On April 1, 2022, Singapore announced the lifting of quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers, a move that notably extends to seafarers arriving at the port. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed that crew members from vessels docking at one of the world’s busiest ports could now enjoy shore leave. To facilitate this, the seafarers must provide proof of full vaccination along with a negative Antigen Rapid Test (ART) conducted within the previous 48 hours.
This development brings significant relief to seafarers who have faced difficulties taking shore leave in Singapore during the pandemic. In conjunction with the new policies, drop-in centers designed for seafarers will reopen, with the Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS) set to welcome visitors at its Jurong Port center starting April 15. Toh Soon Kok, the Port Chaplain for MtSS, expressed his optimism regarding these changes, highlighting that the accessibility of shore leave is crucial for the operational capacity of their drop-in centers.
To enter these centers, seafarers must possess an ‘ATL pass’ (allow to land pass) and present a negative supervised ART result taken within the stipulated timeframe before disembarking. The reopening of the drop-in centers is expected to significantly contribute to the well-being of seafarers, allowing them to connect with essential support services and enjoy their time on land after prolonged periods at sea.
Overall, these policy updates mark a positive shift in Singapore’s approach to managing public health while simultaneously recognizing the mental and emotional needs of seafarers during a challenging period. The community looks forward to a full revival of services and support aimed at enhancing the lives of those who work on the oceans.
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