A seafarer commences approved seagoing service, an approved education and training programme or an approved training course before 1 July 2013. Can the validity of any certificate issued extend beyond 1 January 2017?

No. 

STCW. 7/Circ.16 advises as follows: “For seafarers who commenced approved seagoing service, an approved education and training programme or an approved training course before 1 July 2013, the validity of any certificate issued should not extend beyond 1 January 2017, unless they meet the requirements of the 2010 Manila Amendments.”