On May 22, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued a Port Marine Circular outlining enhanced measures for crew changes under specific circumstances, following ongoing cooperation with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), Singapore Organisation for Seamen (SOS), and other stakeholders.
The updated guidelines now permit crew changes when a seafarer’s contract has expired, provided that the departure does not compromise the safe manning levels of the vessel. Additional scenarios where changes are acceptable include crew swaps related to the sale or purchase of ships and personnel changes involving individuals not directly crewed on the ship, such as superintendents and service engineers.
To ensure safety and compliance, specific requirements must be met for sign-off and sign-on procedures. For crew members departing the vessel (sign-off), the following conditions apply: they must not have disembarked within the last 14 days, must possess a fit-to-travel certificate issued by a Singaporean medical professional, and must provide proof of contract expiry or documentation related to the sale of the ship.
For crew members boarding the vessel (sign-on), regulations stipulate a mandatory 14-day quarantine period, a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, and certification of fitness to travel. Importantly, crew must be transported directly between the ship and a designated point of arrival or departure in Singapore.
These regulatory changes are significant in addressing the crew change crisis impacting approximately 150,000 seafarers globally, many of whom have contract expirations but have been unable to leave their vessels due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.
Despite these advancements, logistical challenges, particularly concerning air travel to and from Singapore, remain a concern. In response, the MPA is exploring additional initiatives related to crew changes, collaborating with industry partners. Plans include the development of a comprehensive guidebook detailing crew change procedures specific to Singapore and the potential chartering of dedicated flights for crew exchanges, thus enhancing the overall responsiveness and efficiency of crew management during these challenging times.
In conclusion, the MPA’s efforts represent a proactive step toward facilitating necessary crew changes while ensuring the safety and health of seafarers amid the ongoing pandemic. These measures underline Singapore’s commitment to supporting the maritime industry and addressing the operational challenges posed by COVID-19.
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