Latest COVID-19 status regarding restrictions in Ports/Countries where Waypoint Port Services provide services.

ARGENTINA

General National regulation in force (DECNU-2020-274-APN-PTE) issued by the Argentine President:

• Starting March 16^th and for a period 15 days, Argentine borders are closed. Only nationals or residents can enter the country. This period can be modified at any time.
  • Individuals performing tasks involving foreign trade, transportation and aviation are excepted so long as they don’t present symptoms. That includes crew members of planes, ships, trains and/or trucks performing transportation of goods.
• Airport with restrictions.
• Spare Parts, Technical Repairs are still allowed.

National regulation in force specific to shipping (NO2020-17205422-APN-ESCO#PNA) issued by the Argentine Coast Guard following the President’s order above:

• Sanitary Authorities will have the prerogative to administer the implementation of the exceptions to the general regulation.
• Categories of vessels:
  • HIGH RISK: If proceeding from a Risk Area (listed below) or if crew temperature log is found abnormal, Sanitary Authorities will take all necessary precautions which could include quarantine of all crew and passengers.
  • LOW RISK: If vessel has over 14 days of navigation from last port or is proceeding from an area not listed as high risk and crew temperature log is normal, then operations will evolve NORMALLY AND WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS.
• In effect, Authorization to take pilots is only given with Free Pratique, and Free Pratique is only granted once vessel is considered LOW RISK by Sanitary Authorities.

Additional information:

• Sanitary Authorities upriver are trying to ensure operations run as smooth as possible for which they are showing a higher flexibility for vessels coming from Chile and Brazil. In Bahia Blanca and Necochea the regulation is being implemented in full force and the 14-day quarantine for ships proceeding from infested areas (including Brazil and Chile). A comment of ours, we have been told unofficially that Necochea and Bahia Blanca Sanitary Authorities will be instructed to follow the same rules as Upriver, therefore not imposing the 14-day time gap to ships proceeding from Brazil and Chile as longest their crew members are in good health.

Countries classified as risk areas: China, South Korea, Singapore, Iran, United States, Europe, Brazil and Chile.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

BANGLADESH

ON SIGNER need to bring COVID-19 free antibody certificate, on arrival at the airport within 72 hours after issuing from the home country’s authority.

OFF SIGNER must need COVID-19 free antibody certificate before leaving the airport. Once the report is negative, he could fly to his home town. Also, body temperature needs to be below 98 degree Fahrenheit.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +91 7304407453

BRAZIL

Following recommendations of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), on 24 June 2021, the federal government issued Ordinance 655, updating the exceptional and temporary restrictive measures for the entry of foreign nationals into the country. Procedures for crew changes have also been revised.

Novelties

The revised regulation included a procedure already provided for in ANVISA’s Technical Note 5/2021, which is the need for maritime crewmembers to provide proof of an RT-PCR test for COVID-19, with negative or undetectable results, performed 72 hours prior to joining the vessel or disembarking for repatriation.

Another novelty introduced by the revised Ordinance is the need for travellers who have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days but are asymptomatic and persistent with detectable RT-PCR testing. Travellers in this category will be allowed to enter Brazil upon presentation of i) two detectable RT-PCR results, with an interval of at least 14 days between them and the latter performed up to 72 hours before boarding at the airport of origin; ii) antigen test with a negative or undetectable result, after the last detectable RT-PCR report; and iii) medical report, issued in Portuguese, Spanish or English, certifying that the individual is asymptomatic and fit to travel. The report must contain the intended date of travel and the name and signature of the physician.

Exceptions

The temporary travel restrictions do not apply to:

• Brazilian nationals and foreign residents;
• Foreign professional on a mission at the service of an international organisation;
• Foreign employee accredited to the Brazilian government;
• Foreign spouse, partner, son, father, or curator of a Brazilian national;
• Foreign nationals whose entry is explicitly authorised by the Brazilian government in the public interest or for humanitarian reasons;
• Bearer of the National Migration Registry (RMN); and
• Cargo transportation by any means of conveyance

Crew change and shore leave

Restrictions do not apply to maritime crew changes and repatriations unless the seafarer has come from or passed through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, South Africa, and India within the last fourteen days, in which case they must undergo a 14-day quarantine in another country before entering Brazilian territory.

Off-signers: seafarers are allowed to disembark for medical care or repatriation related to operation issues or after the termination of their contract of employment, under the following conditions:

• A financial undertaking of the shipping agents bearing the costs incurred with the seafarers during their stay in Brazil;
• RT-PCR laboratory test for COVID-19 with a negative or inconclusive result performed not later than 72 hours prior to disembarking;
• ANVISA’s prior consent; and
• Presentation of the corresponding air tickets

On-signers: seafarers who arrive to work aboard vessels and platforms operating in Brazilian waters are exempt from the travel ban, as long as they meet the migratory requirements appropriate to status as a seafarer, including having an entry visa when necessary, and provide:

• A financial undertaking of the shipping agents bearing the costs incurred with the seafarers during their stay in Brazil;
• Digital or printed Traveller’s Health Declaration (Declaração de Saúde do Viajante – DSV)
• RT-PCR laboratory test for COVID-19 with a negative or inconclusive result performed not later than 72 hours prior to boarding at the airport of origin; and
• Prior consent from ANVISA

Shore leave: no shore leave is permitted, except for technical or operations reasons associated with the vessel’s operation.

Medical disembark: all seafarers are allowed to disembark for emergency medical or dental treatment upon medical recommendation and consent from ANVISA.

Vessel quarantine: if a crew member on board is COVID-19 positive, the entire crew must be tested and the vessel quarantined for 14 days, counted from the onset of symptoms or the positive test date. If other cases are detected while the quarantine is in progress, it will be started over. Those infected with COVID-19 must be quarantined in their cabins, following ANVISA protocols, and disembarkation will only be allowed for emergency medical assistance.

Ordinance 654 of 28 May 2021 has been revoked.

*Source: P & I – Proinde

For more information contact: [email protected] / +55 41 99604-8325

CANADA

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON CREW MEMBERS AND OTHER WORKERS

Transport Canada has issued a new Ship Safety Bulletin attached highlighting the essential nature of marine transportation services and clarifying the documentation requirements for seafarers who are travelling to Canada to join a ship’s crew.  More specifically, there are no travel restrictions on such individuals provided they are in possession of a seafarer’s identity document supplemented by a passport; or other seafarer documentation, including proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port, and a visa if required.
TC has sent this guidance to airlines, with a view to alleviating further confusion at international airports due to the imposition of inappropriate travel restrictions on seafarers travelling to join crews in Canada.  For our part, we have also shared this guidance with CBSA in order to ensure their officers have a full understanding of marine mode requirements.
Additional guidance on the ability of non-crew individuals such as technicians, surveyors, etc. to travel in order to do work on board ships is expected to be issued by Transport Canada within the coming days. 

SEAFARER HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Shipping Federation of Canda have developed a communique on the heath and well-being of seafarers, which is designed to address public misperceptions about the role of seafarers as vectors of COVID-19 transmission, with a view to discouraging the imposition of measures that significantly limit the ability of healthy seafarers to access shore leave.  The communique also highlights the essential role that seafarers play in delivering indispensable goods and supplies that will be crucial in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the consequent need to ensure their ongoing ability to perform these key activities.  We will be distributing this message to the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and other service providers over the coming days

Marine Crew Deemed Essential

• Transport Canada has now published a ship safety bulletin confirming that there is no restriction on shore leave and crew change for healthy crew members and requesting all ports, terminals and marine facilities in Canada to continue granting shore leave to seafarers. Full documentation:
  • Canada’s Ports are Open to International Trade
  • Shore Leave Access
  • Health Reporting Ships
  • Extending Validity of Canadian Marine Personnel Certificates.
• Transport Canada has also advised that this information has now been fully communicated to CBSA – which has set up its on COVID-19 working group to support the efficient flow of information to CBSA regions.
• 14-Day Quarantine Period:  TC confirmed that at this time, the department will not be implementing a 14-day quarantine period for vessels arriving in Canada. This decision is based on Canada’s assessment of risks (as informed by the Public Health Agency) and the need to support the fluidity of maritime transportation (carriage of vital goods to and from the country).
• Reporting Requirement for Sick Crew Members: TC stressed the requirement for the vessel/master to report any sick crew member via the PAIR report AND to also report anytime a crew member’s health situation changes after submission of the PAIR report – including when the ships is at anchor and at berth. 
• Seafarer Certificates: TC has put into place measures to automatically extend the validity of Canadian seafarers’ certificates for a 6 month period.
• Cruise Vessels: TC restated that the ban on cruise vessels – which is in effect at least until July 1 – applies to vessels carrying 500 people or more.  TC continues to investigate whether additional measures are needed with respect to smaller cruise vessels (less than 500 people) calling Canada during this same period (i.e. from the beginning of the cruise season to July 1).
• Other: TC stressed that Canada is not closing its doors to international trade and that Canadian ports remain open for business. The movement of goods is considered an essential service, and as such, there are exemptions in place for workers who are involved in this activity.  TC also acknowledged the efforts of international ship owners in implementing measures to ensure the safety of ship crews and citizens.
• Spare Parts delivery are allowed.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

CHILE

There is an approval for crew changes, in order to obtain this special waiver onsigners and offsigners must comply as following:

Onsigners:
– OK to Board (Invitation Letter), as usual, to be issue by the Agent with full details of each crew member and flights too.
– Once we have all the information before mentioned  we will inform our Foreign Ministry in order for them to send a pre-notice to the local Embassy as per Country needed.
– In the case that such Country does not count with a Chilean Embassy, we shall support your team in Chile with local Authorities.
– Once we have approval, the crew member needs to approach the Embassy office in order to obtain Visa Waiver, he will also need to arrive with our OKTB, a colored photo and a fingerprint will be requested once at the local office. 

Suggestions:
– As this is just the beginning we suggest to carry out this process with a good lead time.
– Regarding Port for crew change, we highly suggest using Valparaiso Bay for crewing services, which is only 2 hours away from Santiago International Airport. Note that all domestic flights to other Ports are restricted and highly demanded. 
– Other Ports near Santiago Airport are San Antonio (Anchorage not feasible, only alongside), Quintero Bay & Ventanas Port.
– If service is approved crew members must have with them at all times personal protection such as face masks, gloves and cleaning gel.

Offsigners:
– Off-signer must comply with a 14 day quarantine on board vessel from last foreign departure port. If he does not meet this requirement, he must complete the days on board or at a local Hotel until his fixed flight.

Additional Information:

The current Covid-19 Waiver (Crew Permission) will be granted only for crew members whose nationalities do not require a tourist visa in order to enter Chile. With this stated, the most common countries affected for crewing in Chile are: Philippine / India (read note below) / China (read note below) / Sri Lanka / Myanmar.

Notes:
– India & China have an exception, if they hold a US VISA (B1/B2) for at least 6 month validity we can request a special waiver for their entry as Crew.
– The Nationalities (Crew) that are most common to obtain a prompt Visa for entry to Chile are: USA / Peru / Spain / Russia / Ukraine / Poland / Croatia / Bulgaria / Greece / Indonesia / Turkey / Slovenia / Canada / Thailand.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

CHINA

• Foreigner crew change/visit is NOT available
• P.R Chinese crew change in some port suspended , and need case by case check/approval
• CTM arrangement and spare part delivery is available

For more information contact: [email protected] / +86 138 1755-9780

COLOMBIA

• Colombian Government has declared compulsory isolation in the country from next Tuesday march 24^th at 23:59 hrs, until Monday, April 13^th .
• Transport and logistics sectors, as well as, the imports of goods and all related to the production of food will remain active.
• Port operation for cargo carriers, remains in normal conditions just with some recommendations and a prohibition of crew changes and shore passes to crew until further notice.
• Harbor Master and Port Sanitary requires the following pre-arrival information/documents:
  • Maritime Health Declaration
  • Copy of Medical book register
  • Name of the crew member
  • Last city where the crew member was before embarking on the last 20 days.
  • Passport number.
• Port Sanitary requires update of the health of every crew member 96, 24, 12 and 6 hours before vessel´s arrival. In case that a crew member presents symptoms of the virus, the vessel will go to a designated anchorage area for quarantine for 14 days and a doctor will be assigned to follow up crew health and conditions.
• Crew Members are not allowed to go ashore unless they are going to check vessel drafts. If this is the case, they must wear in addition to their PPE the mask.
• Crew Changes are not allowed at any Colombian Port.
• It is also stated in the article 5 of the decree the “Suspension of domestic transportation by air”, it will only be allowed in the following cases: humanitarian emergency, transportation of cargo and merchandise, fortuitous case or force majeure. It is important to remark, that couriers are being affected by this measure, so consequently documents arrival to ports can be delayed.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

CURACAO

• The island of Curaçao intends to reopen without the need for quarantine on arrival on 1 July, , initially to visitors from the BES Islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba), The Netherlands and ‘some other countries from Western Europe.
• The total number of tourists on the island at any given time will be limited to 10,000.
• All visitors will be required to show proof of a coronavirus PCR test conducted at the passenger’s expense at least 2-3 days prior to travelling.
• They will also be required to complete a health and travel history declaration form.
• Facemasks and social distancing are to be required in public and mass events will not be conducted.

Additional info: Its necessary to apply for a special fly inn and fly out permit for signing on and off crew. This will take approx. 7 working days.
At the moment there is only one (1) weekly flight to and from Curacao. This is with KLM form Amsterdam. They fly every Tuesday AMS-Cur and every Wednesday CUR-AMS. There is a mandatory use of special transport regulations for incoming and outgoing crew to and from the ship/airport/ hotel/ immigration office. We need to use a mandatory hotel appointed by the government for quarantine to await the arrival of the ship or departure flight.

CYPRUS

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works announces that with effect as from 20^th June, 2020 all passenger who intent to travel to Cyprus are obliged, for disembarkation purposes, to carry the CyprusFlight Pass. For its acquisition passengers should in advance fill in electronically the documents needed which could be found in the electronic platform: https://www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy

On-Signers:

1) Copy of passport and seaman’s book.
2) Confirmed flight details.
3) The crew members arriving from countries belonging in category B and C (attached ) must remain in self-isolation for 14 days before entering  Cyprus. Also they must carry with them a certificate from a recognized center of negative coronavirus molecular test upon their arrival at Larnaca airport. The certificate must not be more than 72 hours before their arrival at Cyprus. The crew members arriving from countries belonging in category A no self-isolation for 14 days and coronavirus molecular test are needed.
4) All arriving crew members must fill online the Cyprus flight pass before their flight to Cyprus (attached).
5) For the crew members that arriving from countries belonging in categories B and C special approval from Cyprus shipping deputy ministry is need before their arrival in Cyprus.
6) For all non EU citizens crew members, entering visa can be arranged upon their arrival at airport.

Off-Signers:

1) Copy of passport and seaman’s book.
2) Confirmed flight details.
3) The sign off crew must fill in the attached health self declaration.
4) If the vessel did not dock at any port the last 14 days or docked only at ports of countries belonging to category A (attached ) no any special approval is requested from Cyprus shipping deputy ministry ,otherwise a special approval from the ministry is required.
5) Maximum duration of transit visa for sign off crew is 5 days. 6) The authorities may request the sign off crew to proceed with COVID -19 test (depends always on their decision).

Notes: For a special approval from Cyprus shipping deputy ministry for on signers or off signers we need all above requested informations (flight details, copy of passport/seamans book, etc.) at least 72 hrs (on working days ) before crew arrival or departure.

More Important Information:

• COVID-19 Destination Protocol
• Flight Card Countries

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

• Crew Changes are allowed during the state of emergency.
• Since Tuesday July 21st local authorities implemented a curfew due to the increase of cases of Covid-19.
• Dominican immigration authorities are requiring that the crew change request need to be requested 10 days in advance to complete the entire immigration formalities (including Passport Copies & Flight Details).
• In an effort to ensure a safe and efficient arrival to the country, local authorities implemented additional protocols at the airports / ports:
  • Upon arrival, all person will have their temperature checked at their arrival to Santo Domingo or embark/disembark the vessel.
  • If a crew/personnel registers a temperature above 100.6 °F degrees (38 °C) or presents any other symptoms, port authorities will administer a rapid COVID-19 test and initiate the protocols for isolation and treatment of the case.
  • In addition, airports and port terminals have established guidelines requiring social distancing as well as the mandatory use of face masks for employees and passengers.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

EGYPT

As from 1/7 Egyptian airports are open for international flights and crew changes are allow in all ports. Procedures for embarkation and disembarkation:

DOCUMENTS
– Copies of their passports
– Copies of their seaman books
– Flights for on signers – we shall provide ok2b
– Flights for off signers and confirmed e-tickets  

also to be provided by master
– Crew list signed stamped
– Maritime declaration of health
– List of port calls
– Vaccination list

VISA
Visa will be arranged on arrival however for some nationalities visa stands only for 48 hrs.
Due to not limited availability of flights, we will request from immigration for extension of their visa

Declaration form / no corona test
Declaration Form will be handed to crew before departure from the Airport to be submitted to quarantine dept on arrival Egypt. Local authorities / quarantine dept has the right to monitor their temperature at any point of the procedure. No corona virus test is required for the on signers and off signers crew.

Guidance for flights and possible delays:
On signers: to arrive Egypt well prior to the airport in order in order the formalities to be completed successfully and on time .
Off signers: *** It is not allowed to land any off-signers unless they have a negative PCR Test***
the need to be at least 6 hours prior their flight to the airport in order the formalities to be completed successfully and on time .

Quarantine Doctor:
Quarantine doctor will attend vessel in advance before the embarking or the disembarking of any person. we shall arrange same and coordinate with master accordingly.

As of August 15th all foreign travelers (not holding Egyptian citizenship) entering Egypt (whether by land, sea or air) will be require:
– A certificate confirming negative result of coronavirus test (using a PCR test) required.
– Test must be conducted within 72 hours of reaching Egyptian territory.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

GIBRALTAR

***Flights****
Due to recent changes in Covid restrictions in the UK, British Airways will only be working Fridays and Tuesdays (only twice weekly basis) to and from Gibraltar till early next month when it will be once again reviewed.  The new agreement is subject to changes.
*************

In continuation of Port Circular No 8 of 2020 (dated 5 April 2020), please note that Crew changes will be allowed by Gibraltar Port Authority subject to compliance with the following measures:-

Embarking

• OPL will now be allowed for embarking crew.
• Only designated hotels to be used where hotel stay is required. Details of hotels which can be used can be found below.
• Agent to arrange special transport provisions – transportation from Airport/Hotel to Port needs to be carried out in the ‘Dirty Vehicle’. Details of which can be found below.
• Agent’s launch crew to avoid close contact with embarking crew.
• All crewmen to be provided with FFP2/N95 quality masks to wear in transport or when moving around Gibraltar.

Disembarking

• OPL will now be allowed for disembarking crew.
• Disembarking crew to confirm ‘free of any symptoms’ for past 14 days – vessel’s master to provide official declaration.
• Agent to arrange special transport provisions – transportation from Port to Airport/Hotel needs to be carried out in the ‘Dirty Vehicle’. Details of which can be found below.
• Agent’s launch crew to avoid close contact with disembarking crew.
• Hotel stays are allowed for a maximum of 10 days. Details of hotels which can be used can be found below. All crewmen to be provided with FFP2/N95 quality masks to wear in transport or when moving around Gibraltar.

IMPORTANT

• If crew change involves overnight stay, transfer of such crew will be done in accordance with this protocol.
• A PCR swab will be taken at the hotel and agents are responsible to ensure that the hotel is forewarned that these crews must be treated as potentially infected, unless they cleared by a negative PCR test.
• The crew details sent to Civil Contingencies will be shared with the appropriate clinic and it will be their responsibility to ensure timely sampling and dispatch of the swab.
• Crew members must remain in self-isolation until cleared by the medical or public health authorities. / All crew members must remain in their rooms and be serviced with food there:
  • They must not be allowed to congregate physically, and must be in a room where contact can be made by Public Health Authorities.
  • All crewmen staying more than one night will be required to isolate until they receive a negative swab result.
  • They can then move around Gibraltar with a face mask (this must be of a N95 or FFP2 standard).
  • They MAY be swabbed DAILY for up to 5 days, as determined by the medical authorities, but this will be on an exceptional basis and only with prior warning.
  • If negative on the fifth day, they can move around with a face mask. If they have symptoms, or a positive swab result, then they will have to isolate for 10 days, and only be free if they have a negative swab at the end of that period.
  • At the end of the initial 5 day period they will be deemed to be integrated into the Gibraltar population, and be able to mix and move freely, until off or onboarded.
  • Please note that all crew members from super yachts will need to abide by this protocol with the difference that crew will be able to isolate onboard the yacht itself if this has the capacity to provide the safety requirement.member from super yachts will need to abide by this protocol with the difference that crew will be able to isolate onboard the yacht itself if this has the capacity to provide the safety requirements.

Following the publication of Port Circular the following guidance notes have been published:
Hotel stays are not conditioned to a minimum of 5 days, nor is there a maximum stay period.
Crew members are considered suspect cases which could be incubating. In which case they are required to stay isolated to their rooms.
On day 5 if tested negative the crew member can move around Gibraltar with an FFP2 or N95 mask (or better quality if available). They are confined to their rooms until then.
Stays under 5 days– in the case that a crew member is staying at an hotel for less than 5 days, a test will be conducted on day 1. There will be a requirement to conduct a second test between day 3 to 5, preferably nearest to the day of travel / embarkation (or unless directed otherwise by DPH). They are confined to their rooms until the day of travel / embarkation.
Short day stay – crew members who are accommodated temporarily at an hotel awaiting embarkation (no overnight stay) will be required to be isolated in a designated hotel area. Use of FFP2 / N95 masks and use of hand gel at all times is required. Crew members are not to mix with crew from different ships.
PCR test : Results will be available within 24 hours dependent on local lab workload.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

GREECE

Updated restrictions until 5-Aug-2021:

> Non EU – Non Schengen Nationals:

– Temporary refusal of entry in the country for NON EU – Non Schengen nationals but seamen are exempted from this measure as well as the permanent residents of the following countries: Australia, N. Macedonia, UAE, USA, UK, Israel, Canada, Belarus, Bahrain, New Zealand, S. Korea, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine,  Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Japan, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Jordan, Moldavia, Brunei, Kosovo, San Marino, Andorra, Vatican, Monaco.

> General instructions that apply for all travelers regarldess their nationality:

1. – Any travelers, regardless of their mean of arrival / departure to/from Greece, should fill in the online form PLF (Passenger Locator Form) prior to their arrival/departure.  The Airlines are obliged to check the above PLF (code QR) before passenger boards airplane and if it is not available then his boarding should be denied.  In case that any visitor arrives in Greece and does not hold the specific form then the Airlines are obliged to arrange his repatriation under their own responsibility covering all relevant expenses.

The link with further instructions and where they will submit all the details is  https://travel.gov.gr/#/  

***A valid PLF form with valid QR code is compulsory for entering country. Therefore, please be in contact with your travel agents / airline company in order to avoid any unnecessary costs / actions.***

A hardcopy (preferable) or electronic copy of the form should be available in order to present it to the Sanitary Officers / Police

2. – Travellers are allowed to enter country basis below:

A)  They have completed the vaccination for Covid-19 and carry with them the vaccination certificate in either English or French or German or Italian or Spanish or Russian language issued by a Public Authority from their home country  (stating their name as indicated in their passport, date of vaccination, type of vaccination and dose) and basis that 14 days have passed since their vaccination.

OR

B) They present a negative PCR test for Covid-19 (via an oral-pharyngeal or nasopharyngeal sample) which must be conducted 72 hrs prior their arrival in Greece or rapid test 48 hrs prior their arrival in Greece, and by designated laboratories of the Countries of origin or transit, or by public labs or Certified labs by National Authority of that Country.  Furthermore, apart from the result, they should carry with them a certification of the test’s result by a certified diagnostic center, in English language, which will include person’s name as in their passports, passport No or ID No.

OR 

C) They present an infection certificate or positive diagnosis by PCR or antigen (that will include their as in their passport) issued after 30 days from the first positive test result and is valid for 180 days (after first positive result), by designated laboratories of their Country or by public labs or Certified labs by National Authority of that Country,  in either English or French or German or Italian or Spanish or Russian language.

OR

D) They can present a Digital Covid-19 Certificate  (basis the relevant regulations in effect in EU countries), which includes information about the vaccination, last rapid or PCR tests etc.

For Russian permanent citizens both a negative 72 hrs PCR or 48 hrs rapid test is required regardless their vaccination as well as to be diagnosed negative during the compulsory PCR / rapid test that will be conducted in the entry points of the country.

The above apply also for underage (12 years and on).

– Keep in mind that all travelers should wear a protective mask in the airport areas for arrival and departure and during the flight, while the should also follow the instructions by the airport personnel.

During travelers’ stay in Greece, please note that they should follow all local instructions / protective measures, such as keeping the minimum safe distance as well as wearing masks in closed areas, crowded areas, etc.

In case above actions are not met, then Authorities in Greece can impose penalties of even 5000 EUR.  In view of this, please be in contact with your travel agent / airline for relevant arrangements and make sure to carry all the appropriate documentation upon arrival.

3. – Please keep in mind that Authorities at the designated entry points conduct rapid tests based on the sanitary algorithm and as indicated in the PLF from.  In case that a case is found positive, then the person will be quarantined for 10 days (or 7 days in case of 14 days vaccination) and a PCR test will be conducted one day prior the end of quarantine for its lifting.  Of course further instructions will be provided by Authorities / National Public Health Organization. 

Lastly, taxi / cabs are allowed to transport up to three people.

4. – The temporary restriction of all sea connections with Turkey (any cargo vessels are exempted from this restriction, in view of this crewchanges for vessels arriving from that country are not allowed).

Off-signers:

A negative Covid-19 test can be requested by Port / Immigration Authorities / Airlines so that crewmembers can sign off, unless a different instruction by Port Authorities. The PLF form  (see above) is required to be filled in and a copy of same is required for relevant formalities (but shall be re-confirmed on a case by case basis)

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

GUATEMALA / COSTA RICA / HONDURAS / EL SALVADOR / TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

• Crew Changes are not allowed.
• Spare Parts & CTMs can still be perform.
• Technical Repairs are allow by local technicians.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

HONG KONG

With effect from 20 February 2021 until further notice, the Government
designates Berth 4 of Government Dockyard at Stonecutters Island as the
designated pier for transferring signing-on/signing-off sea crew by pointto-
point transportation between airport and vessels. To ensure the
transferring operation smoothness, parties concerned shall follow the
below arrangements:

1. Agent shall apply to the Vessel Traffic Centre of the Marine Department for crew change 72 hours in advance;
2. Agent shall coordinate the arrival time of the transport coach and launch to the gate of Government Dockyard and the waters outside Government Dockyard respectively at the same time; Agent shall report the actual arrival time of the transport coach and launch and number of personnel (including crew and other personnel) to Fleet Operations Section through telephone 23073685/94678595 or VHF radio telephone CH.13. The coach and launch concerned shall not enter the Government Dockyard without permission;
3. The coach driver must identify himself/herself to the security guard at the gate of Government Dockyard. With the permission of the security guard, the security guard will lead the transport coach to Berth 4. The signing-on/signing-off crew and other personnel concerned shall board the launch immediately after disembarking from the coach and cannot stay in the dockyard area;
   [Note: The security guard will only allow the transport coach to enter the Government Dockyard when the launch arrives.]
4. When launch arrives at the waters outside the Government Dockyard at Stonecutters Island, the launch master shall report to Fleet Operations Section by telephone 23073685/94678595 or VHF radio telephone CH.13. Launch will only be allowed to enter the Government Dockyard with the permission of the Fleet Operations Section (location of Berth 4 please see Annex 1 to Annex 3). The crews and other personnel concerned shall board the coach immediately after landing from the launch and cannot stay in the dockyard area;
   [Note: The Fleet Operations Section will only allow the transport launch to enter the Government Dockyard until the coach arrives.]
5. The launch and coach concerned shall leave the Government Dockyard immediately after the crew and other personnel have boarded coach/launch.

Complete Letter from the Department of Health with procedures of use of government dock yard for crew change: Exemption Conditions Applicable to Crew Change for Good Vessels visiting Hong Kong. ***Updated – Jun 15th***

For more information contact: [email protected] / +852 9728 3001

INDIA

Latest Update from DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, MUMBAI > Subject: Maritime Advisory on sign-off of seafarers during second wave of COVID-19. **Updated May 8th**

• As per the latest communication from the Indian Government, it is now allow for foreign crew to embark on ships at India ports. Together with previous notifications, now foreign crew can Sign-On & Sign-Off at Indian Ports.
• Indian crew has been allowed to Sign-On & Sign-Off since July.
• SOP from DG Shipping for repatriation of foreign seafarers from Indian ports > Click Here.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +91 7304407453

INDONESIA

CREW CHANGE PROCEDURE

SIGN-ON

• Have a valid visa type B211A (E-visa).
• Must provide valid PCR test result and Health Certificate taken for a maximum period of 2 x 24 hours at the country of origin prior to the time of departure, which shall be presented upon arrival.
• Must-Have a Vaccination Card / Certificate (proof of being Covid-19 vaccinated) completed dose.
• Once arrive at Jakarta Airport (CGK) crew must undergo PCR, then they can continue to go to The Quarantine Hotel.  They must undergo 5 (Five) days of Quarantine and undergo PCR Test on the Fourth Day of Quarantine at Quarantine Hotel.

SIGN OFF

• Foreign Off Signer must hold e-ticket at least 1 (working) day before they disembarked, as required to arrange exit permit formalities (EPO). Otherwise, Immigration will not process the formalities.
• Must undergo 5 (five) days of Quarantine and 2 (two) times of PCR on the first and fourth Day of Quarantine.
• Off-signers must-have statement letter for completion of their employment contract

NOTE: Please be informed that every port in Indonesia has its specific regulation.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +62 8 1865 3310

JAPAN

For On-signers (not required to take a visa)
JPN government will request below nationality crew members to provide COVID-19 negative certificate at the arrival airport which the result of COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before travel to Japan.

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*On-signers must take test to confirm result of COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hrs prior departing from their country.
*On-signer must have original hard copy of COVID negative certificate upon arrival at airport and to be submitted to immigration office in airport.

Asia
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines

North America
Canada, United States of America

Latin America and the Caribbean
Argentine, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

Europe
Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyz, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican

Middle East
Afghanistan, Bahrain, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates

Africa
Algeria, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central Africa, Comoros, Cote d’lvoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Negative COVID-19 test result conducted within 72 hours of the departure time is required.
·  This format (Word)<https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/E7oLC6WBmCMml3MtpZk8s?domain=mofa.go.jp> filled and signed by a medical institution is considered to be valid. So, in principle, please use this format.
·  If the applicant cannot find a medical institution which accepts the above mentioned format, a document in an optional format with all the required information in English is acceptable, though omitting any of the information listed in below may result in denial of permission to entry into Japan in accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

(1) personal information of an applicant (name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, sex)
(2) proof of authenticity of the COVID-19 test result (test method (only limited to the test method mentioned in the format), test result, date (and time) of sampling, date of test result, date of issuance of the certificate)
(3) information of a medical institution(the name and address of a medical institution /the name of a doctor/stamp seal(or sign by doctor))

—————————————————————————————————–

-: COVID test (ANTIGEN TEST) will be carried out by Quarantine officer upon arrival at airport.
-: Arrival crews needs to be Quarantined at authorized accommodation till confirmed the result(Normally 3 -5 hours or if retest next day)
-: Once confirmed negative(No COVID-19 holder), crews will be released and able to connect to vessel.
(Further hotel accommodation use and/or public transportation use should be avoided, only agent car escorting and direct connection to the vessel is recommended) 

In case next port is China within 14 days, additional PCR test at clinic approved by Chinese government for joining crew needs to be carried out  72h before joining the vessel.

For Off-signers
Vessel must be at sea for at least 14 days after leaving above listed port before entering Japanese ports.
In this case, it might be possible for the port agent to issue shore passes (landing permits) for off signers.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

MALAYSIA

As announced by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia on 11^th January 2021, the Government has imposed a Movement Control Order (MCO) in the states of Penang, Selangor, Federal Territory (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan), Melaka, Johor & Sabah effective from 13 until 26 January 2021 & Kelantan was subsequently placed  under MCO beginning 16^th January. However as announced by Senior Minister of Malaysia on 19^th January 2021, the Government has imposed a Movement Control Order (MCO) in all states except for Sarawak effective from 22^nd January 2021 until 04^th February 2021 in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus.

Crew change procedure @ Pasir Gudang & Kuantan as follows:  

Joiners

1. Vessel need to be cleared inward clearance with local Authorities.
2. Crew need to arrange Covid19 PCR test at home country, prior flight to Malaysia.
3. Owner to advise flight details to agent and we will apply for LG from Immigration.
4. Crew then arrive KLIA, meet with our representatives in KLIA Airport and crews undergo to quarantine for 10 days.
5. In day 8 quarantine, there have 2^nd swap test (If results come back negative)
6. Crew are allowed to join ship vessel at Pasir Gudang/Kuantan.

Off Signer

1. Vessel need to be cleared inward clearance with local Authorities.
2. We will then arrange local doctor for the Covid19 PCR test onboard.
3. After received result (If results come back negative), we will bring crew for formalities to quarantine centre. At this point we need flight ticket details about 11 days ahead.
4  Once all formalities cleared, crew will head up to Quarantine Hotel for 10 days.
5. In day 8 quarantine, there have 2^nd swap test (If results come back negative).
6. Crew are allowed to perform Sign Off formalities and flight back to home country.

Remarks :
=======

– LOG can be obtained once vessel cleared Inward clearance.
– Crew must have LOG in hand prior arrival in KLIA Airport. Without LOG, crew cannot pass the Immigration Counter.
– Harbour master will closed operation from 0001H-0800H every day.
– Port Health allowed sign on/off formalities from 0900H-2200H.
– Immigration Sign Off formalities can be done during office hour only (Special Pass Required).
– If weekend we need notice 2 days in advance in order to inform Highest Immigration / Highest Officer only can issue Special Pass. (Johor State Authorities Weekend Change To Friday And Saturday Effective On 01.01.2014).
– Above regulation/procedure is subjected by our government, may have changes from time to time.

In order to  perform crew change (On/Off) activities at Pasir Gudang/Kuantan for vessel port stay not less than 20 days in order for us to have sufficient time to obtain LOG, Quarantine (10 Days), Covid19 PCR Test for Offsigner before disembarking as per requirements from our local Authorities.

PORT KLANG & TANJUNG PELEPAS

LOG can be issued prior to vessel’s arrival at the moment, as such on-signers can arrive to commence on 10 days quarantine.

Vessel has to call for cargo operations at Port Klang, for Tanjung Pelepas we can arrange full agency for vessel to anchor at Kukup anchorage to carry out crew change (subject to space availability).

Details/documents required

For on-signers (all docs required to apply for LOG):

1. Copy passport & seaman book
2. Flight Ticket Details 
3. Crew list
4. Voyage Memo / Last 10 ports of call
5. Health Declaration Form (from vessel)
6. Safe Manning Certificate
7. A copy of the letter of employment from the Principal
8. Crew must fill up and complete the Health Declaration form for Marine Department (declaring crew to be free from Covid-19). Form will be provided by Agent. This form must be hand carried by the joining crew.
9. Crew must download and Install the MySejahtera application on their mobile (this enables the Health Authorities to monitor the crew’s movement and contact tracing).
10. All joining officers and engineers must hand carry their valid COC/CRA as per vessel’s flag.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure that the crew change is in compliance with the Safe Manning Certificate of the vessel as this is being monitored by Local Authorities.

For off-signers:

1. Copy passport & seaman book
2. Crew list
3. Voyage memo
4. SSCEC
5. Safe manning cert
6. Maritime Declaration of Health
7. Electronic air ticket to home country as per the crew’s passport.
   i. To issue once approval granted by authorities.
   ii. Required to issue direct flight to home country only, with no transit in between.
8. An undertaking by the Principal (by e-mail) that the crew member will not face any difficulty whilst travelling through transit airport and the airport at his final destination.
9. Temperature log of last 14 days for the signing off crew
10. Crew must download and Install the MySejahtera application on their mobile (this enables the Health Authorities to monitor the crew’s movement and contact tracing).
11. All joining officers and engineers must hand carry their valid COC/CRA as per vessel’s flag.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure that the crew change is in compliance with the Safe Manning Certificate of the vessel as this is being monitored by Local Authorities.

Full documentation from the Ports: Johor Port – Northport

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

MALDIVES

COVID-19 HEALTH SCREENING AND CLEARANCE  

ON-SIGNERS: Allcrew members arriving by air in to the Maldives for sign-on to a vessel are required to Present COVID-19 Negative PCR and Test the result issued not more than 72hrs prior to departure, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives. Note that On-signers will not have to complete any quarantine period or they will not be isolated. They can stay in a hotels or to the vessel directly from the airport. There is no restriction for any nationalities. Please remind to send the following document to us in advance (at least 48 hours prior to arrival time) to arrange a crew visa and sponsorship:
1. Arrival Ticket copy
2. Seaman book copy
3. Passport copy
4- Crew Health Declaration form
5-  Sign-On Crew Passenger Details 

OFF-SIGNERS: Off-signers will not have to complete any quarantine period or they will not be isolated after sign-off from the vessel. They can travel to hotels or to the airport directly from the vessel. Off- Signers will get 7 days’ time to leave from the country after sign-off from the vessel. But this period can be extended if there is no flight available or flight postponed/Cancelled. The agent will need following documents to arrange sign-off:
1. Departure ticket copy
2. Passport copy
3. Sign Off Crew Passenger Details 

For more information contact: [email protected] / +91 7304407453

MALTA

• Crew members coming from safe countries (below list) there are no restrictions.
• Crew members coming from safe countries marked in red (below list) they need to provide negative PCR test 72-48 hours prior arrival.
• Crew members coming from countries not in the list needs to provide negative PCR test 72-48 hours prior arrival and will have to remain in quarantine during their stay in Malta until their vessel arrives. Once their vessels arrives they will be allowed to embark where they should continue the remaining days of quarantine onboard. Off signers need to stay in quarantine during their stay in Malta while waiting for their flight.

1. The travel of persons employed as crew on board sea going ships for repatriation and change of crew is considered as necessary and essential and an exemption, in terms of Legal Notice 244 of 2020, as amended, may be granted for crew members to join ships at Maltese Ports and Anchorages.
2. Crew changes for persons originating from countries listed in LN 244 of 2020, as amended are subject to the requirements as applicable to other travelers in line:
   • Standard Operating Procedure for Public Health Travel Declaration Forms
   • Standard Operating Procedure for Passenger Locator Forms
3. Crew changes from other countries are permitted subject to compliance with following:
   • Submission of forms as applicable in para 2.
   • Seafarers (crew) intending to join a ship in Malta be tested for the presence of the COVID-19 virus in an accredited laboratory, 48-72 hours prior to their travelling to Malta.
   • Negative results and clean bill of health to be forwarded to the Port Health Medic on [email protected] and copied to [email protected] for approval and following which travel to Malta will be permitted. Results not in the English language are to be accompanied by a translation and certified by the Embassy.
   • Clearance by the Port Health Medic is to be attached to the Public Health Travel Declaration Form and presented to the check in desk on departure.
   • Masks/Visors are to be worn by the passenger during the flight, at the Malta International Airport and during transport.
   • Upon arrival, crew members are to be picked up by company representative and proceed directly to the vessel, where they are to remain in isolation for 14 full days.
   • In the case that crew must wait for a number of hours for the arrival of the vessel they are to proceed directly to a temporary accommodation and stay in isolation until they are transferred onto vessel. Location is to be communicated to the Port Health Medic and copied to [email protected].
   • Crew joining a vessel which is to remain in any Maltese Port are to be admitted directly into quarantine for 14 full days in isolation and tested for the presence of the COVID 19 virus on their 13th day of quarantine. Test result is to be communicated to the Port Health Medic.
   • On arrival of the new crew members on-board, the relieved seafarers would proceed directly to the airport to take their outbound flight or to self-isolation until they are due to take their outbound flight.
   • PPEs and other precautionary measures as required by Health Authorities to be complied with throughout the whole passage.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

MARTINIQUE & GUADELOUPE

• Only cargo vessels (containers, tankers, bulk) are authorized to proceed alongside inner Ports of Martinique & Guadeloupe subject to the approval of the Port Authorities after checking the status of the Maritime Health declaration which must be transmitted to the agent on daily basis. Also, the crew list must contain the date and place of embarkation for all crew members.
• A strict 15-day lock-down decided by the French government requiring people in French islands to remain at home came into effect since 17^th/03 at noon.
• All vessels alongside must take all necessary actions to protect the crew members and avoid contact with the Terminal staff.
• During this time it cannot be guarantee the feasibility of usual services (crew change, transportation, CTM, spare parts delivery, etc….) because of the 15-day lock-down decided by the French government.
• Pilotage: no movement (anchorage, berthing/unberthing) is possible between 00.01 LT and 04.00 LT – possible delay due to minimum service staff for the port traffic.
• While alongside, the crew members must remain on board or are only authorized to remain closed to the ship for ops reasons.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

MEXICO

Altamira/Tampico (Nearest airport TAM)

Joiners:
They have to arrive to Altamira / Tampico and stay isolated by 7 days in a hotel, after that  time they have to take COVID19 test and await for results (may take 3 days) after received results and if all OK, a written authorization will be issued. Finally and before go onboard (maximum 12 hours) joiners must visit a doctor for a general revision.

Leavers:
It is only required to get authorization a 7 day temperature log for off signers, show maritime health declaration and passport copy.

Veracruz (Nearest airport VER)

Leavers:
– Accredit the free practique
– To present the Maritime Declaration of Health, signed and stamped by the captain.
– Deliver a document indicating that the crew has completed 3 days on board, not visiting the port, the minimum of contact has been maintained by personnel external to the ship,  signed and stamped by the captain.
– Deliver a request (document) of  change / disembark directed to the International  Health Department.
– Crew list (and passengers if there are) that disembark, copy of valid ID.
– Record of crew temperatures during the 3 days before to disembark, 2 times daily, with a 12-hour lapse, signed and stamped by the captain.
– Deliver program travel, itinerary including dates and times of trave.

Joiners:
– Deliver a request (document) of change / embark directed to the International Health Department.
– Crew list (and passengers if there are) that embark, copy of valid ID.
– Deliver program travel, itinerary including dates and times of travel with calls.
– Stay in a hotel for 3 days before on arrival, complete a document with the crew temperatures during the 3 days before to embark, 2 times daily, with a 12-hour lapse, signed and stamped by authorized personnel.
– Implement all personal health and safety measures recommended by the secretary of health during the travel, to avoid contact with personnel outside the embark.
– Present covid test 24 hours prior to embark, by a certified laboratory.
If the covid test is positive, the crew member must be confined in a hotel for 15 days, and re-test the covid until the result is negative.

Topolobampo (Nearest airport LMM)

1. First, all On signers need to pass thru a medical examination at local Airport, performed by the Sanitary authority., If they are OK and pass the physical examination, they are allowed to follow with immigration formalities and then to the vessel. In additional, the Authority is requesting the following:
   • Medical certificate duly signed and stamped by the Company informing the good healthy condition the crew-member.
   • COVID19 Test report with at least 5 days prior arriving to Mexico city Airport.
   • Letter to the Local Authorities informing regarding crew change, signed by the Company informing all crew-member are in good health conditions.
   • Letter of the crewmember informing that he is in good health conditions and if he has been in contact with any person with COVID19 symptoms recently.
   • All transportations must be done from Airport – Immigration to Hotel or to Vessel directly, but never to Agent´s offices between it, due to COVID 19 countermeasures.

2. A medical check will be required when they land in Mexico, at least in Los Mochis Airport (LMM), a medical team will waiting for them, prior advising of the Agent, in order to perform them a physical check to all of them.

3. All crew-members that try to entry to Mexico, needs a Mexican visa or at least a US Visa and seaman books in order the immigration authority allow the entry to our country.

4. The vessel can sail without a clear departure flight of the off-signers. But please note that due to covid-19 measures, all the Hotels are at 30% of the capacity working only, so, enough rooms or Hotel accommodation are not warranty in this point.

5. Medical & Immigration requirements for the off-signers:Medical certificate duly signed and stamped by the Company (Or Master) informing the good healthy condition the crew-member:

• Letter to the Local Authorities informing regarding crew change, signed by the Company or Master.
• Letter of the crew-member informing that he is in good health conditions and if he has been in contact with any person with COVID-19 symptoms recently.

D) A Medical team will perform a physical test before to allow them the disembark.

E) All transportation must be done from vessel to Immigration to Airport or Hotel to Airport, but never to Agent´s offices between it, due to COVID19 countermeasures.

Lázaro Cárdenas (Nearest airport LZC)

On signers to be received, 

• Minimum 2 working days fully informaiton.
• General Medical Certificate stating in good health conditions: No cough, no fever, etc.not necesary to specify “negative Covid-19”
• Color copy: passport, Seamanbook, USA visa.
• Full Itinerary.
• Local airport not working now, they may  arrive to the nearest Intl Airport “ Ixtapa Zihuatanjo” which is 120 km far by land driving.
• Crew should proceed directly to vsl (no hotel accomodation),
• Free practique

Off signers:

• Color copy:Passport /seamanbook /(usa visa in case needed it.)
• Check up by health doctor.
• They can travel to Ixtapa-zihuatanejo intl airport, same cost as above stated, or may travel by land to mex city intl airport “Benito Juarez”.

Salina Cruz (Nearest Airport HUX)

Onsigners; US valid visa, passport and seaman’s book

Offsigners: Passport and seaman’s book.

Guaymas (Nearest Airport HMO)

Onsigners: US valid visa, passport and seaman’s book

Offsigners: Passport and seaman’s book.

Mazatlán  (Nearest Airport MZT)

On-signers: US valid visa, passport and seaman’s book

Off-signers: Passport and seaman’s book.

– Information from the MX Health Authority on Crew Changes.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

MOROCCO

• Moroccan ports are all open for business but restricted to cargo operations only.
• The country is on a full lockdown and crew changes or supplies are not allowed.
• Tangier Med anchorage is open for bunkering activities but launch services are not allowed

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

PERU

• Crew Changes are not allowed.
• Airport with restrictions.
• Spare Parts, Technical Repairs are still allowed.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

PORTUGAL

• Disembarks only allowed in force majeure situations requiring a valid reason for the disembark.
• Embarks only with origin in airports outside the risk area and on arrival if any suspicious the crewmember will not be allowed to embark and may stay in quarantine.
• Crew Change Procedure:
  • Declaration stating the crew member is Covid 19 negative.
  • Crew member’s passport and seaman’s book copies.
  • Flight itinerary.
  • Ship’s maritime declaration of health+copy of SSEC is compulsory and included on ship’s isps pre/arrivals as usually.
  • On/signers seafarers must hold  valid Shegen visa , no chance to obtain upon arrival.
  • Off/signers is possible to get transit visa when they are travelling to them origin countries.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

PHILIPPINES

**IMPOSITION OF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVELERS FROM INDONESIA** July 15th

• All arriving passengers, regardless of origin, shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine upon arrival for Five (5) days;
• All arriving passengers shall present a pre-booked accommodation for at least seven (7) nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility at the Immigration Counters for initial check. Failure to present pre-booked accommodation shall be denied entry and shall be boarded immediately in the next available flight;
• All arriving passengers who undergone Five (5) days facility-based quarantine will be subjected to RT-PCR Testing on their Sixth (6th) day and will be released upon Negative result is given on the Seventh (7th) day.
• Both Filipino and Foreign seafarers are allowed to disembark in any of the established crew change hubs, notwithstanding the recorded port of calls of their ships, subject to the existing protocols of the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for Seafarers;
• Both Filipino and Foreign disembarking seafarers shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine for Five (5) days;
• Both Filipino and Foreign disembarking seafarers who undergone Five (5) days facility-based quarantine will be subjected to RT-PCR Testing on their Sixth (6th) day and will be released upon Negative result is given on the Seventh (7th) day.

CREW CHANGE GUIDELINES AT MANILA

FOR FILIPINO SEAFARERS

• Joining/Off Signing is allowed = Please see restrictions
• Joining Filipino Crew = Present COVID-19 Negative Test result 72 hours before boarding the vessel
• Off Signing Filipino Crew = Confirmed Bookings of Quarantine Facility, Accredited Testing Facility for RT-PCR swab test. Crew will stay at Quarantine Facility until Negative result is acquired and allowed to go home. (To be facilitated by Local Manning Agency)

FOR FOREIGN SEAFARERS

• Joining/Off Signing is allowed = Please see restrictions
• Joining Foreign Crew = 9C Visa is required by Bureau of Immigration before arriving the country. Confirmed Booking of Quarantine Facility, Accredited Testing Facility for RT-PCR swab test. Crew will stay at Quarantine Facility for at least 7 days until Negative result is acquired and allowed to board the vessel. (To be facilitated by Local Shipping Agent)
• Off Signing Crew = Confirmed Booking of Quarantine Facility, Accredited Testing Facility for RT-PCR swab test. Crew will stay at Quarantine Facility for at least 7 days until Negative result is acquired and allowed to be repatriated. (To be facilitated by Local Shipping Agent)

For more information contact: [email protected] / +65 9645 6819

SINGAPORE

Crew Change

————————————————————————————————————————————————-
***COVID-19 PROTOCOL ON CREW CHANGE AND REPATRIATION OF SEAFARERS*** (New Version – May 7th)

————————————————————————————————————————————————

Maritime Port Authority of Singapore

1) ENHANCEMENTS TO CREW CHANGE FOR CARGO SHIPS IN THE PORT OF
SINGAPORE. (PMC N°38)

2) BEST PRACTICES FOR SINGAPORE-REGISTERED SHIPS TO MINIMISE RISK OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) ON BOARD.

3) CREW CHANGE FOR CARGO SHIPS IN THE PORT OF SINGAPORE.

4) ADVISORY FOR SHORE PERSONNEL AND SHIP CREW VISITING OR WORKING ONBOARD VESSELS ALONGSIDE WHARVES, IN SHIPYARDS AND AT ANCHORAGES.

5) PROHIBITION OF CREW CHANGE IN SINGAPORE FOR CREW WITH RECENT TRAVEL HISTORY TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SOUTH AFRICA.

6) REQUIREMENTS FOR SHORE-BASED PERSONNEL BOARDING VESSELS AT ANCHORAGES, SHIPYARDS, TERMINALS AND MARINAS, IN THE PORT OF SINGAPORE.

7) ICA List of Countries for SHN & SWAB Requirement.

8) Singapore Shipping Association – NOTICE FOR STRICT ADHERENCE FOR CREW CHANGE PROTOCOLS FOR SAFE CREW CHANGE IN SINGAPORE.

9) UPDATED REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGN-OFF CREW FROM OCEAN-GOING CARGO SHIPS THAT REQUIRE COVID-19 PRE-DEPARTURE TESTING IN SINGAPORE

10) PROHIBITION OF CREW CHANGE IN SINGAPORE FOR CREW WITH RECENT TRAVEL HISTORY TO INDIA

11) PROHIBITION OF CREW CHANGE IN SINGAPORE FOR CREW WITH RECENT TRAVEL HISTORY TO BANGLADESH, NEPAL, PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA

12) PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR SHIP REPAIR CALLS OR CONTACT OPS IN SHIPYARD/PROCESS TERMINALS/MARINE & PROCESS WATERFRONT FACILITIES IN PORT OF SINGAPORE.

13) ENHANCEMENTS TO CREW CHANGE FOR CARGO SHIPS IN THE PORT OF SINGAPORE.

PSA Notifications

1) ENHANCED SAFE MANAGEMENT MEASURES AT PSA SINGAPORE TERMINALS – CONTACTLESS (SEGREGATED) CARGO OPS

SSA Notifications

1) Crew Change in Singapore > Note from SSA Executive Director, Mr. Michael Phoon

2) Comprehensive FAQ regarding SEAVAX > Link to FAQ

3) Guidebook on Seafarers Vaccination in the Port of Singapore > Link to Guidebook

ASA Press Release

1) Asia, Support Crew Changes to Save Our Seafarers

From 24 Jan 11.59pm, all travellers, including Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, must take a Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Singapore. Travellers should register and pre-pay for their on-arrival Covid-19 PCR test before departing for Singapore. Existing stay-home notice requirements will continue to be in place.

Travellers may visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s website for the latest information on travelling to Singapore.

Travellers should also check with their airlines or the embassy/high-commission of their destination country for the latest travel advisory before their flights. 

Travellers on the Residence Track between Singapore and Japan may visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information.  

The latest updates on the Covid-19 situation in Singapore, can be found on the Ministry of Health website.

With effect from 31 January 2021, 2359 hours, all short-term visitors entering Singapore will need to have travel insurance for their COVID-19-related medical treatment and hospitalisation costs in Singapore. For more information, click here – https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/travelinsurance

For more information please visit : https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19

(*) Source: Ministry of Health / Immigration & Checkpoint Authority / MPA Singapore

For more information contact: [email protected] / +65 9645 6819

SOUTH AFRICA

– Government Notices N°846 > 31-Jul-2020

• South African Government has imposed the following measures:
  • Travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and China with effect from March 18th.
  • Travelers from medium-risk countries, such as Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore, will be required to undergo high intensity screening, including self-quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days.
• In direct relation to the above and to Crew Changes, as from March 18th:
  • All sea cruises undertaken by cruise liner vessels into and out of any seaport within South Africa must be terminated until further notice.
  • The sign-on of crew from high-risk and medium-risk countries for commercial vessels will not be permitted.
  • The sign-off of crew from vessel arriving from high-risk and medium-risk countries into any seaport in South Africa within the incubation period of covid-19 will not be permitted.
  • Applications for Off Port Limits for services to be rendered on board vessels will be thoroughly assessed before permission is granted.
  • Applications for Off Port Limits for crew changes will not be permitted.
  • The above will not apply to MEDAVACS for medical emergencies, provided that all the necessary port and clinical protocols are adhered to.
  • No vessel arriving from an international port must be brought into any seaport in South Africa, unless such has been communicated with Port Health.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

SOUTH KOREA

Foreign COVID-19 patients in South Korea should bear their costs of hospitalization and treatment at least in part or the total amount of costs based on the principle of diplomatic reciprocity from 0001LT 24^th/Aug.
If a person who violates COVID19 prevention measures is confirmed to be COVID19, he/she shall pay the full amount of hospital treatment expenses (KCDC conference) from 0001LT 17^th/Aug.

SIGN ON :

* Please be advised that “all seafarers regardless of nationality (It will be in effect from 24th/July.)” departing from their country (except Korean Passport Holders) travelling to and transiting in South Korea will be required to submit the certificate issued from accredited hospitals designated by Korean embassy within 48 hours before departure indicating that they have been tested negative for COVID-19 on a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

Recently, there have been many cases in which COVID-19 has been confirmed among seafarers who entered Korea. Therefore, the South Korean government announced that visa-free entry of seafarers will be suspended from July 24, 2020 (Friday).
From July 24, 2020 (Friday), Seafarers who plan to enter Korea through airplane or vessel for the purpose of joining a vessel which is anchored or to be anchored in Korea must secure a visa prior to entry.

* Exempted countries : USA, Guyana, Malta, Ireland, UK, Nicaragua, Dominican Federation, Mexico, Barbados, Venezuela, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guam, New Caledonia, Palau, Monaco, Vatican, San Marino, Andorra, Albania, Slovenia

List of requirements: Visa Application Form, Original Passport, Copy of Passport bio-page, Proof of Seafarer Status (ex. Seaman’s Book), Vessel’s Certificate of Registry, Employment Contract, Notice of Scheduled entry and departure, COVID 19 related medical certificate, Medical certificate.

Processing period: It takes 14 working days to get a Korean visa at the embassy because the regulation has been strengthened caused by COVID-19.

1) In case of on signers, they must stay at the isolation facility for 14 days mandatory assigned randomly by government office due to COVID- 19 after they have arrived at Incheon airport as per government guidance.
2) All crew will be transferred from Airport to Government facility under Government control, do not handle by the agent.
3) After on signers have arrived at the quarantine facility COVID19 test will be carried out and it takes approx.1 day or 2 days to receive the result of COVID19 test – Cost under Korean Government.
4) They or Agent must pay KRW 120,000 (approx. USD 101.69) for isolation facility per day per person when they arrived at the isolation facility as 100% prepayment.
– Isolation facility charge KRW 120,000 (approx. USD 101.69) shall be paid as 100% prepayment
– Isolation facility will be assigned randomly by government office (we can never know in advance)
– Meal/food will be provided
– Smoking is prohibited
– Internet WIFI is available
– After on signers arrived at the quarantine facility assigned by government, they will proceed with a diagnostic test for COVID-19 and it takes about 1 or 2 days to receive the result.
5) According to latest quarantine regulation, on signers (seaman’s book holder) can leave from the isolation facility earlier than 14 days subject to following requirements are met.

Requirements

a) On signers can leave only from the isolation facility on the same day when vessel arrived at the port after completing COVID test and receiving “negative result for” COVID-19 but it depends on the isolation facility respectively whether they allowed to leave earlier or not.

b) In this case, on signers must transfer/move only via the agent car from the facility to the vessel at the port directly without any stop-over on the same day within 12 hours before ship’s departure from the port.

* If on signers will visit some other place not the port/vessel, there will be a penalty to agent by the authorities.

c) In case crew leave from the facility earlier than 14 days, there will be a penalty to cancel for 10% of 14 days isolation charge per person. (KRW 120,000 per pers per day X 14 days = KRW 1,680,000 X 0.1 % = KRW 168,000, approx. USD 142.37)

d) Following required documents must be submitted to isolation facility & the authorities in advance.

Required docs

1) Ship’s departure schedule & application form provided by the isolation facility
2) Ship’s departure crew list signed & stamped by Master
3) Copy of passport & semen’s book for on signers
4) Evidence of EDI transmission for ship’s inward & outward
5) Port clearance
6) Letter of guarantee made by shipping agency
7) Copy of employment contract

* The required docs are different from respective isolation facilities and we will ask if we need to receive additional docs at that time.

* There is the possibility to be rejected to leave on signers from the isolation facility earlier than 14 days as below reasons.

a) It depends on the isolation facility respectively as the isolation facility has been assigned by government office randomly and some facilities do not allow to leave earlier than 14 days.
b) In case on signer has received “positive result” for the test of COVID-19.
c) If there would be new confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the isolation facility during on signer’s staying at the facility, on signer must stay at the isolation facility for 14 days without leaving earlier.
d) Even if above required documents have been submitted to government office, it can be rejected as insufficient/inappropriate data or judgement by government office.
* If owner/your good company will take responsibility for above mentioned uncertainty, we will do our best to arrange for leaving from the isolation facility as early as possible.

<In case of crew/on signer joined vessel in the Special countries appointed by Korean government>

* Special countries: Nepal, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan.

If the ship come to Korea with crews who joined the vessel at above special countries after 03^rd/Aug 2020,

that crews need PCR test certification issued by appointed from Korea Government within 48hours

before ship’s departure from the special country.

Q : Does this apply to crew travelling from the ‘special country’ or crew that joined in special country?
A : It will be applied to crew that joined in the special country and in this case, crews need PCR test certification which is issued by appointed from Korea Government in Special country.

Q : Does this apply to crew who will be on board when the vessel calls at Korea and are not disembarking / going ashore?
A :  In case crews have PCR test certification issued in Special country, they can disembark from the vessel after completion of special quarantine inspection & receiving the result of COVID-19.

* If crews do not have PCR test certification issued in the Special country, total quarantine inspection will be carried for all ship’s arrival crews with COVID-19 test upon ship’s arrival at the port of South Korea and it has been prohibited

to disembark all crews from the vessel.

* In case there would be any confirmed cases of COVID-19 with the positive result, vessel must sail out from the port of South Korea and there will be any penalties by the related authorities.

* In this case, the crews/a confirmed case of coronavirus must bear the all expenses involved in treatment of COVID-19.

**VERY IMPORTANT**

– Effective from 8th September, the relevant crews and company involved in below cases will be imprisoned for 1 year or fined KRW10,000,000 (USD 10,000):
1) crews to submit substandard documents for PCR test, issued 48hours after vessel sailed or not issued at designated PCR Test centers in Korea Foreign Office,
2) non submission of PCR test result,
3) the case to submit forged or falsified documents

< Exceptions provision regarding submission of PCR negative certificate for Vessel >

* Announced by quarantine office on 20^th/Oct and it will be in effect from 20^th/Oct

Quarantine office announced that in case crew change or shore leave of crew from 6 enhanced qurantine measure countries and Russia:

* Mandatory submission of PCR negative certificate : it will in effect from 2020/08/03 (date of ship’s departure from above countries)

* Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Philippines, Ukraine, Russia

1) Vessel exempted from submission of PCR negative certificate

– In following cases, it would be difficult to determine whether voyage plan to South Korea is planned.
– Departure date of vessel more than 28 days and went to two or more ports before arriving in South Korea.

* Calculated twice the monitoring period of Corona 19 (14 days) by referring to the WHO standard.

Example
a) ENHANCED QUARANTINE MEASURE COUNTRIES(09.03 DEPARTURE) -> COUNTRY A -> COUNTRY B -> SOUTH KOREA(10/03 ARRIVED)

COUNTRY A – ENHANCED QUARANTINE MEASURE COUNTRIES (09.03 DEPARTURE) -> COUNTRY B -> COUNTRY C -> SOUTH KOREA (10/03 ARRIVED)

* Countries A, B or C are countries other than 6 enhanced quarantine measure countries and Russia.

– There was no voyage plan, but vessel arrived in South Korea due to bad weather.
– There was no voyage plan but it was inevitable, in this case the director of quarantine will decide.

2) For below cases, when received PCR negative certificate 48 hours before

– Departure but departure was delayed, and document was delayed, and document became standard.

*DEPARTURE WAS DELAYED DUE TO BAD WEATHER OR NATURAL DISASTER.

* DEPARTURE WAS DELAYED DUE TO VESSEL’S TECHNICAL PROBLEM.

* OTHER INEVITABLE CASES WILL BE DETERMINED BY DIRECTOR OF QUARANTINE.

PRESENT	REVISED
Vessels arriving in South Korea without valid PCR negative Certificate will be obliged to take PCR test for ALL CREW MEMBERS.	Vessels arriving in South Korea without valid PCR negative Certificate will be obliged to take PCR test for CERTAIN CREW MEMBER.

for case 1) above, since vessel is excluded from submission of pcr negative certificate the case is excluded for mandatory submission of pcr negative certificate.

DEFINITION OF VALID PERIOD OF PCR NEGATIVE CERTIFICATE

– if the period of certificate is over than 48hours based on departure time of vessel, will be regarded as substandard.

EX) DEPARTURE TIME 00:00HRS APPLIED

• 2020/10/05 01:00 DEPARTURE: CERTIFICATES ISSUED AFTER 2020/10/03  00:00HRS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• 2020/10/05 10:00 DEPARTURE: CERTIFICATES ISSUED AFTER 2020/10/03  00:00HRS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• 2020/10/05 23:00 DEPARTURE: CERTIFICATES ISSUED AFTER 2020/10/03  00:00HRS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

REMARK: incase he/she did not intend to refuse, obstruct, or evade the request for submission or presentation of documents requested by the quarantine director.

• Please remind that possibility of exceptions on ships subject to accusation.

• For long term voyage cases more than 42day (14days X 3) stopover country less than two, it is hard to determine the voyage plan to South Korea. (will handle this case as same as substandard document submission but will be excepted from accusation)

• (Several voyages) in case vessel departed from 6 enhanced quarantine measure countries and Russia and arrived in South Korea within 28days but had five or more voyages. (will handle this case as same as substandard document submission but will be excepted from accusation)

Ex)

• Enhanced quarantine measure countries (2020/09/20 departure)- >country A -> country B -> country C -> country D -> country E -> South Korea (2020/10/10 arrived).

• country A -> enhanced quarantine measure countries (2020/09/20 departure)- > B -> country C -> country D -> country E -> South Korea (2020/10/10 arrived). (If there are any other cases than above, quarantine director will judge and file an accusation.)

Off Signers:

**NOTICE** > Off signing crews must carry out a diagnostic test for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and receive “negative result” for COVID-19 via quarantine office before disembarkation (It will be in effect from 06th/July).
*COVID-19 test charges will be covered by Korean government.
*14 days isolation after disembarkation mandatory (It will be in effect from 13th/July).
*The list of off signing crews must be submitted to Busan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries 48 hours prior to ship’s arrival at the port.

1) First of all, off signing crew needs to receive a special quarantine inspection for COVID-19 with following requirements by quarantine officer upon ship’s berthing:
a) Self-diagnosis application must be installed in their mobile phone in advance.
b) Off signing crew must fill out “TRAVEL RECORD DECLARATION” & “HEALTH DECLARATION FORM” to submit it to quarantine officer.
c) Record for all ship’s arrival crew’s temperature.
d) Off signing crew must have original passport and seamen’s book.

2) After completion of a special quarantine inspection, quarantine officer will issue a quarantine certificate (RED COLOR) and we/agent can arrange crew shore passes by submitting a quarantine certificate (RED COLOR) to immigration office.(The shore passes can be used only for a diagnostic test at quarantine office).
3) After completion of sample collection from off signing crew, quarantine officer will issue a quarantine certificate (YELLOW COLOR) and we/agent needs to collect it from quarantine office.
4) off signing crew must receive a diagnostic test for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by quarantine officer or off signing crew needs to go to the nearest hospital (a Screening Clinic) or designated place/quarantine office via an agent car.
* In case of a diagnostic test for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), it takes approx.10 hours or 1 day to receive the result.
* Off signing crew must stay in his cabin on board till the result of COVID-19 to come in.
* Vessel cannot sail from the port till the result of COVID-19 to come in.
5) After completion of a diagnostic test for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and receiving “negative result” for COVID-19, quarantine officer will issue a quarantine certificate (GREEN COLOR) and we/agent needs to collect it from quarantine office. (a certificate GREEN COLOR is only available for immigration clearance)
6) After completion of above procedure, off signing crew can disembark from the vessel and then move into the isolation facility (after proceeding immigration clearance) via agent car only (Prohibition to use a public transportation) and it is necessarily required to stay at the isolation facility for 14 days as per latest regulation.
7) There are the isolation facilities only at Incheon & Yeosu & Busan port for off signers assigned by government office.
8) The isolation charge is KRW 120,000 (approx. USD 101.69) per day per person and it shall be paid as pre-payment when they arrived at the isolation facility.
9) Off signing crew needs 14 days mandatory isolation without leaving from the facility earlier than 14 days.
* Off signing crew must move/transfer from the facility to the airport directly via agent car on the leaving date.
* We/agent must report the time of departure from the facility & the time of arrival at the airport to the authorities.
10) We/agent have to apply for available isolation facility to Busan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries 4 days before disembarkation of off signing crew (need advance booking for isolation facility) and then the authorities will reply to us/agent about availability of facility after application.
11) If off signers necessarily need to leave from the facility earlier than 14 days, following required docs must be submitted to the authorities 2 days (before 3 P.M) before the leaving date at the least and it will be decided finally by the authorities after reviewing.

Required docs

a) Flight ticket (the leaving date from facility).
b) Seaman’s book & passport.
c) Letter of Guarantee for departure made by agent.
– Requirements In this case, off signer can only leave from the isolation facility within 12 hours before their departure flight schedule.
– If off signers will visit some other places not the port/vessel/airport, there will be a penalty to agent by the authorities.

Exemption of 14 days isolation for off signing crew:
If following conditions are met, we/agent can apply for exemption of 14 days isolation for off signing crew to authorities 48 hours before ship’s arrival.
Finally, it will be decided by authority’s judgement whether the mandatory 14 days isolation requirement will be exempted or not.

Requirements
• all crew stayed onboard without disembarking,
• there was no crew change, and
• there was no development of COVID-19 suspected symptoms or no confirmed case of COVID-19 onboard the ship.
• After ship’s departure from last port, the regulation describes that the vessel needs to have a 14 days interval from last port without calling at other ports before the port of South Korea.

<Submission for negative result of PCR>

* Please be advised that effective from 03^rd Aug, 2020 following nationality seafarers departing from below countries and Russia travelling to and transiting at the port of South Korea will be required to submit the certificate issued from accredited hospitals designated by Korean embassy within 48 hours before departure indicating that they have been tested negative for COVID-19 on a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

– Nepal (effective from 26^th/Oct 2020), Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Russia.

* Before quarantine officer’s boarding and commencing quarantine inspection upon ship’s arrival or berthing at the port, the certificate for negative result of PCR for above seafarers must be submitted to quarantine office by shipping company or agent in advance.

* If the seafarers do not meet the standard of PCR (exceed of 48 hours or issued by unaccredited hospital or organization) or they do not have any result of PCR, all crews on board have been prohibited to disembark from the vessel and after receiving “negative result”, they can only do the work on board the vessel.

<In case there is crew change at the port of foreign country and ship’s next port is China>

a) This regulation is applied to all ships which is arriving in China.
b) If there is any crew change at the port of foreign country within 14 days before ship’s arrival in China.
c) Crew must carry out the PCR test at the hospital/an institute assigned by Chinese embassy within 3 days before their embarkation at embarked port of foreign country.
d) Crew must have the certificate of the PCR test issued from the hospital/an institute assigned by Chinese before ship’s departure from the port before China.
e) When vessel arrive and proceeding ship’s entry formalities at the port of China, the certificate of the PCR test must be submitted to Chinese authorities.
f) In case the rules are violated, there will be restriction for ship’s arrival or departure and if there would be a serious problem caused, need to take all the responsibilities governmental rules as per Chinese law.
g) If the certificate of the PCR has been issued/made by counterfeit, falsification, a false and the virus will spread or there would be any possibility to spread the virus, need to take criminal responsibility.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

SPAIN

*************************************************************
CEUTA
As from October 28th:
– TRANSIT RESTRICTIONS: No transit of passengers in or out of the city for the next 2 weekends.
> From Friday 30/10 at 00:00hrs –  Monday 02/11 at 24:00hrs
> From Friday 06/11 at 00:00hrs – Sunday 08/11 at 24:00hrs
– CURFEW: Everyday starting at 23:00hrs til 06:00hrs of next day.
*************************************************************

Requirements in order to perform a Crew Change at Spanish Ports:

• Vessel’s MDH.
• Crew documents (Passport and seamans book).
• Vessel disembarking crew cannot depart from the Port until crew have boarded the aircraft.
• In case flight cancellation, crew should return to vessel. Master should confirm acceptance of this in writing.
• Crew cannot embark / disembark until they have confirmed flights. (Eticket)
• Confirmation that there are no flight prohibition in country of destination (Philipines/India/..etc) and the countries of transit is required. Also confirmation that there are no prohibitions on persons arriving to Spain.
• Inmigration Authorities must also approve the disembarkation. They require 1 working day notice for approval.
• Please note crew change is permitted at Spanish ports (on the above conditions) but as only limited hotels are opened, we recommend the arrival / departure flights must be very adjusted, direct embarkation and disembarkation preferable.

Please note the following regarding visa applications

1. Full confirmed flights details with PTA ticket number / Amadeus reference along with copies of valid passports, seaman books and visas are required in order to proceed visa application formalities.
2. All non-EU on-signers must travel with valid Schengen visas issued by the Spanish Embassy of their country of origin. It is the responsibility of each on-signer’s representative to liaise directly with the embassy in question to apply for travelling visa, as agents we can only provide Letter of Invitations (LOI) if required. We will not be held liable for any individuals travelling without valid documentation.
3. All non-EU off signers will require a valid Schengen visa for transit. As agents we can arrange all the necessary immigration formalities.

Note 1: Off signers requiring Schengen visa arrangements will not be able to travel on the same date of vessel’s arrival.

Note 2:  Visa application forms must be presented at immigration police 72 hrs prior to time of departure flight. During this time an appointment will be arranged for off-signer(s) must attend in person in order to arrange formalities.

Note 3: Failure to make aforementioned appointment will result in cancellation of visa and process must be restarted with a new application (see Note 1).

Note 4: Working hours for Visa application register are Mon-Fri between 09:00-14:00.

Note 5: Once Visa application has been issued to immigration office, any change in flight details or itinerary will invalidate process and whole process must be restarted with a new application (see Note 1).

Note 6: Off signer cannot remain at Schengen Area Airports longer than 4 hours

Due to COVID 19 crisis taxi can transport per person per trip.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

SRI LANKA

**NOTICE**
As from 20th December 2020 onwards the PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) will be operating an Offshore Transit Huh (OTH) to carry out crew changes of international seafarers

ARRIVAL AND REPATRIATION ROUTES AS FOLLOWS

For the convenience of international seafarers, there are 3 separate routes for them to arrive in Sri Lanka;
1. Direct to Mattala International Airport in chartered flights.
2. Arrive at Male International Airport in passenger flights for onward journey to Mattala International Airport on scheduled chartered flights arranged by the PPP.
3. Arrive at Dubai International Airport for onward journey to Mattala International Airport on scheduled chartered flights arranged by the PPP, or proceed independently to Male International Airport for onward journey to Mattala International Airport on scheduled chartered flights arranged by the PPP.

The reverse process as convenient is available for repatriation.

SCHEDULE OF CHARTERED FLIGHTS ARRANGED BY PPP

Between Male International Airport and Mattala International Airport
Mattala-Male-Mattala > Every Monday and Thursday, if minimum number of 35 passengers are available for each direction. If the numbers increase then can arrange upto 05 flights per week.

Between Dubai International Airport and Mattala International Airport
Mattala-Dubai-Mattala > Every Wednesday, if minimum number of 75 passengers are available for each direction. If the numbers increase then can arrange 03 flights per week.
Agents are required to indicate seafarer arrival 4 days in advance for the PPP to plan and advise in return the availability of direct chartered flight to and from Mattala International Airport.

Standard Operating Procedure for Operations of Offshore Crew Transit Hub released by the of Health Sri Lanka >
SOP Ops Offshore Crew Transit
SOP Crew Changes through an Offshore Transit Hub (off Sri Lanka)

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

THAILAND

Foreign Onsigners

Foreign onsigners have to apply for the Certificate of Entry at Thai Embassy in origin country and serve a mandatory 14 day quarantine at Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities upon arrival in Thailand before being allowed to sign on.

Foreign Offsigners

Sign off is allowed in emergency cases and severe illnesses.

For crew whose contract has expired with long stay onboard, a formal application must be submitted to the authorities.  

Application process will take more than 3 weeks and there is no guarantee that the sign off request will be approved.

If approved, sign off can only be carried out at Koh Sichang and Sriracha.

Documents to be submitted:

1. Agent to send the sign off request letter with supporting docs (crew’s employment contract, passport, seaman book etc) to the Ministry of Interior via Marine Dept
2. Upon the approval from Ministry of Interior, the letter will be passed on to the Governor of the Chonburi Province
3. Chonburi Governor will then inform the Public Health Division in Chonburi on the approval
4. Public Health Division will in turn instruct the Office of Disease Control in Chonburi

*Agent will have to provide the land transport details (schedule, car plate no. etc) to the port authorities

*Vehicle will be subjected to inspection by the quarantine officer prior to picking up the crew

Sign off Procedures:

5. COVID-19 RT-PCR test to be conducted onboard by the doctor. Lab results to come back within 24 hours
6. For negative test result, crew to disembark from ship and transported straight to airport
7. After checking in at the airport, crew to be escorted by immigration officer to the fast track lane and will proceed directly to the boarding gate
8. For positive test result, crew to be treated and undergo quarantine at the state hospital till certified to be free from COVID-19. All related cost will be bear by crew who has to be insured for a minimum coverage of USD100,000.00.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +65 9645 6819

TURKEY

• As per latest info from authorities that Turkish Airlines’ flights can be opened on 28.05.2020 for following cities:
  • Toronto, Almathy, Kabil, Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Munich, Vienna,  Amsterdam, Brussels, Minsk, Tbilisi, Beirut, Kuwait, Tel-Aviv. 
• Curfew will continue till 19/2400 hrs lt for following 31 cities. There is no restriction for berthing/unberthing/loading/unloading operations at ports and strait passages during curfew period:
  • Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Aydın, Balıkesir, Bursa, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Erzurum, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, Hatay, İstanbul, İzmir, Kahramanmaraş, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Konya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Muğla, Ordu, Sakarya, Samsun, Şanlıurfa, Tekirdağ, Trabzon, Van, Zonguldak.
• All entry into and exit from Turkey’s 15 cities has been banned except for necessities such as food, medicine, cleaning supplies and certain logistics vehicles, and transit traffic with permission till 19.05.2020 at 24:00 hrs lt.  There is no restriction for berthing / unberthing / loading / unloading operations at ports and strait passages during this period:
  •  Ankara, Balıkesir, Bursa, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, İstanbul, İzmir, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Konya, Manisa, Sakarya, Samsun, Van, Zonguldak.
• There is currently no restriction for berthing / unberthing / loading / unloading operations (except for the ships bound to shipyards)  provided vessel is cleared of COVID-19 inspection  by sanitary officials who shall first inspect the vessel at anchorage area on arrival  to grant berthing permission if a vessel coming from infected country. 
• Foreign crew embarkation and disembarkation are not permitted. 
• New regulation in respect of compulsory disinfection related to COVID-19  has come into force as of 04.04.2020 wherefore all vessels calling at Turkish ports  must be disinfected by fully authorized companies appointed by port authority  as soon as they are at berth or at anchorage area . Disinfection charge may change from port to port. 
• According to the latest info from authorities regulating vessels passage through Istanbul Strait ( namely VTS ) , the intervals between each vessel entering to the strait shall be 20 minutes instead of  10 minutes as precautionary measures against COVID-19. Regulation, rules and instructions remain unchanged for the passages through Çanakkale Strait. But Pilotage service could be delayed time to time due to reduce of pilot number

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

VIETNAM

Only crew change for Vietnam nationality is allowed at the moment.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +65 9645 6819

U.A.E.

procedures related Vessel crew change operation arrangements at Fujairah port/anchorage.

CREW CHANGE AT FUJAIRAH PORT / ANCHORAGE:
Vessel need to register with PORT OF FUJAIRAH authority and anchor within port limit

1. Crew require 96Hrs Seaman visa for embarkation or Dis-embarkation 2. Valid PCR ‘Negative’ test report mandatory for embarkation or Dis-embarkation
2. Immigration has started accepting visa application from 04.08.2020 PM and we are receiving visas. Visa approval is subject to Immigration/CID final discretion
3. Attached Port of Fujairah NTM 284 for your ref.
4. Acknowledgement from each crew members for adhering precautionary measures in UAE.
5. Health declaration from Master (For off-signers)
6. FPMC COVID 19 Questionnaire (For off-signers)
7. Master & Agent declaration (For off-signers and on-signers).

PCR TEST @ SHORE:
1. We need to send service boat to vessel at anchorage with Port Clinic Rep to collect the COVID-19 SWAB TEST for those off-signing.
2. Dubai airport and Fujairah port immigration officials reserve the full right to conduct random PCR tests at their discretion upon crew’s arrival at the Dubai airport/Fujairah sea port. In case if the crew need to undergo the test at airport even the crew holds valid negative result, crew need to wait in hotel until the result release. Normally this will take 2-3 working days.
3. On-signers can stay in hotel while waiting for PCR test result or vessel arrival.
4. Off-signer must go straight to the airport once cleared from port immigration.

ANCHORAGE
Vessels calling at Fujairah Offshore Anchorage Area regardless their nature of call will be allowed to stay a maximum of 10 days only (calculated as per calendar days).
Anchorage charges if the vessel stays more than 10 days at FOAA upon request.
We will try our best to complete crew change in 3 days on below circumstances and subject to all approval :

Arrange on-signer at least days TWO DAYS prior of vessel arrival, we will accommodate him/her in hotel in Dubai. On signers can show their valid covid test report done at hometown at dubai airport, apart from the 30 countries in attached travel protocol who require to be retested.

1. We will send 1st Boat upon vessel arrival with On-signers and Port Clinic Rep to collect COVID-19 SWAB TEST of the Off-signers.
2. We have to wait for PCR test report for off-signer which we expect within 24 to 48 hrs as per our on-going experience
3. After getting his/her negative covid test result We will send 2nd Boat to bring off-signer for immigration formalities, and drop him to the airport once all formalities are completed.
4. Vessel is allowed to sail after immigration formalities of Sign-off crew is completed which takes usually 2-3Hrs (including boat transportation) after des-embarkation.

Also note crew change will be possible only with Normal passport and crew change will not be possible for the persons who are holding Alien passport, Temporary Passport, Travel Document.

All nationalities crew change will be carried out via 96 hrs Seaman Visas only. Crew change will not be permitted using ‘’On arrival Visas ‘’ with effect from June – 2018.

Regarding 96hrs Seaman Visa – Please note following regulations for visa processing for crew change:

1. Please note for crew sign on / sign off 96 hrs visa issued (single entry visa)
2. Above is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and 4 days from the date of arrival (counted on the basis of calendar days).
3. Please note following documents required to apply for visa
   a) Color copy of passport (minimum validity 180 days required to apply for visa).
   b) Color copy of sea man book required.
   c) Color photograph in white background.
   d) Visa application form (Attached).
4. Please note require 1-2 working days for visa to be approved from immigration for on / off signers.
5. Please note Sri Lankan and Indonesian crew change – medical report is must require for visa processing.

The attached Master Declaration is required from Captain duly sign and stamped without date (separate for each s/on or off crew, no hand written) required to obtain crew change permission from Port of Fujairah.
We will not be held liable for any delays, costs, COVID-19 PCR positive results or any other, including claims for such, before, during or after the arrival, departure, handling or other of any of your crew assisted under our agency.
Confirm safe receipt and please feel free to contact us for any additional information or clarification required & would be pleased to assist.

Official Document Release:
– UAE Maritime Activities Return to Work Safely Protocol
– FTA Circular No. (12) 2020 – UAE Maritime Protocol

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

UNITED STATES

For New Orleans, Houston and Freeport:

• Crew change can be performed subject to USCBP (United state custom and border protection), approval. He will embark and will inspect and then he will confirm if it can be performed.
• Off signers are permitted to disembark; however, confirmed flight arrangements direct to foreign would be required, written letter with reason for disembarking also will be needed and personal details in order to approach USCBP, departure flight must be before vessel’s ETD.
• For joiners please refer to –CLP Bulletin– which was extended to include the UK and Ireland on 15-March.  Basis this guidance, ONLY those holding C-1/D US Visa as crewman are permitted travel

Full U.S. Coast Guard statement: Marine Safety Information Bulletin

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539

UNITED KINGDOM

With effect from 8th June 2020 the UK will impose a mandatory 14 day self quarantine for any travelers arriving into the UK.  This rule applies to all incoming travelers including British citizens.   There is however, a long list of exemptions to this rule.

• Ships crews and Masters, overcarried pilots, ship inspectors and surveyors will be granted an exemption from the mandatory 14 day quarantine.
• ALL incoming travelers including crew etc above will still need to complete a health declaration on arrival into the UK and also provide some monitoring data.
• Crew will be required to complete a form that will include the reason they are traveling (ships crew joining a ship in the UK), they will also need to provide a contact number (their mobile or the ships number) and lastly the address where they will be staying (the full address of the port/terminal where they are joining the ship).
• Declaration Form: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk:
  • The form is an online document via the gov.uk web portal and this has to be completed by the traveler BEFORE they arrive in the UK.
  • ALL travelers to the UK MUST complete this form before they travel – you can NOT submit this form until 48 hours prior to your arrival in the UK.
  • Unfortunately it is a little complicated with multiple steps requiring information to be completed.
  • It can NOT be downloaded and manually completed – each traveler MUST complete it (following every step) and submitting it to the gov.uk portal by clicking submit once it is complete.
  • The form is in English – any crew member struggling with English will need assistance from someone to complete it.
  • It does appear to allow a 3rd party to complete the form – it will ask why you are completing it on their behalf (clearly aimed at people with children) however this could be completed by a relative or colleague if the crew member has poor understanding of English or does not have access to technology.
  • On arrival at the UK border you will be required to present this completed and approved form either printed or on a mobile device to the Immigration Officer at the border control.

• Crew will also need a letter from the ship owner / manager confirming their status as seafarers joining a ship in the UK and confirmation that they are classified as a ‘key worker’.  This letter should be carried by them in case they are stopped by the authorities whilst in transit from the airport to the ship.  If they need hotel accommodation we would need a copy of this letter ‘in advance’ of their arrival so we can make the appropriate room booking – hotels in the UK are closed to the general public so we need this supporting letter to secure the room booking.
• ALL incoming crew are still required to have the appropriate seamans book and visa where required upon arrival into the UK.
• We would also suggest that any offsigning crew also carry the letter confirming their status should they be stopped on their journey to the airport.  Likewise the letter would be needed for any hotel stay if required.

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With effect from Today, if a vessel has called to Denmark within the last 14 days, crew will be unable to OFF sign / repatriate whilst in the UK.

Full Details:
The ship can arrive into UK ports if that ship has come from Denmark within the last 14 days.

The following regulations are with effect from Nov 11th.

With regard to crew, all EEA and non-EEA nationals who are not resident in the UK and who have been in Denmark in the last 14 days will be refused leave to enter.

• Exceptions to this are as follows;
• British Citizens (including those with dual nationality)
• Irish Citizens (including those with dual nationality)
• EEA nationals who are normally resident in the UK. For these purposes those with residence rights are defined as:
  • Those with a right of permanent residence under the EEA Regulations.
  • Holders of EU Settlement Scheme (“EUSS”) leave.
  • Those who hold an existing qualification under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement
• EEA children (unless in the case of a child where the decision is in their best interests).
• Third Country nationals who are resident in the UK. For these purposes those with residence are defined as:
  • Holders of ILR
  • Holders of existing leave to enter or remain or an entry clearance that grants such leave e.g. students, workers, etc (excluding visit visas).
  • Family members of EEA nationals with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
• Crew of unaccompanied freight, where crew will be expected to stay on the vessel or plane.

Arrivals granted leave to enter from Denmark will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and therefore with regard to crew we would expect them to remain on the vessel and not disembark.
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UK Government website.

List of people exempt from the mandatory quarantine (including ships crews).

For more information contact: [email protected] / +357 9765 6164 or +357 9972 3130 or +357 9765 5130

URUGUAY

Crew changes are now allowed with a more flexible methodology. A new communication from the Government will be release soon.

For more information contact: [email protected] / +507 6397-2539