization duly authorized for this purpose, may extend the validity of the certificate for a further period not exceeding five months from the expiry date of the existing certificate, and endorse the certificate accordingly. The new certificate shall be valid for a period not exceeding five years starting from the date provided for in Standard A5.1.3, paragraph 3.

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