The BIMCO Maritime Information department informs members on a weekly basis, updates about the COVID-19 in relation to implementation measures imposed by governments for sea transport including for crew change as well as from the United Nation bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO).
BIMCO provides the following update for this week ending Friday, 5 February 2021
1. IMO
IMO has issued no circulars in connection with the pandemic situation other than the ones mentioned below.
2. IMO Crew Change - National Focal Point for Crew Change and Repatriation of Seafarers
As of today, the countries that have informed the IMO of the above are: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Dominica, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Montenegro, Myanmar, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu
Via an
IMO circular letter no. 4225/Add.1, the Bahamas Maritime Authority has released their latest guidance on COVID-19 measures (BMA Technical Alert No.21-01 ) and with respect to crew changes, the following should be duly noted:
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The Bahamas remains under national restrictions in accordance with the Emergency Powers (COVID 19 Pandemic) Order 2020.
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However, as of 01 July 2020, crew changes are being allowed subject to conditions including the need for the crew member to have a Travel Health Certificate based on undertaking a negative RTPCR Covid-19 test, within 7 days of entering The Bahamas (arrival for incoming crew and disembarking for outgoing crew).
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The Croatian government informing the IMO via
circular letter no. 4241/Add.5 to include their country into the list of Member states that have designated seafarers as key workers.
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extension of validity of seafarers' endorsements to be valid until the end of June 2021
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to include their country into the list of Member states that have designated seafarers as key workers.
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furnishing contact information for Finland's national focal point on crew change and repatriation of seafarers.
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping has issued
order 8/2021, which effectively revokes the previous E-Pass requirement for foreign seafarers.
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Brazil
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Ireland
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Netherlands
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Portugal
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South Africa
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United Kingdom
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A
reminder was also sent out by the Singapore Shipping Association to remind shipowners, shipping companies and agencies of the importance to be up to date with the latest crew change requirements and procedures in Singapore. For cases of non-compliance, appropriate action will be taken against anyone found in breach of the law. Shipowners, shipping companies and agencies will also be suspended from carrying out crew changes in Singapore until the Singapore Maritime Port Authority (MPA) is satisfied of their due compliance thereafter. Since beginning of January 2021, GAC Singapore reported that 2 shipping agencies had already been suspended by MPA from carrying out further crew changes in Singapore.
BIMCO General COVID-19 Links
BIMCO is continuously monitoring COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on the shipping industry in particular on crew changes. Below are some of the type of information currently being provided by BIMCO :
You can also view all information on our
COVID-19 landing page.
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
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