The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has updated its crew change regulations at Singaporean ports in response to the ongoing global Covid-19 situation. With a significant number of Asian crew members utilizing these ports for sign-on and sign-off processes, the MPA has introduced stringent measures to mitigate potential virus transmission during crew changes. A port marine circular emphasizes the importance of these precautions to protect both seafarers and the local population in Singapore.
Under the new guidelines, crew members planning to sign on must undergo a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) in their country or region before departing for Singapore. Furthermore, they are required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result from a government-approved facility, taken no more than 48 hours prior to their departure. Unvaccinated crew must join their vessels no more than two days before the ship’s final departure, while fully vaccinated individuals can board up to three days in advance.
For crew members signing off, there are strict stipulations as well. They must not have disembarked at any port within 14 days prior to leaving the ship. Additionally, they must remain in good health and have had no contact with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 cases during that period. Interaction with shore-based personnel at previous ports of call within those 14 days is also prohibited. The guidelines state that unvaccinated sign-on and sign-off crew can stay in designated holding facilities in Singapore for up to 24 hours, whereas fully vaccinated crew members can be accommodated for up to 72 hours.
In parallel, Bangladesh’s Department of Shipping has made adjustments regarding seafarers’ certifications in light of the pandemic. A recent update confirmed that Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) that expired or are due to expire between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, will remain valid. This applies to seafarers regardless of whether they were on board when their certificates expired. Upon revalidation, a new five-year validity period will be granted from the original expiry date. Furthermore, provisions are being considered to allow seafarers holding foreign-issued CoCs to continue working on Bangladesh Registered Ships, even if they cannot revalidate their certificates before the expiry date due to Covid-19-related issues.
These measures reflect an ongoing commitment to ensuring maritime safety and the well-being of seafarers amid unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.
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