Recently, we received some inquiries from the Club about the COVID-19 private testing. Since it may be of common concern lately, the below Q&A are summarized for their reference.

 

Question

 

“If Members were to contact you prior to a vessel calling at China, would you be able to arrange private testing of the crew and would such test results be acceptable to the authorities? Similarly, if vessels had their own testing facilities on board, would same be acceptable to the authorities?”

 

Answer
 

Arrangement of Private Testing

There are a few test institutions available for private testing in Shanghai and nearby ports, and few in other ports.  In principle, the private testing could be arranged upon vessel’s berthing at Shanghai and nearby ports subject to the actual situation of the particular case. But actually, it should depend on whether the sampling would be permitted by the terminal and local authorities. When private testing is required, please approach Huatai local offices the earliest possible.

 

Result of Private Testing

The private test reports would be issued by the institutions approved by the local authority, and the results are reliable and feasible for submission to the other ports the vessel is going to call if need be. Presently, the Chinese authorities will only rely on the test they arranged for and the private test result shall not be accepted as the basis of quarantine.

 

Result of Self-Service Testing by Crew Member

Presently, the result of self-service testing by crewmember would not be accepted as the basis for quarantine by the Chinese authority.

 

Since it is challenging to obtain the permission of access to the terminal for the sampling surveyor, there have been very few private tests actually conducted. We do not recommend Owners to have the private testing for the purpose of avoiding quarantine in the Chinese ports.  In case the private tests were needed for sake of the vessel’s rotation between the ports, and local agents confirmed the port access, we shall be pleased to be of assistance.

Source: HUATAI MARINE

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