Checking the Status of Documents via DocStatus in the Ukrainian Maritime Administration (MORAD)
The electronic service DocStatus provided by the Ukrainian Maritime Administration (MORAD) offers seafarers a convenient way to track the status of their qualification documents. This is a significant improvement in maritime administration and qualification management. The process of obtaining qualification documents is organized through a series of steps, depending on how the application was submitted — via the “Diia” portal or other methods, such as by mail, through a representative, or in person.
When the application is submitted via the “Diia” portal:
- After submitting the application, the seafarer receives a notification about the decision. The decision is sent via email and is available in the personal account on the portal.
- Once the document is signed by the authorized person, the seafarer is notified by email and in the personal account on the portal. After this step, the following must occur:
- The result of the request in PDF format becomes available in the DocStatus system within 3-5 days after the electronic version of the document is posted on the portal.
- The availability of the PDF result in the DocStatus system indicates that the original document is ready.
When the application is submitted through other methods (in person, by mail, or through a representative):
- After the document is signed by the authorized person, the result of the request in PDF format appears in the DocStatus system within 3-5 days.
- The presence of the PDF result indicates that the original document is ready.
Collecting the Original Document:
In both cases, to collect the original document, the seafarer must take a ticket for the corresponding service from the electronic queue (“Diia” or offline at the terminal). The seafarer must then visit the Maritime Administration at the scheduled time.
This system streamlines the process of obtaining qualification documents for seafarers, ensuring transparency and prompt handling of applications.
Processing Times for Documents at the Maritime Administration (MORAD)
Within 5 days, the seafarer will receive confirmation via email whether their application was accepted or not. If accepted, the document will be ready within 10 business days from the submission date. If the application is not accepted, the reason for the rejection will be provided, and the process will need to be restarted, as stated by MORAD.
As of March 2024, the processing times for applications have been extended due to the high volume of requests for updating documents with QR codes.
Thus, the actual processing time for receiving confirmation or rejection is now 4-6 calendar weeks.
Crewing agencies have started to require document confirmation via MORAD for sending seafarers on voyages. Therefore, Ukrainian seafarers should proactively submit applications for updating or replacing documents with QR codes in advance.