Extension of the Seafarer's Passport in Ukraine

Obtaining a seafarer’s passport has become a serious problem for Ukrainian sailors, especially amid the ongoing military conflict. Many sailors are abroad, where they have received temporary protection, and cannot return to Ukraine for the in-person presence required to obtain a passport. Without a valid passport, it is impossible to go on a voyage, which deprives sailors of their income.

Some attempt to use the services of intermediaries (“helpers”) who offer illegal extensions of the seafarer’s passport in Ukraine. However, in most cases, such services lead to unfortunate consequences. These intermediaries offer to extend the seafarer’s passport without the need to return to Ukraine, but in practice, this often turns out to be a scam. “Fake” stamps about the extension are placed in the passport, which have no legal force.

This article will discuss the main problems faced by sailors, as well as the dangers associated with illegal passport extension schemes.

Official Procedure for Extending the Seafarer’s Passport

The seafarer’s passport in Ukraine can be extended once for a period of up to 5 years and only if there are empty pages left in the passport. The extension process is described on the official website of the Ukrainian Maritime Administration here. To extend the passport, the following documents must be provided:

A note from the shipowner or captain of the vessel.
Application for extension.
Original seafarer’s identity card.
Copy of the Ukrainian passport.
Photos sized 3.5×4.5 cm.
Maritime education documents or proof of employment.

The extension is free of charge, and although personal presence is not strictly required by law, it is strongly recommended.

Important Note: The seafarer’s passport can only be extended based on the note from the shipowner or captain, which must be submitted in strict accordance with the prescribed form. This document confirms that the seafarer is performing their duties on a specific vessel and, for this reason, requires an extension of their identity document. It is important to remember that without this document, an extension is impossible, even if all other documents are in order.

Risks of Using Illegal Services for Extending the Seafarer’s Passport

Due to the inability to be present in person because of the military conflict, some sailors resort to illegal intermediaries. These intermediaries often offer passport extension services without the need to return to Ukraine. However, this is associated with a high risk of receiving fake extension stamps. Sailors may not realize the forgery until they approach official authorities, such as the “Document” State Enterprise or the Maritime Administration. As a result, they may be denied the issuance of a foreign passport or other official operations.

Alternatives for Obtaining a Seafarer’s Passport Abroad

For sailors who cannot return to Ukraine, there is an alternative — obtaining a new seafarer’s passport in Poland. This is a legal and safe way to continue their career without exposing themselves and their documents to unnecessary risk.

In unofficial conversations, sailors joke that such stamps can be made by anyone, and one could even open an office for passport extensions, as they have no means to verify who among the officials signed the extension.