On the possibility of sailors traveling abroad

On 06.09.2022, on the official website of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Decree No. 992 of 02.09.2022 “On Amendments to the Rules for Crossing the State Border by Citizens of Ukraine” (hereinafter referred to as the “Resolution”) was published, which provides for the provision of male citizens of Ukraine aged from 18 to 60 years of age the right to cross the state border of Ukraine during the operation of martial law on the territory of Ukraine, if such persons are sent to work on sea vessels, inland navigation vessels as part of the crews of such vessels or to undergo practical training on ships.

List of documents required to cross the border

1. For cadets of educational institutions:

• seaman’s identity card;

• a certificate from an educational institution on sending a cadet for practical training on a vessel under the Ukrainian or foreign flag;

• military registration documents with marks of the corresponding territorial recruitment and social support center.

2. For seafarers as part of the crews of ships making voyages to/from the seaports of Ukraine:

• seaman’s identity card;

• crew list;

• confirmation from the Shipping Administration of receipt of copies of educational and qualification documents.

3. For other seafarers crossing the state border to board a ship abroad:

• seaman’s identity card;

• confirmation from the Shipping Administration of receipt of copies of educational and qualification documents;

• military registration documents with marks of the corresponding territorial recruitment and social support center;

• an employment contract for work on a sea vessel, inland navigation vessel or a letter from the shipowner, vessel operator on the intention to conclude an employment contract with a citizen of Ukraine for work on a sea vessel, inland navigation vessel.

The procedure for obtaining certain documents provided for by the Decree

The Shipping Administration is obliged to issue confirmation of receipt of copies of educational and qualification documents in any form signed by the Chairman of the Shipping Administration or his deputy within 2 (two) days from the date of receipt of certified copies of such documents from the seafarer.

After receiving copies of educational and qualification documents from the Shipping Administration, seafarers are obliged to personally inform the relevant territorial centers of recruitment and social support, where they are on military records, within 7 days, and obtain permission to leave their place of residence from the head of such a center for presentation to authorized officials of the State Border Service when crossing the border.

Seafarers can continuously stay abroad within the term of the employment contract.