The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has rolled out enhanced measures aimed at facilitating crew changes and ensuring safe port operations amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. These initiatives have garnered support from local unions, including the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) and the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS).
One significant change involves the isolation requirements for seafarers planning to join ships in Singapore. Seafarers arriving from specific low-risk countries or regions will no longer be subjected to extended stay-home isolation. Instead, they may only be required to isolate for a reduced period of seven days before arriving in Singapore. Conversely, those coming from countries not classified as low risk will still need to complete a 14-day isolation period prior to their departure.
Shipowners, agents, and managers are obligated to ensure that all departing seafarers undergo Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests at approved facilities before their travel to Singapore. To further support the crew change process, the MPA has established a Crew Facilitation Centre on a floating accommodation vessel at the Port Authority of Singapore. This facility includes an onsite medical center, as well as testing and holding capabilities, allowing crews to stay for up to 48 hours prior to boarding their respective vessels, particularly in cases where travel and shipping schedules are misaligned.
For off-signing crew members, the procedures remain direct, as they are required to proceed straight to Changi Airport or will be quarantined for up to 48 hours at designated facilities, such as the Seacare Hotel or the accommodation vessel POSH Bawean.
In addition to these measures, a S$1 million Singapore Shipping Tripartite Alliance Resilience (SG-STAR) Fund has been established, coordinated by SMOU, SOS, MPA, and the Singapore Shipping Association. This fund aims to work with international stakeholders on effective solutions for safe crew changes, including best practices for crew holding facilities and PCR testing sites. Authorities in Singapore are also encouraging international partners to contribute to the SG-STAR Fund, amplifying efforts to ensure safe maritime operations.
Mary Liew, general secretary of the SMOU, emphasized the collaborations formed to address crew change challenges throughout the pandemic. She expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Transport and MPA for their ongoing recognition of seafarers as essential workers. Similarly, Kam Soon Huat, president of SOS, welcomed the proactive measures taken by the MPA to ensure timely seafarer repatriation and facilitate the onboarding of new crew, which he believes is vital for maintaining the integrity of global supply chains.
For detailed information regarding these enhanced measures, interested parties can refer to Port Marine Circulars 35 and 36 available on the MPA’s website.
Source link
