Pilot services remains obligatory also during the COVID-19 emergency. Pilots will board the vessel and remain their duty to respect all the health protocols imposed by vessel.

Courts are back to their normal working routine since the beginning of 2021. There are no reported delays related with the COVID-19 pandemic

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for COVID and non-COVID issues.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

All nationalities are allowed to enter Albanian territory without restrictions that regard COVID-19.

Bemi P&I

Société Algerienne des Etablissements

MORY & Cie

TCI Africa

Budd Algiers P&I

The Master is required to submit a health Declaration, the crew temperature on daily basis as starting from 72 hours prior to arrival.

Ships are disinfected on arrival. Crew temperature are transmitted in advance , protection clothes and measures are followed without impact on the operations. Shore leave is allowed at emergent cases only.

In the case of positive tests to Covid before berthing, the vessels will be put in quarantine

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related issues and are approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

ETIC SAS

AFRICA  P&I  Services

Budd Group

Pinto Basto

Update on port operational status from GAC:

LUANDA
Terminal: Greater Plutonio
Status: Operational
Remarks: Movement of all personnel from shore to terminal have been suspended. Vessels are cleared remotely and clearance documents sent to the vessel by email. Loading operations continue with only Fiscal Police onboard. No husbandry services allowed except for critical medical emergencies. No mandatory quarantine of vessel and crew announced.

SOYO
Terminals: Dalia, Girassol, Pazflor, Clov, Kaombo, PSVM, Kizomba, Gimboa, Palanca, Olombendo, N’Goma
Status: Operational
Remarks: Movement of all personnel from shore to terminal have been suspended. Vessels are cleared remotely and clearance documents sent to the vessel by email. Loading operations continue with only Fiscal police onboard. No husbandry services allowed except for critical medical emergencies. No mandatory quarantine of vessel and crew announced.

Terminal: Angola LNG
Status: Operational
Remarks: Terminal under lockdown. Vessel operations continue as usual. Vessels are cleared remotely and clearance documents sent to the vessel by email. Loading operations continue with only Fiscal Police onboard. No husbandry services allowed except for critical medical emergencies. No mandatory quarantine of vessel and crew announced.

CABINDA
Terminals: Malongo / Sanha LPG
Status: Operational
Remarks: Terminal under lockdown. Vessel operations continue as usual. Vessels are cleared remotely and clearance documents sent to the vessel by email. Loading operations continue with only Fiscal Police onboard. No husbandry services allowed except for critical medical emergencies. No mandatory quarantine of vessel and crew announced.

Medical Assistance

Pinto Basto advise that there are no restrictions for medical assistance for crew. They can disembark and seek medical attention and return to the vessel.

• Crew changes permitted in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 229/20, of 8 September 2020, and Executive Decree No. 233/20, of 4 September 2020 which includes:
• Allow, whenever possible and according to the health controls defined by the competent authorities, the return to national territory of national and foreign citizens, both residents and non-residents in Angola, subject to the applicable formalities and to undergoing a pre-departure RT-PCR test with a negative result, carried out within 72 hours prior to the journey.
• Authorize the gradual resumption of regular flights as from 14 and 21 September for domestic and international flights, respectively, without prejudice to the specific rules set out by the competent Ministerial Departments and compliance with biosafety rules.

Marine Risk & Insurance Solutions

Lesmi & Moreno

ITL Legal Consultants

Cruise ships: Remote Free Pratique is admitted, although health authorities can also carry out inspections on board. Upon notification of positive cases of COVID-19 on board, health authorities will proceed taking into account the same prevention and control measures as up to now.

Cargo ships: Changes of free pratique requirements are expected.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers will be able to receive medical treatment for both Covid and non-Covid issues always provided that there is a justified medical reason/emergency which would require attention on shore. In principle, medical assistance on board would be allowable. 

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

The obligation to complete the electronic sworn declaration proving vaccination status and absence of symptoms of COVID-19, within 48 hours prior to the start of the trip, is no longer in force

From 20 October 2021 foreign crew changes have been permitted in Argentina.

Administrative Decision 837/2022: To enter the national territory, the obligation to complete the electronic sworn declaration proving vaccination status and absence of symptoms of COVID-19, within 48 hours prior to the start of the trip, is no longer in force, as well as the requirement to have a health insurance COVID-19, as previously established. It will also not be necessary to carry out temperature controls at the points of entry into the country or on shipments destined.

Cariconsult

Ports continue to operate normally.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

• The crew must wear a mask on the flight to Aruba
• Crew are transported directly from the airport to the seaport and vice versa (Overnight stay not allowed).
• Every traveller must be in good health (health declaration PCR).
• Seafarers are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test (PCR) before traveling and bring their test proof with them. Authorized PCR test applicable for Aruba is the nasal/oral specimen through PCR testing. Any other COVID-19 test is not accepted.
• Test must be done 72 hours prior to departure and uploaded not later than 12 hours prior to arrival.
• N95 (or equivalent) masks to be worn at all times (for everyone involved via the crew change)
• Social distancing to be observed
• Hand hygiene to be practiced
• Sanitizing of launch and taxi after each trip.
• Dedicated transportation to be arranged considering social distancing in the taxi / bus (need case: more taxis or busses). Windows will be open (no a/c), luggage to be handled by crew themselves
• No stops in between, other than at harbour immigration office.
• Mandatory ED card to be filled in – ED application must be completed within 12-72h prior to the travel on http://www.edcardaruba.aw.

Aruba has the borders open with the following countries/regions: USA, Canada, Central America, South America, The Caribbean, Europe and other regions. The border closure with Venezuela remains in effect.

Inchcape Shipping Services

GAC

Bayside Shipping

Wilhelmsen

Cocks Macnish

Thynne Macartney

Wallmans Lawyers

This means that AMSA inspectors will verify compliance with Regulation 2.4 of the MLC, 2006 to ensure seafarers serve no longer than 11 months continuously on board a vessel. This will include verification that any service extensions do not result in seafarers serving on board for more than 11 months.

The Australian Government have provided  an online website which enables agents, masters and shipping companies etc to conduct checks on the visa status for maritime crew. It is incumbent upon the crew member/shipping company to ensure correct visas are obtained and are valid before arriving in Australia.

The link to the site is https://online.immi.gov.au/evo/mcv?actionType=query. It is recommended to check crew visas before submitting pre-arrival documents.

Queensland

Thynne Macartney have provided an update on maritime protocols in Queensland as of 28 January 2022 which is available here.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for urgent and non-urgent matters.

Non-urgent medical assistance is available and is subjected to the discretion of a biosecurity officer that will board the vessel and screen the crew members for COVID 19 and other serious infectious diseases. Prior to arrival, Masters are required to report ill crew members through the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS).

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

See crew change section.

Further information can be found at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/preparing-to-travel-to-australia-from-overseas

Western Australia:

Quarantine – the current status until 03rd March 2022 is for those who are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine (see attached list, subject to changes at short notice), they will be allowed to self-isolate for 7 days only.

All non-approved vaccinated crew will have to quarantine for 14 days at government facility.

Their quarantine status can only be determined/qualified on arrival at Perth international Airport therefore we are unable to confirm if crew will self-isolate for 7 or quarantine for 14 days prior to arrival in Perth.

For all international arrivals after 1201hrs 03rd March 2022, the following entry requirements will apply:

• Be fully vaccinated under the Commonwealth Government requirements , to be determined on arrival at Perth International Airport.
• Have an approved G2G Pass
• Undertake a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival within 12 hours and report any positive result to WA authorities.
• Unvaccinated arrivals will be required to complete quarantine for 14 days at government facility.

All arrivals will be provided with one Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival to meet these interim testing requirements.

Note – Fully vaccinated will be allowed into WA without Quarantine provided they fly directly form overseas in Perth. If arriving Perth via other Australian states (e.g. Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne), they must be triple vaccinated in order to comply with requirements for no Quarantine.

Further information can be found on an update from the Australian Border Force provided by GAC with relevant sections highlighted, which is available here.

Wilhelmsen

Albano Agency

• Bunker calls
• Receiving spare parts
• Medical disembarkations (duly proven)
• Repairs
• Load/discharge operations

Medical Assistance

Crew not allowed to come ashore, unless for urgent medical attendance.

ON-SIGNERS:

– Arriving Azores with a SARS-COV-2 PCR test made in the 72 hrs prior arrival, with a negative test result and in a recognised laboratory; or

– On arrival at Azores make a biologic sample collection and wait in a hotel for the respective result (expected within 24 – 48 hrs) prior to be released to join the vessel.

– When waiting for the laboratory test result, crew cannot leave accommodation.

OFF-SIGNERS:

– Coordination and supply information to Health Authority to obtain the disembarkation permit;

– Make biologic sample collection and wait in a hotel for the respective tests results (expected within 24 – 48 hrs) prior to be released for repatriation;

– Collection of biologic sample to be coordinated/scheduled with Technical Staff from Health Authority (Availability under consult/ Not available 24/7)

– When waiting for the laboratory test result, the crew cannot leave accommodation.

Caribbean Marine

Cariconsult

One hour before Pilot boards:

Sanitize vessel’s bridge and equipment including;

• Radars
• pilot chair
• piloting stations and open bridge wings
• consoles and binoculars
• door handles
• chart tables
• bridge windows
• Advise Pilot or port officials on the health status of all persons on board; where there are ill persons aboard, the nature of the illness is to be disclosed.

Whilst Pilot is boarding:

• A further advisory to Pilot, via VHF radio, on the health status of all persons on board; where there are ill persons aboard, the nature of the illness is to be disclosed.
• All shipboard personnel to, as far as practicable, maintain a personal space of at least two (2) metres away from the pilot
• One-person only to escort the Pilot to the bridge
• Only the escort and Pilot to be in stairwell or ship’s elevator when proceeding or departing the bridge.

When Pilot on the vessel’s bridge:

• The Pilot will not greet any shipboard personnel with the customary handshake.
• Two (2) metre personal space to be borne in mind when completing

Master/Pilot information exchange.

• For the near future, whilst the Pilot remains obliged to inform on his name, he should not be mandated to sign any documents including;

o Security logs
o Pilot cards
o Master/Pilot exchange forms

• Only essential members of the crew are to be present in the wheelhouse during the conduct of the manoeuvre all of whom must sanitize their hands
• Crew members and Pilots should avoid touching their own faces
• Hand sanitizing material should be made available to Pilot and crew when on the bridge.

Pilots will not board incoming vessels arriving within the last fourteen (14) days from our government-listed high-risk countries. Any vessel that has visited countries with a high incidence of the COVID-19 virus, less than fourteen days ago, would not be boarded. Additionally, where any crew member has joined the vessel within the last fourteen (14) days, Pilots will not be permitted aboard until further information on the specific crew is obtained and analysed.

Ports remain open and operational, cruise ships are now permitted to call at the Bahamas.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

• Fully vaccinated persons travelling to The Bahamas from foreign countries also between islands will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), taken no more than five (5) days prior arriving to The Bahamas.
• Unvaccinated travellers entering The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR (swab) test taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival.
• Non-vaccinated persons travelling inter-island within The Bahamas from Nassau & Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island are required to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of travel, and present to the operator of the airline or vessel on which they are travelling.
• For non-vaccinated persons travelling inter-island from any other island of The Bahamas, only a negative result of a rapid antigen test is required.
• All persons travelling to The Bahamas are required to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs., a Travel Health Visa will no longer be required for inter-island travel within The Bahamas. In addition, the payment of the Travel Health Visa fee is no longer required for Bahamian citizens and residents returning to The Bahamas.
• Fully vaccinated travellers are required to upload negative test results in addition to valid proof of vaccination confirming they have passed the two-week immunity period (such as CDC or government issued vaccine record card).
• At this time, the Bahamas Government will only be accepting vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca. Mixed and matched second doses of COVID-19 vaccines above mentioned are also accepted.
• All unvaccinated persons are required to upload their negative COVID-19 PCR test results. Tests must be taken no more than 5 days prior to the date of arrival.
• As part of the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application, travellers will be required to opt in to COVID-19 health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas. The cost of insurance is included in the Bahamas Travel Health Visa application fee
• The Government of the Bahamas announced that as a consequence of the identification of a new COVID-19 Variant – Omicron (B1.1.529), has imposed travel restrictions on travellers, vaccinated or unvaccinated, from the following countries: Botswana; Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) Lesotho; Malawi; Mozambique; Namibia; Zimbabwe; and South Africa.
• Individuals not ordinarily resident in The Bahamas who have travelled to, though, or from these countries within the last fourteen (14) days WILL NOT be allowed entry into The Bahamas at this time.

• Ship Pre arrival notification
• Crew list
• Last 10 ports of visit
• Marine declaration form (to be filled out and singed by the ship Master)
• Health Declaration form (to be filled out by all incoming vessels, crew or passengers from infected countries or passing through any of the infected countries as per WHO guidelines within the last 14 days)

Cruise calls are suspended until further notice.

BK CHOWDHURY

Interport Group

Coast To Coast

P&I Services Ltd

GAC Bangladesh

Dept of Shipping Circular 09/2020

As vessels are discharging cargo at Kutubdia and Chattogram anchorage by Ship-to-Ship /lighterage operation as customary practice, to continue the supply chain and not to impede ship operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ship Masters are requested to comply with the following additional measure while working by shore labour (stevedoring gang) remaining onboard during the operation:

• The Master to hose down/ disinfect the deck prior to boarding by stevedore gang;
• The crew to wear PPE when going on deck during cargo operation until the stevedores disembark;
• Master to make arrangements so that the stevedore gangs can disinfect their shoes on boarding the vessel;
• The stevedore gang members to wear face mask and gloves at all times during their work
• All the stevedore gang members to be provided with safe space on deck outside the accommodation for them to stay on board till completion of discharge;
• The Master should make arrangements for fresh drinking water for them to drink and prepare their food during their stay;
• The Master should make arrangements for toilet facilities for the stevedores during their stay on board;
• Master should hose down/ disinfect the deck upon disembarkation of stevedores.”

The Chittagong Port Authority have implemented a ‘No Mask No Service’ policy for shipping agents operating within the port limits. The policy includes the requirement for temperature screening of shipping agent employees and the mandatory use of PPE. Shipping agents are required to ensure that their employees have an adequate supply of PPE, hand sanitisers etc in order to comply with the policy. The port circular is available here.

As part of the measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, all arriving vessels are required to submit the following documents to the Port Health Officer, Chattogram 48 hours before arrival at Port of Chattogram:

1. a) Last Port of Call List at least Ten Port of Call.
2. b) Crew List.
3. c) Maritime Declaration of Health
4. d) Vaccination List
5. e) Letter from Master re Ebola Virus stating that Crew Members are not affected by Ebola Virus.
6. f) Letter from Master re Corona Virus stating that Crew Member are not affected by Corona Virus .
7. g) Voyage details of each Crew Members for last one month on the date of arrival at Chittagong Outer Anchorage
8. h) Special Health/Medical Declaration for Vessels Arriving Chattogram duly complete and signed by master.

The stated documents must be submitted regardless whether there are any sick passengers or crew on board.

The above documents are to  be sent to The Port Health Officer, Chattogram, with agents in copy.

The Email ID of Port Health Officer is: cpho@ld.dghs.gov.bd

Both the ports, Chittagong and Mongla are fully operational.  Loading and unloading operation has been continuing without any interruption during the COVID period. Shore leave is allowed only for the sick/ injured seafarer.

Medical Assistance

Crew members requiring medical assistance are allowed to visit a Doctor ashore (taking appropriate COVID-19 precautions) or the Doctor is allowed to visit the crew member onboard the vessel. This is only permitted when the crew members have undergone COVID-19  screening by the Port Health Officer and Medical Team of the Port Authority on arrival of the vessel.

Chittagong Port Authority has acquired a Sea ambulance for transportation of non-COVID sick or injured crew member from vessels at the anchorages to Chittagong Port Authority Hospital.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On 8 March 2022 the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh issued circular FSR-01/2022 with updated travel restrictions. This includes relaxing restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers:

Vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccine:

Travelers completed full dose (single/double dose as applicable for a full dose) of WHO approved Covid-19 vaccine can enter Bangladesh with the official proof of certification of vaccination and no RT PCR based COVID-19 negative certificate is required.

Not vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccine:

Travelers without having full dose (single/double dose as applicable for a full dose) of Covid-19 vaccine can enter Bangladesh if they possess RT PCR based COVID-19 negative certificate done within 72 hours of departure time.

Outgoing passengers:

Outgoing passengers shall follow the latest restrictions/ requirements imposed by the transit/destination country(s) or by the Airlines. Airlines concerned shall arrange to keep their passengers well informed about the Airlines requirements and the requirements or formalities of origin / transit / destination country(s) well before of their travel.

If COVID-19 symptoms are identified on arrival:

Irrespective of vaccinated or not vaccinated, if any COVID-19 symptoms are detected in a traveller on arrival, he/she shall be sent to Government Authorized Hospital/Facility for RT PCR test. If RT PCR test result is positive, he/she will be sent to isolation at government nominated facility or Hotel at their own expenses. Further RT PCR test will be carried out after 7 (Seven) days and he/she will be released when the test result is negative. Quarantine shall be ensured by the respective government agency(s) in charge.

The full circular is available here.

Langlois & Co

The Maritime Executive

Safety4Sea

The port is operating normally but there may be delays due to a reduction in available Stevedores as a result of quarantine or isolation. Shore leave is permitted.

Correspondents report that Port State Control Officers  have taken a strict attitude as to crew members who were on board for more than the their contract period (more than the maximum period of 11 months). There have been several detentions of vessels both in Ghent and in Antwerp by Port State Control until crew changes were effected. This was due to the fact that the Port State Control  Officers took the attitude that these repatriations could take place in view of the available flights and that they considered that some Owners were using COVID-19 as an excuse for keeping the crew member for a longer period on board.

COVID-19 restrictions are having no major impacts on legal proceedings.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for urgent non-COVID19 cases remains available and approved on a case by case basis. Usually the first stage is a visit to the port doctor, who then decides which treatment and whether hospitalisation is required.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

In June 2021, Belgium commenced providing COVID-19 vaccinations to seafarers at the Port of Antwerp with plans to offer vaccinations at the Port of Zeebrugge shortly after. The goal of the vaccination programme is to vaccinate approximately 2,200 seafarers this month. Further details are available at:  https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/belgium-starts-eu-s-first-seafarer-covid-vaccinations

Langlois & Co have provided the following information on the vaccination of seafarers in Belgian ports:

Notice to ships, shipowners and agents

When there are suspicions of Covid cases onboard, or depending from the decisions taken by the authorities on a case by case basis, joining or leaving crew members are tested for Covid. In case of positive tests, crew members are not allowed to join the vessel.

For departing crew, in case of a positive test, they are to remain in quarantine for 14 days. However, 9 days after the first test a second test is carried out, and as from the time the crew members are tested negative, they are allowed to be repatriated.

Covid-19 incidents have taken place, and for the most part the authorities are being cautious, but cooperative.  Specifically, if there are infections onboard, immediate notification is extremely necessary in order to have the port make necessary arrangements and health department notifications.  Decisions are made on a case by case basis.

Port operations

At the present time, Covid-19 restrictions are not impacting the operations and/or logistics of the port.  However, shore leaves are not being allowed to seafarers.  This is what has taken place up to now.  Do to the increase in infections, these restrictions are evaluated on a daily basis, and changes can be sudden.

Courts

Since courts have been closed and/or operating at a lower capacity, there are certainly long delays.

The other legal issue that has taken place is that of one or more  crew members testing positive for Covid-19.  In such cases, the authorities with court backing will order the vessel to quarantine.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

ELTVEDT & O’SULLIVAN

GAC

ETIC SAS – AFRICA P&I Services

McLeans – WAMS

• 10 last port of call list
• Memorandum stating the whole crew health status
• Crew list (Crew list must show place and date of embarkation)

The vessel will receive a form from the Port Authority through her local agent. The form will be filled by each person on board the vessel. The forms will be collected by the Port Health Officials when they visit the vessel upon the berthing of the vessel at Cotonou Port.

There is no Port restriction concerning port operations and logistics in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. No shore leave is allowed for the crew.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remain available for both COVID-19 or any other illness injuries always through local agents.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

All inbound and outbound crews are required to undergo a COVID-19 test.

Meyer Agencies Ltd

Caribbean Marine

Inchcape Shipping Services

Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority have implemented restrictions and protocols related to the prevention of the spread of COVID 19, which must be complied with by all vessels that arrive at its ports.

Medical Assistance
Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Vaccinated air travellers may get either a PCR or antigen test as a pre-arrival test. All crew members, unvaccinated travellers and travellers arriving by sea must get a PCR test.

A valid pre-arrival test result must meet the following standards:

• Test must be performed by an accredited laboratory
• Display full name of laboratory and contact information for laboratory
• Display traveller’s full name and date of birth.

Test type must be a PCR or an antigen test:

• If the traveller is immunized, and arriving by air either test type is accepted
• If the traveller is unimmunized, a crew member or arriving by sea, the test type must be a PCR test
• For PCR tests, the date of the test must be no more than 4 days before the arrival. The test result must state “PCR” – either RT or Rapid PCR.
• For antigen tests, the date of the test must be no more than 3 days before the arrival.
• Test result must be negative

An immunised traveller is someone who has received the full course of a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by: Pfizer BioNTECH, AstraZeneca, Serum Institute of India, Jansen/Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinopharm/BIBP and Sinovac.

Fully vaccine means a COVID-19 vaccine administered according to the manufacturer’s recommendation or the advised of a stringent regulatory body recognised by the Ministry of Health, with at least 14 days from the date of the final dose of vaccination.

All visitors must have a negative pre-arrival: PCR test taken within four days of arrival OR Antigen test taken within three days of arrival in Bermuda.

Immunised residents and visitors must also test on arrival, day 4, and day 10 while in Bermuda.

As of August 23th, 2021, all immunised travellers will be given a red wristband upon arrival. Immunized travellers with pre-test must wear it until receiving the negative arrival test. Immunized travellers without pre-test must wear it until receiving the negative DAY 4 test.

All unvaccinated travellers must quarantine on arrival for 14 days at an accommodation (dwelling) of their choosing or a paid accommodation at their own expense.

An immunised mariner without a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 4 days of their departure date for Bermuda must quarantine for 4 days (inclusive of the time at sea from the last port) on their boat upon arrival in Bermuda.

An unimmunised mariner without a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 4 days of their departure date for Bermuda must quarantine for 14 days (inclusive of the time at sea from the last port) on their boat upon arrival in Bermuda.

The protocols for the different activities established by the local authorities must be followed.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.bm/coronavirustravellers

Cariconsult

Passengers ships calls are temporarily suspended. Cargo-, repair-, bunker-, load/discharge calls remain possible as normal. Off port attendance to remain as normal (exception: crew changes).

All ports in Bonaire are open as normal.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

All travellers must complete a Public Health Department health declaration form online between 24 hours and 12 hours before departure. This declaration can be downloaded at: https://www.bonairepublichealth.org.

Classification of countries according to the risk of contagion by Covid-19 established on December 10th:

• Countries classified as very low-risk are: China, Saba and Sint Eustatius
• Countries classified as low-risk are: Argentina, Aruba, Canada, Curacao, Peru, Sint Maarten, Spain, Sweden and Uruguay.
• Countries classified as high-risk are: Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, San Marino, Seychelles, Suriname, Switzerland, United States and Vatican City.
• Countries classified as very high-risk are: Botswana, Eswatini, Haiti, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
• Countries that are not mentioned in any of the categories are considered to be high-risk.

Requirements for travellers established on November 30th, 2021, taking into account the country of origin according to the risk of contagion by Covid-19:

From very low-risk countries:

– Fully vaccinated people and People who are not (fully) vaccinated: Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

From low-risk countries:

• Fully vaccinated people:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

• People who are not (fully) vaccinated:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

– NAAT-PCR Test 48 hours before departure.

From high-risk countries:

• Fully vaccinated people:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

– Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure.

• People who are not (fully) vaccinated:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

– NAAT-PCR Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure + Antigen Test immediately upon arrival on Bonaire.

From very high-risk countries:

• Fully vaccinated people:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

– Antigen Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure.

– NAAT-PCR Test on day 5 after arrival.

• People who are not (fully) vaccinated:

– Health Declaration between 24 and 12 hours before departure.

– NAAT-PCR Test within 24 hours before departure or NAAT-PCR Test within 48 hours before departure + Antigen Test immediately upon arrival on Bonaire.

– NAAT-PCR Test on day 5 after arrival.

Fully vaccinated means that the final vaccination has been administered at least two weeks ago.

All people while on Bonaire must follow the measures issued for local authorities on November 27th to ensure that the corona virus does not spread.

Brazmar

Proinde P&I

The main changes can be summarised as follows:

• Proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 tests will no longer be mandatory for embarkation. However, the maritime company may still require tests or vaccination.
• Notification of health events, including suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19, remains mandatory.
• Isolation of suspected cases on board continues to be obligatory.

Proinde P&I publish comprehensive guidance on the current situation – see:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Brazil – Practical Guidance

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to access medical attention ashore for both COVID-19 and non-COVID illnesses and injuries.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Ordinance 678/2022 requires travellers to be fully vaccinated 14 days before the travel or to take an antigen or laboratory test within one day of boarding. It exempts from these requirements the following categories:
• Cargo transport workers;
• Aircrews;
• Residents living in cross-border towns recognised as twin cities
• Certain limited humanitarian exemptions approved by the federal government

While the land or air carrier remains responsible for checking for proof of vaccination or test before departure, the traveller infringing the regulation is subject to civil, administrative and criminal liabilities, repatriation or deportation on short notice, and disqualification of an application for refuge.

Proinde P&I provide an outline of the rules on crew changes and shore leave at https://proinde.com.br/news/new-rules-for-crew-change-and-shore-leave/

AqualisBraemar

Wilhelmsen

22 February 2021: Kalimbassieris Maritime advise:

• Berthing and operations – No delays
• Surveyors boarding – Allowed with observance of PPE and distancing measures

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is permitted on a case by case basis. A negative PCR test is a prerequisite. Urgent cases are handled as usual. Some delay (24-48 hours) on planned/ non-urgent surgeries.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Local ports are allowing crew medical treatment for non-covid19 injuries and illness

The issue is the non-availability of flights in / out of the country.

TCI Africa

Budd P&I

Port of Doula Communique

A notice has been issued by the Port of Douala that advises of following measures to be taken:

• Vessels from “countries at risk” must wait at base buoy for a minimum of 14 days before being allowed to proceed into the channel
• After 14 days, port health service will board vessel at base buoy to consider clearance
• Upon berthing, the port health service will be the first to board. Other administrations and services must wait for free pratique before boarding
• Deliveries to the vessel at base buoy is prohibited
• Crew changes must be carried out under full supervision of port health service

Delays are observed for waiting period at anchorage, for berthing, for commercial operations. Shore leave is still not allowed to crewmembers. The crew must be kept aboard and could land only for medical reason, or crew changes.

The is a possibility of delays in court proceedings mainly as a result of absent court staff, attending lawyers and attending parties due to testing positive for COVID-19 and also when disinfection of court premises is carried out.

Medical Assistance

In practice, any crew member who is found to have COVID-19 type symptoms will be tested and placed in quarantine on board unless their medical condition requires them to be disembarked and treated in a suitable medical facility.

For non COVID-19 illness, crewmembers are normally authorized to be landed and forwarded to doctors for medical care and hospitalization if required.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

Seafarers seeking to fly into Cameroon may undergo a rapid PCR- COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival and if positive, will be required to be in isolation at home or in a government-contracted hotel at their own expense depending on their symptoms. If negative, they can join their vessels or hotel directly from the airport.

Travelers / Seafarers must also present a negative test result from within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Cameroon.

Airlines may have their own requirements regarding testing and other issues related to COVID-19.

Transport Canada has created a website that provides updates on transportation-related measures it has taken in response to COVID-19 https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-tc.html

For Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) inspections, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are to conduct non-compliant inspections (at anchorage) and import inspections at a particular rate based on risk. Other measures may include requesting additional information prior to inspections to reduce the amount of time spent on a vessel and interacting with crew.

Transport Canada bulletin 15/2020 “Temporary Guidance Regarding the Use of Non-Medical Masks or Face Coverings for Workers in the Marine Transportation Sector”. It includes recommendations on the use of non-medical masks for seafarers where social distancing is not possible.

Transport Canada issue bulletin 21/2022 UPDATED GUIDELINES RESPECTING THE MOBILITY OF ASYMPTOMATIC, PRESUMED NONCOVID-19-CARRYING SEAFARERS IN THE MARINE SECTOR DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/updated-guidelines-respecting-mobility-asymptomatic-presumed-non-covid-19-carrying-seafarers-marine-sector-during-covid-19-pandemic-ssb-no-21-2022

This provides guidance related to:

1. International crew changes
2. Domestic crew changes
3. Exemption from quarantine requirements for asymptomatic, presumed non-COVID-19 carrying seafarers – both Canadian and foreign nationals.

Transport Canada bulletin 01/2021 Maximum period of service on board and repatriating seafarers during COVID-19.

https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/maximum-period-service-board-repatriating-seafarers-during-covid-19-ssb-no-01-2021

The bulletin states that all efforts must be made by the shipowner to repatriate crew members to ensure they are not serving longer than 11 months from the date of joining the vessel. Foreign vessels in Canadian waters operating without a valid SEA for all crew members will be subject to enforcement action such as, but not limited to, detention and/or Administrative Monetary Penalty.

Medical Assistance

Reporting requirements for ill crew members on board can be found in Safety Bulletin 02/2021 – Request for notification of any person or crew member on board that has a serious illness or any COVID-19 symptoms:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/request-notification-any-person-crew-member-board-has-serious-illness-any-covid-19-symptoms-ssb-no-02-2021

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Seafarers providing an essential service do not need to be considered a fully vaccinated traveller to enter Canada, although the preference is for all travellers be fully vaccinated.

SSB No.: 11/2022 advises consulting the following websites on how a foreign seafarer in Canada can obtain a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Vaccines for COVID-19 – Information from the Government of Canada.
• Seafarer Vaccinations in Canada – website maintained by the Shipping Federation of Canada providing vaccine availability information at key locations across Canada, including Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Trois Rivieres, Quebec, Saint John, and Halifax.
• Covid-19 Vaccines for Seafarers – website maintained by the North American Maritime Ministry Association providing vaccine availability information at key ports in Canada.
• Immunization Information for Seafarers in BC – website maintained by the Chamber of Shipping providing information on how seafarers can obtain a COVID-19 vaccine at ports in British Columbia.

More details in bulletin 21/2022 UPDATED GUIDELINES RESPECTING THE MOBILITY OF ASYMPTOMATIC, PRESUMED NONCOVID-19-CARRYING SEAFARERS IN THE MARINE SECTOR DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/updated-guidelines-respecting-mobility-asymptomatic-presumed-non-covid-19-carrying-seafarers-marine-sector-during-covid-19-pandemic-ssb-no-21-2022

See also Safety Bulletin 03/2021 – Updated guidance to vessel crew members and non-crew marine sector workers respecting entry into Canada:

https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/updated-guidance-vessel-crew-members-non-crew-marine-sector-workers-respecting-entry-canada-ssb-no-03-2021

10 September: At present no impact on port operation and surveyor attendance. Difference is that all port services and Surveyors should to comply with COVID Protocol using PPE and keeping safe distance during operations.

Courts were affected during Emergency state decreed by Government from March to June and time bars were also affected during that period. At present Courts are working normally.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to access medical attention ashore for both COVID-19 and non-COVID illnesses and injuries. Only different regulation is that, in case of COVID suspects, Sanitary Authorities should be informed previous to disembark by Correspondents or local agents.

No quarantine and testing regimes are in place for seafarers joining and disembarking the vessel by local Authorities.

Position not known.

JJR Abogados

S5 Agency World

Wilhelmsen

• Temperature monitoring checkpoints have been implemented.
• Guidelines for sanitary requirements have been issued.
• Ship’s crew are only permitted to disembark the vessel for essential duties in relation to cargo handling or safety of the vessel or environment.
• Ship/shore staff interaction is to be kept to an absolute minimum with the preferred method being electronic.
• PSC inspections have been suspended until further notice .

13 April: Cave & Co provide commentary on Resolution 1179 that includes formalities for the surrender of Original Bills of Lading (OBL), pursuant to the release of cargo to consignees by the Customs Authority.

Under normal circumstances, the holder of an OBL must surrender it to the carrier or his agent in exchange for a facsimile of the Bill with a stamp reading “Valid for Customs purposes”. This facsimile is filed – together with the other documents required by Customs – by a Customs Agent to obtain release of the cargo from Customs. Under the Chilean Code of Commerce, no carrier delivers the goods to the consignee direct, but rather to Customs, who verify the proper declaration of the goods, the payment of import duties and taxes, as well as the legality of the import. The verification of the identity of the true owner of the goods is achieved by the aforementioned procedure to surrender an OBL to the carrier or his agent.

The Chilean Customs Authority has issued Resolution 1179 covering a number of special procedures to avoid in-person formalities in the light of the COVID19 virus situation. Article 1, Nos. 3 and 7, allows the OBL holder to surrender it to the carrier or his agent as a scanned copy sent by email. The carrier or his agent then returns the facsimile referred to above, also by email, facsimile which is used to obtain release of the cargo from Customs. The party surrendering the OBL is required to forward the OBL (hard copy) to the carrier or his agent within 30 days of receiving the facsimile. A similar procedure applies to correction of OBLs. Resolution 1179 will remain in force until revoked by a similar Resolution issued by Customs.

20 July: JRR Abogados advise of recent transitory measure implemented by Customs through its Resolution 1179, whereby it has authorised electronic exchanges and amendments to bills of lading. There are several greys areas regarding its interpretation and practical implementation, including with regard to potential delivery of cargo without surrender of the original bill of lading. JRR Abogados recommend that until clarifications are obtained from Customs, ocean carriers should proceed carefully and liaise with their Chilean port agents to define interim protocols. Ocean carriers should also consider requesting letters of indemnity or similar guarantees from their shippers or consignees, as the case may be. Read more here: https://www.internationallawoffice.com/Newsletters/Shipping-Transport/Chile/JJR-Abogados/COVID-19-crisis-and-changes-to-cargo-delivery-procedures

Medical Assistance

Subject to evaluation by health authorities

Oasis P&I

Shanghai P&I

GAC

Budd China

Key points:

• From January 8th, 2023, China will downgrade management of COVID-19 from a Class A infectious disease to Class B. Prevention and restriction policies on port entry formalities, crew change, and onboard surveys at major ports are adjusted accordingly.
• Inbound crews are no longer subject to ship-wide nucleic tests or isolation in designated facilities. And crew change does not require approval anymore.
• Seafarers’ COVID-19 test information shall be no longer required to be submitted to port Authorities before berthing.
• But as per some local branches, there are still ports that require ships to provide the 48-hour antigen test result and fill in the Entry Health Declaration Card when ships go through the formalities of entry inspection. It is recommended that ships comply with the agent’s arrangement in this regard.
• Most ports such as Dalian, Tianjin, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Shanghai, and ports along the Yangzi River, ports in Guangdong and Guangxi Province, onboard surveys are permitted in principle.

13 January 2023: Shanghai P&I provide a roundup of the current measures in individual ports in China here 

Huatai Marine advise that based on Chinese government’s new policy on improving epidemic prevention and control measures, a new version of Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Ports and Their Frontline Personnel (the 12th edition) was issued by Ministry of Transport of P.R.C. on 8 December 2022, according to which, nucleic tests requirements in some cases are lifted, and restrictions on personnel entering ports are reduced to some extent. Some points related to international vessels are interpreted as follows.

I. Seafarers’ COVID-19 test results will not be required before vessels calling. Given the scope of vessels are not specified, vessels on international voyages shall be included herein. In addition, according to the 12th Guidelines, the following information still needs to be submitted before berthing.

i) Ports of call, berthing/unberthing information within the preceding 14 days before vessel’s arrival.

ii) Crew’s general information and health condition. Crew changes, embarkation and disembarkation personnel, materials and supplies delivery and personnel contact during berthing.

iii) Ship’s quarantine and epidemic prevention measures.

iv) Sewage treatment plant and ballast water management system.

v) Reefer containers and refrigerated cargo in bulk.

vi) Disinfection and transfer of garbage from ships.

II. Loading or discharging operation can only be proceeded in a safe manner on the premise that vessel accepted quarantine by the Customs, obtained quarantine certification materials and letters of commitment for crews ‘health condition was submitted by the shipping company or its agent.

III. Port operation for domestic trade will no longer restrict port operation personnel to board the ship or ship’s crew to enter the port operation area. However, for ships on international voyages, the measures of “avoiding unnecessary embarkation” by port operation personnel and “avoiding unnecessary disembarkation” by ship’s crew shall be adopted. Crews are prohibited from entering foreign trade port operation areas. Ship-to-shore interaction of ships on international voyages is under strict control, and the ship’s crew shall not disembark except for the necessities of life and production and in emergencies.

In addition, there are some epidemic prevention and restriction measures yet to be modified. For example, closed-loop management is still required for ship agents and surveyors passing through port area to board ships on international voyages.

Oasis P&I advised on 9 January 2023 that some ports such as Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian, etc. are allowing surveyor attendance. Boarding permit can now be applied for, following normal procedures as before the pandemic, and no quarantine will be required after the surveyor’s attendance on board.

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment for non-COVID-19 related matters remains available although subject to restrictions depending on region.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

Huatai Marine advise crew change restrictions on both Chinese and foreign seafarers have been lifted at ports such as Tianjin, ports of Hebei Province, Ningbo port, and Xiamen port. At some ports such as Dalian, crew change restrictions are partially lifted and change of Chinese crew members can be arranged smoothly. It is estimated by local agents that foreign crew change will be permitted soon. However, there are also some ports where crew change restrictions lifted in principle but are still being implemented gradually, such as Qingdao port and ports in Guangxi and Guangdong Provinces.

Oasis P&I advised on 9 January 2023 that allowing crew changes including foreign crew will be resumed.

Effective from 08 Jan 2023

1) Crew change of international sailing vessels no longer need prior approval of local authorities. The procedures will be the same as before the pandemic, i.e. inspection of border control as well as issuance of temporary entry permit, etc.

2) Crew members who are to sign off in China no longer need to be quarantined or receive PCR test upon arrival at China. If the health declaration is normal and the customs’ routine check founds no abnormality, the crew members can move freely. If there is any abnormality, the customs will decide on measures to be taken depending on the situation.

3) Crewmembers who are to come to China for crew disembarkation, should receive PCR test within 48 hours before the ship leaves the last foreign port. If tested positive, the crew members should be treated locally. If there is indeed difficulty in arranging PCR test because of itinerary, antigen test result is also acceptable.

Caribbean Marine

A&A Multiprime

Pandi Colombia

• List of last 10 ports of call.
• Crew list.
• List of passengers if any.
• Maritime declaration of health indicating date, time and Master’s signature. (This document must be presented at least 3 hours before arrival)
• Crew´s temperature log.
• Departure from last port.

Also, at arrival, every vessel has to contact the Port State of Control and report any developments or concerns related to the crew´s health.

Currently each Port is establishing its own biosecurity protocols following the guides of the Ministry of Health, local sanitary authorities and DIMAR, but in general, maritime activities continue normally.

In general terms, shore leave is not being authorized at any Colombian port. However, subject to the biosecurity protocols implemented in each port, and the authorization of local sanitary, migratory and port authorities, crew members could be disembarked in certain justified cases (e.g. change of crew).

Except for human rights-related legal actions, in Colombian Civil Courts the legal terms were suspended from March 16^th, 2020, to July 1^st, 2020. The maritime jurisdiction (Harbour Masters and DIMAR) had a similar suspension between March 18^th and July 5^th,, 2020. However, in both cases, terms have been reinstated and hearings are being held virtually with no major impact.

Medical Assistance

Disembarkation of crew members for medical emergencies is allowed with the following procedures:

1. If the medical emergency occurred prior to arrival, the Master must report the situation and send all the necessary information on the crew member’s medical condition (identification, symptoms and report the last 3 ports) to his maritime agent as soon as possible. The agents must then report the incident to the district authorities, to the Port Captaincy and finally to the Maritime terminal in order to activate the biosecurity protocols required by the Doctors to board the vessel and eventually disembark the crewmember.
2. If the medical emergency occurs during maritime operations in the terminal, the maritime agency must report it immediately and carrying out the same protocol mentioned previously, and, additionally, the Master must provide a detailed report of the incident.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Passengers must complete Migracion Colombia’s Check-Mig immigration form and follow other protocols upon arrival. For further information, see the Colombian Health Ministry announcement.

From December 14 2012, international travellers entering Colombia must comply with the following measures provided for in Resolution No. 2052 of 2021 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection:

• Present the vaccination certificate or card with the complete schedule, taking a minimum of 14 days prior travelling. The required vaccines will be those authorized by the World Health Organization. The definition of the complete scheme will be according to the technical recommendation of the producer of each biological.
• Foreign non-residents in Colombia who do not have a complete vaccination scheme or who do not meet 14 days prior the trip, may enter the country presenting a PCR test with a negative result, issued no more than 72 hours before the initially scheduled boarding date and time.
• In the exclusive case of Colombians and foreigners with permanent residence, who do not have a vaccination card or those who have an incomplete vaccination schedule, must present a PCR test with a negative result, issued no more than 72 hours before the initially scheduled date and time of shipment.
• The Certificate or vaccination card may be presented physically or digitally, which can be obtained at https://mivacuna.sispro.qov.co/MiVacuna/Accountioqin or in the digital MinSalud application.
• All international travellers, whether nationals or not, must register through the Check-Mig application of the Special Unit for Migration Colombia.
• All international travellers, whether nationals or not, must respond to the tracking and follow-up telephone calls made by the National Tracking Contact Center (CCNR from line 1900), their insurer or the health secretary of the jurisdiction where they will stay. during your stay or where you usually reside. Likewise, they must comply with the use of biosafety measures that the Colombian state has.

S5 World Agency

• Curfew in force from 2000 hours until 0500 hours every day
• There is no international flights allowed  in the country except aircraft transporting cargo or medical shipment.
• However domestic flights is still open to passengers traveling through the islands
• Ports are operative day and night but cruise vessel not allowed and no disembarking international crew from visiting vessels.

Medical Assistance

Case by case basis.

McLeans – WAMS

Ports are opened to the containers and general cargo ships but are closed to passenger’s vessel. Ports (Matadi, Boma and Banana) are operational as usual with precaution against contamination of the COVID-19. There is currently no lack of stevedores which are working 24 hours a day including weekends.

Shore leave is prohibited.

Medical Assistance

Situation unknown

TCI Africa

Budd P&

The port of Pointe Noire is opened to the containers and general cargo ships. Commercial operations tend to be carried out as usual.

The conditions of access are regulated with the passage of health services on board for a systematic control of the sanitary situation of the crew on the harbour before berthing.

Health Services are sending their agents prior Pilot arrival for sanitary inspection (using thermoflash). If any crew member gives indication of contamination, the vessel won’t be authorized to operate in Pointe Noire.

A list of last ports visited is to be sent to the Port Authority 48 hours before arrival.

There is no lack of stevedore.

No shore passes are issued.

17 September: A 14-day quarantine and a Covid-19 test carried out within the preceding 72 hours is mandatory for all who embark or disembark.  Health checks have been reinforced with thermal scanners and thermo flashes on every corner.  Visits on board are being authorized less and less and port activity has slowed.

Medical Assistance

Crew can receive medical treatment ashore.  Those who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 are transferred to the denominated treatment centres

JADROAGENT

Vessels on international voyages which are in self-isolation or quarantine is imposed are prohibited from calling at Croatian ports with the exception of:

• all ships registered in the Croatian Registry;
• all ships calling the Croatian ports due to transport of goods;
• passenger ships without passengers, calling the Croatian ports due to lay-up in Croatian port;
• all ships arriving to the shipyards for maintenance or repairs.
• All persons onboard ships that are permitted to call at Croatian ports are subject to measures imposed by local authorities. Ships may  be subjected to a sanitary health inspection and disinfection (including cargo).
• on entry into Croatian territorial waters ships will be contacted by the national VTS by radio. The VTS will then advised the national authorities on the ship’s arrival. In addition to this, the Master is required to provide the local agent with a crew list which includes the port and date of embarkation. This will then be passed to the relevant authorities.

For vessels that have a case of suspected COVID 19 infection:

• the ship will be denied entry to respective port until health condition of persons on board the ship is assessed by sanitary inspectors.
• if a case is confirmed prior to departure from a Croatian port, infected person(s) will be disembarked and provided required medical assistance under applicable safety protocols.
• if the vessel departs the prior to receiving test results, the Master and the next port of call will be informed of the laboratory result, when available, as well as on potential confirmation of infection for the respective person(s).

Port State Control inspections are suspended with exceptions while Flag State inspections will be carried out if there are no infected persons onboard and subject to a strict risk assessment.

14 September: No negative impact on port operations or surveyor attendance. There may be delays in court hearings but no reported impact on time bars.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for emergency non-COVID19 cases remains available and approved on a case by case basis. For non-emergency cases a Doctor will carry out an assessment of the patient via telephone an determine if it is necessary to disembark the patient for treatment.

Crew members are allowed to join/disembark without Covid test.

If requested, Covid testing is available during standard working hours with results available in 48 hours.

Measures for international sanitary control:

For travellers, whether or not they are residents in Cuba, it will be mandatory:
• Present a complete vaccination schedule at the point of entry.
• Show the negative result of a PCR-RT, carried out a maximum of 72 hours before the trip
• Random surveillance will be increased, beginning with RT-PCR at the border for travellers from high-risk countries.

In addition to the above measures, Cubans residing in the country who do not have a vaccination scheme, to enter the national territory, will be required to:
• Collect a sample for SARS-CoV-2 PCR-RT at the point of entry.
• Comply with a mandatory quarantine, for eight days, in a hotel designated for this purpose, with the traveller assuming the costs of accommodation and transportation.
• On the seventh day, a new sample will be taken that, if negative, will allow discharge from quarantine on the eighth day.
• All crewmembers and passengers of merchant ships that intend to enter Cuba, and come from foreign ports, must present a complete vaccination schedule and, in addition, a PCR study will be carried out at the point of entry.
• The crews of airplanes and cruise ships that will remain less than 48 hours in the national territory will be exempt from these measures. In both cases they will have to present their complete vaccination schedule.
• Cruise and pleasure boat passengers will have to present an international certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter the country.
• Travelers who arrive in Cuba and are part of the enrolment of international schools, scholarships in Cuban institutions, foreign technicians and collaborators who are staying, will carry out an eight-day quarantine in their respective centers, and will undergo a PCR-RT on the seventh day of arrival.
• Mandatory quarantine for travellers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi and Eswatini is no longer required.

Those who not require complete vaccination schedule:

• Children up to 12 years old, of any nationality or origin.
• Adults who, due to medical reasons, and duly certified, cannot be vaccinated with any of the vaccines approved to date by the corresponding regulatory agencies

Medical Assistance

In the event that any crew member presents a Non-COVID 19 injury or illness, the health authorities must be informed and authorize the disembarkation for medical assistance on the ground in the hospital system.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

All crewmembers and passengers of merchant ships that intend to enter Cuba, and come from foreign ports, must present a complete vaccination schedule and, in addition, a PCR study will be carried out at the point of entry

Caribbean Marine suggest planning well in advance with local agent specially for transportation purposes in case it is necessary to move from Havana to any other location in the island. The only official agency in Cuba authorized to handle this type of assistance is Consignataria Mambisa.

Firma CS Gorsira JP Ez

• Keep a daily record of the temperature and Covid-19 related symptoms for every on board.
• Submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) at least 24 hours prior to their arrival in Curacao.
• Report any medical conditions related to Covid-19 immediately to Curacao.
• Apply all necessary measures if there is a suspicion of Covid-19 contamination on board (isolation, quarantine, testing, quarantine policy, source-case and contact tracing investigation).

It will be determined, based on the information received, whether it is necessary to perform additional PCR tests before the crew is authorized to disembark.

Crews of private ships/recreational vessels must provide documentation from all ports visited prior to their arrival in Curacao. Documentation should also be submitted with any evidence of previous PCR test. Where possible, the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) should be submitted prior to arrival. If this is not possible, the PLC must be submitted immediately upon arrival of the ship in Curacao.

Medical Assistance

Willemstad Terminal allows crew medical treatment for non-COVID-19 injuries & illnesses if urgent and sufficient guarantees can be given that patient is non-infected.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information
No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

Curacao is operating restrictions for low and high risk countries. The authorities are updating a countries risk classification weekly. Further details can be found at https://www.curacao.com/en/questions/health-and-vaccinations/response-to-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.

The List of risk classification of the countries was updated on November 15, 2021, according to Government Announcement No. # 430:

VERY LOW RISK: China, Ecuador, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, India, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Morocco, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Eustatius, Taiwan.

LOW RISK: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Spain, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Sweden, Uruguay.

HIGH RISK: Germany, United States of America, Finland, France, French Guiana, Guyana, Iceland, Luxembourg, Martinique, Norway, Poland, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey.

VERY HIGH RISK: Anguilla, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bonaire, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Ireland, Cayman Islands, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Romania, Singapore, Venezuela.

Countries that are not on any of the above lists are classified as High Risk countries.

According to government announcements Nos. # 443 and # 445 respectively, Curaçao imposed a travel ban effective November 28, 2021 for travellers from, or who have been in the last 14 days, in one of the following countries, regions or places where there is a widespread incidence of the OMICRON variant: Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

All travellers must present upon arrival proof of a negative PCR test, taken within 48 hours of departure.

Elias Marine Consultants Ltd

EMCO Group

Inchcape Shipping Services

GAC Cyprus

Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd

IMO Circular Letter No. 4251

The Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, in exercising the powers conferred upon him by article 14 (1) of the Ports Authority Law of 1973 to 2016, has issued Instructions regarding the implementation of Restrictive Measures at ports and port installations in Cyprus in order to counter the COVID-19 Pandemic. The full text of the Instructions: https://www.dms.gov.cy/dms/shipping.nsf/all/A9C25603262D8300C2258551002DEBC8/$file/Instructions%20for%20Ports.pdf

Medical Assistance

In the case of a medical emergency situation involving a passenger or a crew member on board a vessel, either at anchorage area or in the port, shipping agents representing the vessel carrying the sick passenger/crew member, are allowed, by exemption, to proceed with the appropriate arrangements following coordination and consultation with the Medical and Public Health Services, which will arrange the

transfer and the medical treatment of the patient. Such requests may also be submitted through the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, in coordination with the Medical and Public Health Services.

 COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) has issued a circular outlining  plans to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to all seafarers on Cyprus-flagged and Cyprus-managed vessels. Vaccines will also be available to all seafarers serving on board vessels calling at Cypriot ports, regardless of flag, with close ties to Cyprus, such as ships managed by companies based in the country.

The procedure in Circular 17/2020 must be followed: https://www.dms.gov.cy/dms/shipping.nsf/all/5C724C6623B674B7C22585C3003827DE/$file/Circular%202020-17%20(12-08-2020)-EN.pdf?openelement

1. Crew must be put in isolation for 14 days before their arrival to the Republic
2. Crew must be subjected to a COVID-19 test before their arrival and the test should be negative.
3. Crew must be transferred directly from ship to airport and vice versa under strict protective measures
4. If the results of the COVID-19 test are pending, the company and/or the agent must make arrangements with the authorities for the crew to stay in the designated enclosure until the results of the test have been obtained
5. Off-signing crew shall remain on board until the date of the flight when it is possible
6. Crew members on vessels berthed in Cyprus ports must be isolated until the flight if the vessel departure date and the flight departure date is not the same
7. Crew changes will be made by specially chartered flights either by the agent or ship owner and/or those organised by the Republic for the repatriation of Cypriot citizens if there is available space.
8. All safety instructions should be complied with within the airport area.
9. The use of a mask is mandatory and all measures should be taken for hand hygiene. Distances of 2 metres must be maintained.
10. Transfer to the Airport should be made within a reasonable time, such as the airline’s instructions before boarding at the airport.
11. Crew members entering a port or port facility for boarding/disembarkation to/from a ship must follow strict protective measures.
12. Transport to port must be done without delays
13. Disembarkation should take place only when the transport means is present to transport the crew to the airport or designated accommodation, as appropriate.
14. The new crew members should only board after the previous crew has disembarked, unless it is unsafe to do so
15. Transport to and from the destination (port, airport, hotel) is direct and no intermediate stops are permitted. It is prohibited to disembark from the transport means, except in an emergency.
16. The cost of a ticket, a means of transport, the use of protective measures, molecular examination and accommodation by crew members shall be covered by the company and/or the agent

Each country has been categorised by the Cyprus government and based on the category the requirements vary. In Cyprus there are three categories https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/en/country-categories:

Category A: Persons travelling from Category A do not need to provide a negative PCR test for COVID-19 when traveling to Cyprus; they only need to provide certain information and solemn declarations.

Category B : Persons traveling from Category B countries are required to undergo a COVID-19 molecular test at a certified lab 72 hours prior to departure and provide the certificate demonstrating that they have been tested and do not have COVID-19. In addition, to this they will also need to provide certain information and solemn declarations.

Category C : Other countries not featured in Category A or Category B.

Travel from countries which are not featured in the categories A & B, is permitted only for:

o Cypriot citizens permanently residing in the Republic of Cyprus, and their family members (spouses, children and parents);
o Persons legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus;
o Persons allowed to enter the Republic of Cyprus in accordance with the Vienna Convention;
o Persons who are not included in the above but who have obtain prior written permission from the Republic of Cyprus.

Citizens arriving from Category C countries are required to place themselves in self-isolation for 14 days, and must repeat a COVID-19 molecular test 48 hours before the end of their self-isolation period, at their own expense. The result of the test must be sent to monada@mphs.moh.gov.cy. Self-isolation will be terminated if the result of the repeated COVID-19 test is negative.

A ‘Cyprus Flight Pass’ needs to be filled in and submitted in advance by all passengers traveling to the Republic of Cyprus. This is available on the website www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy, which must be accessed and filled in electronically.

For crew changes involving crew members which, in the 14 days before their arrival in Cyprus, were in countries belonging to Category B, or were onboard vessels which did not dock at any port, or were onboard vessels which docked only at ports of countries belonging to category A, no approval is required from the Shipping Deputy Ministry BUT crew members will be required to hold a COVID-19 negative result certificate that was carried out 72 hours prior to departure. For crew members who are unable to perform a PCR- based covid-19 test from a certified medical centre in the country of departure within 72 hours of departure with a negative result, a request should be made to the Shipping Deputy Ministry in accordance with the procedure below, in order to secure approval, so that a PCR-based covid-19 test is conducted upon their arrival in Cyprus.

Special approval should be obtained from the Shipping Deputy Ministry for crew members and passengers of vessels or pleasure craft who do not meet the provisions set out in categories A and B above. Approval requests should be submitted electronically at the following email address: crewchanges@dms.gov.cy.

All requests should include the following information:

• Vessel Name and/ or IMO number
• Vessel location in the Republic of Cyprus (name of port/ marina)
• Crew members’ / Passenger’s names (on-signers and off-signers)
• Crew members’ / Passenger’s flight details and original country of departure
• Accommodation arrangements in Cyprus (if applicable)

Danish P&I

All ships calling at Danish ports must send their Maritime Declaration of Health prior to arrival to their agent for submission to the relevant authorities.

Medical Assistance

If Radio Medical Denmark, decide that seafarer need treatment at hospital, please note that repatriation of the seafarer time being more or less impossible as several airports in Denmark completely closed down and only very few commercial flights departing from Copenhagen Airport.

If a seafarer on board falls with symptoms of COVID-19, the ship’s master must, in consultation with Radio Medical, consider the best treatment. As a rule, the seafarer must be placed in isolation on board. Contact Radio Medical Denmark

rmd@rsyd.dk

+45 75 45 67 66

Radio Medical Denmark

Precautions for other crew members, prevention of infection, etc. must be decided in consultation with Radio Medical. If treatment is to take place ashore, the Danish Maritime Authority can assist the shipping company with contact to relevant authorities at home and abroad

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

The Danish government has declared that  all Seafarers, irrespective of Nationality, calling Danish Ports, should have the opportunity to get Covid-vaccinated.

Therefore, the Danish government is working on an option whereby Covid vaccines with Johnson & Johnson, can be provided via private companies, against payment.

Further information is available at:

https://sum.dk/nyheder/2021/august/johnsonandjohnson-vaccinerne-vil-fremover-blive-tilbudt-mod-betaling (note this article is in Danish but can be translated into English).

Local agents may be able to arrange vaccinations for:

1) Seafarers arriving for Visa On Arrival at Copenhagen who are traveling onwards in the Schengen area.

2) A full crew while the vessel is calling a Danish port or passing the Danish Straits either out- or inbound.

3) Seafarers joining or disembarking at Skagen, Kalundborg, Gedser or Copenhagen.

Vaccinated and previously infected – proof of vaccination is required: Can enter without testing or isolation from all countries. However, requirement for testing and isolation are still in effect if you haven been in a country/ area with a virus of concern, at the present, there are no such countries or territories.

Travelers who have not been vaccinated or previously infected: Must be tested within 24 hours of entry, unless you hold a negative covid-test taken within either 48 hours (antigen) or 72 hours (PCR) prior traveling, when entering from a EU/Schengen country. Upon entry from Covid-19 high-risk countries, you are required to go in isolation if you are not vaccinated nor previously infected. Isolation, if no symptoms, is reduced to 4 days.

Approved vaccines: The list of approved vaccines for entering Denmark is expanded to cover also both EMA- and WHO-approved vaccines.

Exemptions from isolation apply to certain group of persons, this including seafarers. Hence, a crew member working on a ship or in the offshore industry, or a maritime technician who enters Denmark in order to perform such a function in Denmark or after having performed such a function abroad, is exempted from the self-isolation requirement.

The above applies as of 1 February until 28 February and/or until further notice.

Wilhelmsen

IVORY P&I

GAC

Once vessels arrive in Djibouti waters they remain at Anchorage until all crews on board are tested for COVID-19 by local health officers, and free pratique granted by same quarantine officers, after which the vessel is allowed to berth subject to berths availability.

Once the vessels berth alongside port piers/berths, shore people (stevedore, surveyors, agents etc.) are only allowed to board the vessels when they are in facial masks, medical gloves, and goggles.

Stevedore are available but not always adequate – as it was the case before outbreak of the pandemic.

5 May 2021: The Djibouti port authorities have advised that COVID tests will be conducted for all crew on board vessels which have called at ports of Brazil, India or South Africa in the last 30 days.

If the vessel has called at any of the three countries more than 30 days ago in its last 10 ports of call, COVID test will not be required for crew members.

For other vessels, the quarantine routine will continue. Only standard free pratique will be done by quarantine staff.

Medical Assistance

Subject to evaluation by health authorities.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

7 April: All ports of entry are closed to passengers until further notice. No airlines or ferries are operating into Dominica with passengers. Only air and sea cargo are allowed, with exceptions for aircraft, ships or other vessels carrying (a) citizens of Dominica (b) resident diplomats (c) medical personnel or (d) any other authorised persons.

19 June: The above measures remain in force. A curfew between 22:00 – 05:00 is in force.

A national plan is being developed for the re-opening of borders. Nationals, namely cruise line employees and students, have been allowed to return home. However they must undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government facility followed by a further 14-day home quarantine, monitored by community health teams.

Medical Assistance

Situation not known.

Caribbean Marine

Schad Expertise

Wilhelmsen

E&M

International Consulting S.R.L.

The only restrictions regarding pilotage arrangements are that the social distance is to be kept and that everyone in the proximity of the pilot must be wearing a mask.

COVID-19 restrictions has not affected ports operations, remote working has been implemented were possible and operational staff follow the necessary measures to continue operating.

The pandemic has led to a series of changes in the legal proceedings in the Dominican Republic: the organization of virtual hearings, the performance of proceedings before the courts through a virtual platform called “Judicial Service”, electronic communications with users to expedite services (sending of judgments, certifications, requests, etc.). However, these changes have not operated as efficiently in all courts, due to fact that there are still delays in the provision of services and in the issuance of judgments for the resolution of cases, since they are overloaded of work. Regarding the time bars, there were no changes in the legislation and remained the same as established.

Despite the implementation of the virtual modality in the judicial services, in some courts there are delays in the provision of the services (e.g. withdrawal of a copy of a ruling, withdrawal of a copy of the inventory of documents deposited by the parties, withdrawal of the writ of justificatory conclusions deposited by the parties, etc.), which are estimated to take days or even weeks to comply with these services required.

On October 8, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance issued Resolution No. 000048, which imposes measures to continue fighting COVID19. In summary – starting on the 18th of October 2021, full vaccination will become mandatory (people will have to get both doses of the vaccines).

Anyone over 12 years of age will have to present a vaccination card containing acknowledgement of having received both doses to enter:

1. A) Closed workspaces or workspaces of collective use.
2. B) Private or Public study centers (schools, universities etc.).
3. C) To use any method of public transport.
4. D) Restaurants, Bars, Clubs (both night clubs and country clubs), Stores, Malls, Casinos, Gyms, Sports Centers etc

Decree 622-21, issued by the Executive Branch of the Dominican Republic, as of October 11, 2021. The decree establishes that with the lifting of the state of emergency, the curfew and the restrictions to the freedoms of transit, association, and assembly outlined in previous Decrees and its modifications to control and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, are no longer in effect in Dominican Republic.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for COVID-19 and non-COVID19 matters and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Current requirements to enter the Dominican Republic:

• Presentation of negative COVID-19 test is not required. Random tests are still being carried out on arrivals at airports.
• No vaccination card presentation is required. It is recommended to carry the vaccination card for visitors who leave the tourist circuit, because if they visit a public or commercial center in the cities, it is requested to present this document.
• No quarantine is required when entering the country.

For entry and exit you must complete the E-Ticket form, which can be completed up to 72 hours before the flight. When completing and finalizing the form, the platform generates a QR code, and that is what must be presented to the airline when checking in and checking out, as well as to the Dominican authorities. The form can be found on the web eticket.migracion.gob.do.

Wilhelmsen

Ports are operating normally however there may be difficulties in appointing surveyor etc due to there being a limited number qualified individuals and some may not be working due to having COVID or having to self-isolate.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

If when calling at an Ecuadorian port the vessel reports a COVID-19 crewmember on board, the authorities will activate the protocol and roughly the proceeding will be as follows:

1. a) ship will be sent to quarantine area and a medical team from public health ministry will carry out PCR tests to all crewmembers;
2. b) if confirmed a positive case

on board, authorities will request to be isolated on board and ship will remain at quarantine area for 15 days;

1. c) the crewmembers will not be able to disembark unless the medical condition becomes critical & the medical team instruct and authorize that. All medical attention will be provided on board.
2. d) They will be monitored daily over the phone by physicians. They will be provided of medication in case necessary.

If a crewmember requires medical attention for a non-COVID situation, the first thing to be considered if his nationality requires visa or not to enter the country as mentioned in the following point. In any event, the crewmember must have a COVID-19 test (negative result in swapping PCR test) to disembark.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Crew changes must be authorised by the local authorities and applications must be submitted  in good time. If the crew require visas the crew change will not be approved until the visas have been issued.

MESCO

Eldib

EMCO Group

In case of detecting a COVID-19 infection or a suspected patient, the quarantine measures will be immediately applied through post medical verification / examinations in order to follow and proceed with the necessary measures to prevent spreading of infection, which will be decided by the Quarantine doctors on a case by case basis.

Operations at the Egyptian ports are carried out in the usual manner. Shore leave is not allowed.

All hearings before all Egyptian courts (except cases of urgent nature) were suspended on 16/3/2020 as per decree number 206/2020 issued by the Egyptian Council of State on 15/3/2020, however the decree stated that this suspension will not apply to the administrative procedures in courts such as filing of claims and so forth. The hearings before the Egyptian courts gradually resumed in May 2020 and Courts (including commercial Courts) are currently functioning normally.

With regards to the effect of the COVID-19 on time bar and time extension, we wish to advise that the Prime Minister issued decree whereby it clearly states that the period between 17/3/2020 and until 24/6/2020 will be considered a time extension and a suspension of time bar duration for all legal cases, petition and appeals unless in matters concerning criminal procedures.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for Non-Covid cases  remains available and is being dealt with normally.

For the Seafarers with Covid-19, it will be decided on a case by case basis by the authority and those in need for urgent medical treatment will be allowed to disembark and taken to an isolation hospital, to be repatriated directly upon treatment.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population allows entry to vaccinated without the need for a PCR analysis provided that it contains a QR and applies only to countries not affected by ‘mutated strains’. This includes the original vaccines approved by the WHO and the Egyptian medicines authority and provided 14 days after receiving the second dose of vaccines which is given in two doses (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik) or after 14 days from receiving first dose of Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

On-signers:

1. They must have a vaccination certificate mentioning that they have taken the 2 doses of the vaccine (or 1 if Johnson’s & Johnson’s), including the QR code and issued in English, French or Arabic, at least 14 days prior departure from origin or
2. To hold a negative PCR Test carried out 72 hours before departure. Variations could exist depending on the country of origin, to be checked each time.
3. They must fill in the Attestation form at the departure airport, which is collected by the Quarantine Authorities, at the Egyptian arrival airport.
4. Free pratique to be already granted to vessel before signing on/ Embarkation.
5. On-signers could be checked by the Quarantine Personnel on arrival at the airport for Covid symptoms, in the absence of which, they will enter the country to proceed to the port where they will join their vessel. They may be checked again for symptoms at the port, before joining.

Off-signers:

1. Their disembarkation is subject to a negative PCR test. Samples taken by or under the supervision of the Quarantine Doctors, and tests are ran by Labs approved by the Ministry of Health. Shipping agencies are obliged to report a list of names and nationalities of off-signing crew members latest 48 hours before vessel’s arrival.
2. Free Pratique must have been already granted to vessel before signing off/ disembarkation.
3. A request must be submitted to quarantine office 48 hrs in advance in order to board the vessel and perform required PCR test for off signers. Accordingly, departure flight and E-ticket must be provided at least 3 to 4 days before scheduled departure in order to submit request to quarantine office in due time.
4. PCR samples are taken by quarantine rep and results are received next day P.M. Disembarkation is allowed only after PCR test results are received and showing negative.  If any crew has tested positive, then no crew will be disembarking the vessel.

Particularly concerning vessels transiting the Suez Canal:

The agents must notify Port Said or Suez Port Authorities 72 hrs before of vessel’s arrival, along with the number of the off signers (the notification must include copies of passport and crew list )

For the crew members that will be disembarking, a PCR test will be carried out. If the vessel has started transit from Suez, before the results are issued, the vessel can transit the Canal and disembarkation can take place at Port Said, provided that the PCR results are negative.

Covid-19 incidents have taken place, and for the most part the authorities are being cautious, but cooperative.  Specifically, if there are infections onboard, immediate notification is extremely necessary in order to have the port make necessary arrangements and health department notifications.  Decisions are made on a case by case basis.

Port operations

At the present time, Covid-19 restrictions are not impacting the operations and/or logistics of the port.  However, shore leaves are not being allowed to seafarers.  This is what has taken place up to now.  Do to the increase in infections, these restrictions are evaluated on a daily basis, and changes can be sudden.

Courts

Since courts have been closed and/or operating at a lower capacity, there are certainly long delays.

The other legal issue that has taken place is that of one or more  crew members testing positive for Covid-19.  In such cases, the authorities with court backing will order the vessel to quarantine.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Wilhelmsen

An Infectious Disease Questionnaire has to be completed and conveyed to the ship’s agent as soon as possible.  It includes general questions regarding last 5 port calls and crew health status. Failure to comply with these directives will result in denial or delay in berthing.

Vessels will be cleared first by Sanitary Ministry once berthed.  They will check the vessel and crew status to assess the feasibility of the Port call.  If the inspection result is favourable, they will grant Free Pratique and authorise discharging/loading operations.  Otherwise, the Port call will be refused and the vessel will be sent to anchorage (isolation) as per sanitary guidelines or until it fulfils the minimum stay of 14 days since leaving the last infected port.

The Port is operating normally.  There might be delays in berthing due to fulfilment of sanitary requirements. Stevedores, Agents, Authorities and Port staff are on high alert and take pre-cautionary measures in the course of duty:  using face masks, gloves and hand-sanitizer regularly.  Shore personnel must minimise all interactions with the crew and keep distance as much as possible. Use of gloves, masks and sanitizing gel are strongly advised for everyone, as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO).  Local authorities are now making sure everybody wears PPE whenever outside of their home.

Fumigation Services may be compulsory depending upon the local Port authority.

State of Alert measures have been loosened and a de-escalation  process has started.  It consists of 4 phases:

PHASE 1 – 15th June until  15th July

PHASE 2 – 16th July until  15th August

PHASE 3 – 16th August until 15th September

PHASE 4 – 16th September until 15th October (To be confirmed)

During this phase, National and International flights will operate in a weekly basis.  Airlines with operating flights to date are Air France, Ethiopian  Airlines.  Nevertheless, incoming passengers coming from abroad must show a valid negative PCR test undertaken no longer than 48 hours prior to their arrival in Equatorial Guinea to enable them to enter the country. Failing this, they must undertake a PCR test in Equatorial Guinea.  Until the test results are disclosed, the passenger will remain isolated.  Once the results are available, if positive, the passenger will be taken to the appropriate medical facilities. Passengers shall bear all costs incurred during this process.

Shore passes are still not allowed.

Medical Assistance

Crew must have a PCR test to assess COVID-19 infection. Until the results are disclosed, the crew will remain isolated.  Once the results are available, if positive, the crew will be taken to the appropriate medical facilities. Vessel/crew shall bear all costs incurred during this process.

On-signers are allowed to embark on vessels on condition that they comply with the PCR procedure.

For off-signers, they would need to undertake a PCR test and remain isolated until the results are disclosed.  Then, if negative, off-signers will be allowed to travel.

The PCR tests are performed by Government authorities and results will be available in three days’ time (all going well).

PANDI BALT SIA (LTD)

S5 Agency World

A completed health declaration form must be submitted through EMDE if there is a case of infectious disease on board.

Port supervision all supervisory activities are performed in ports, taking health protection precautions. All activities related to cargo handling and ship maintenance shall be performed to minimize physical contact between persons.

Courts operate in a normal regime.

General restrictions:

• Use of face masks is compulsory for all persons 12 years of age and older in all indoor spaces meant for public use, including in spaces where the COVID certificate is checked. The obligation to wear a mask does not apply to children under the age of 12 or if wearing a mask is not possible for health or other crucial reasons.
• EU digital certificate or document proving vaccination or recovery after COVID-19, along with an identity document, is required at events taking place in entertainment establishments and indoors (including tents and other temporary covered spaces).

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance (both in-patient and out-patient) is available for foreign crewmembers.

Disembarkation of Covid-19 infected crewmembers from a ship to a hospital (if prescribed by a doctor) or special hotels, where a seafarer must observe a quarantine for 10 days, is allowed. In case a crew member develops symptoms of disease, a health declaration must be submitted via the electronic maritime information system (EMDE) to the Health Board.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

All persons, arriving to Estonia by all means of transport, are obligated to register with the The Health Board’s self-service portal (terviseamet.ee) three days prior to arrival.

Crossing of the state border for the purpose of entering Estonia is allowed for:

• Estonian citizens and residents and their family members. Estonian citizens and residents are admitted to the country regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not;
• citizens and residents of the European Union, the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, and long-stay visa holders and their family members if they are asymptomatic;
• citizens of countries on the list in Annex 1 to the recommendation of the Council of the European Union;
• vaccinated and asymptomatic citizens who attained the maximum level of protection after their last vaccine dose of third countries for any purpose;
• asymptomatic third country citizens, who have not completed a course of vaccination and who arrive to Estonia to work, study, see their family, or on a special permit, if they have taken a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-test 72 hours before entering Estonia or a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test 24 hours before and can provide a certificate of a negative result;
• asymptomatic third-country citizens, who have not completed a course of vaccination, if they immediately transit through the territory of Estonia for reaching their country of residence;

Transporters of goods and raw materials, people involved in international freight and passenger transport, as well as other specific categories of people are excluded from entry restrictions. Full list is available under the link: https://kriis.ee/en/travelling-crossing-state-border/travelling-estonia/coming-estonia

Wihelmsen

All container vessels destined for Lautoka to be rediverted to Suva.

The Fiji Port Corporation Limited to provide container storage for the remaining 10 days as a consequence of the lockdown for Lautoka.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 related issues remains available, subject to local health authorities conducting an onboard review. If the illness is found to be COVID19 the crew member will not be permitted to go ashore. The vessel will be sent to the ports quarantine anchorage for a period of 14 days.

• Maritime declaration of health required from ship
• Masks compulsory when pilot onboard
• No restrictions in operations
• Shore leave not recommended at some ports

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able receive medical treatment for both COVID and non-COVID issues.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No specific requirements.

No seafarer vaccine programme in place

France P&I

Christian Boutigny

McLeans

Humann & Taconet

Services Maritimes de Boulogne

H.McLEAN & F. LE BORGNE

RICHEMONT NICOLAS & ASSOCIES

Associated Shipping Agencies

GAC

Shore leave is allowed but with compliance to rules, starting with wearing masks. Access to any large indoor public facility is conditioned to presenting either proof of full vaccination (i.e. the 2 first doses + 7 days, and booster dose after 6 months) or a negative PCR test dated less than 24 hours (no auto-test valid). This might limit activities available to seafarers ashore, as these conditions apply to bars, restaurants, cinemas, some large stores, long-distance trains, etc.

Port operations and surveyors’ attendances are still taking place normally. Strict compliance with hygiene measures, social distancing and mask-wearing are mandatory.

Legal proceedings remain unaffected and activity at Courts are continuing normally.

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment when required for both COVID and non-COVID issues is always systematically provided to seafarers on board vessels calling in French ports or transiting through French waters.

Urgent medical assistance for and immediate access to hospital provided at all times when needed, required arrangements for quarantine ashore and medical monitoring for less severe or contact cases to be reviewed with local authorities.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

McLeans Normandy advise that COVID vaccinations are available at Le Havre and Rouen ports.

Le Havre :  request to be made with 48 hours pre-notice before arrival in port through local agent who will take care of necessary contacts with port authorities, health authorities and vaccination center, and organize transport to vaccination center in Le Havre. The vaccination center is closed on thursdays and friday mornings.

Rouen :  request to be made to local Seaman’s Club in Rouen (seamensrouen@gmail.com) who will arrange transport to vaccination center in Rouen, and assist seafarers with formalities.

Vaccines offered are Pfizer-type vaccines that require 2 doses to be received within a 2 month period, health authorities also recommending a 2nd vaccine dose for anyone having previously received one dose of Janssen-type vaccine.

Crew that have not been vaccinated

A list of countries of departure has been drawn up on the basis of the health indicators. The lists of countries can be altered based on changes in the epidemic situation. There are three lists GREEN, ORANGE and RED.

The latest entry requirements can be found on the Government website: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel

Vaccinated crew

Vaccinated crew  can travel to France with no restrictions linked to health conditions and must travel with proof of vaccination. It will only be valid if it proves that you are fully vaccinated, i.e.

– Seven days after the second shot for two-shot vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca (Vaxevria and Covishield));

– Four weeks after the shot for one-shot vaccines (Johnson & Johnson);

– Seven days after the shot for vaccines administered to people who have already had COVID-19 (only one dose is necessary )

Only vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) (Pfizer (Comirnaty), Moderna, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)), or AstraZeneca (Covishield) will be accepted. A sworn declaration, which you can download from the Interior Ministry’s website stating that you have no symptoms of COVID-19 infection; to your knowledge, you have not been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to your journey.

Most ports, pilots/tugs/linemen decided to reduce their team at minimum, service is still in force but impossible to berth/sail/anchor from 2300hrs to 0500hrs. Terminals still working in reduced team.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information
No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination programmes

Accepting crew member medical debark on a case by case basis such as accidents that happened out at sea and our ports being the closest port for medical emergency.

McLeans – WAM

TCI Africa

Bollore Ports

Wilhelmsen

• The list of the ten (10) last ports called
• The list of crews changed and the visas of the last ten countries called by these crews.

Any vessel coming from or having called at least one of the ports of the countries in the grip of the epidemic, whose duration of departure from these ports until arrival at the Ports of Libreville is between fifteen (15) and twenty eight (28) days, the procedure for accessing the Ports of Libreville is as follows:

• Give the information on the on-board health certificate;
• Give the list of crews, copies of passports and up-to-date seaman’s books.

If the ship calls in a country plagued by an epidemic in the 14 days preceding its arrival at the Ports of Libreville Fourteen (14) day quarantine of the vessel;

• Morning and evening temperature control by medical and / or paramedical staff;
• During this entire emergency period, gloves, FFP2 masks and the application of hydro-alcoholic solutions will be required for health workers and all other stakeholders of the port platform who may be in contact with so-called suspect vessels;
• The medical and / or paramedical staff followed by the Inspectors of the National Institute of Public Hygiene and Sanitation, will board the ships before berthing at the same time as the pilots, all with adequate PPE;
  Access to these ships is prohibited for any person before the advice and disembarkation of medical and / or paramedical staff and that of INHPA,
• No crew member is allowed to alight from the ship until further notice,
• No crew change is authorized until further notice in the Ports of Libreville

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance is available for COVID and non-COVID illnesses.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Ivory P&I have provided an update on  the latest entry requirements  which came into force on 15 December 2021. The update is available here.

TCI AFRICA

Pilotage is compulsory only from buoy n° 5 to the berth. It must be arranged by agents.

Waiting times for the entering vessels is noted due to the Health Authorities’ reinforced inspection prior to berthing.

Shore leave is allowed. However, Authorities must be informed in advance.

All courts and legal proceedings are working normally with respect of Covid19 restrictions.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 cases remains available. Authorities do not accept disembarkation of crewmembers having COVID, except for vessels entering the ports for commercial operations.

Disembarkation is however possible for other unrelated illnesses regardless of scheduled commercial operations.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

Crew changes are allowed. However, on-signers must show on arrival a negative COVID-19 test. The test results should be dated less than 48 hours before arrival.

The off-signers must also undertake a COVID test 48 hours before their flight home.

Vitsan

A summary of the preventative measures that have been implemented are:

• The country has imposed travel restrictions to foreign nationals with certain exceptions.
• Prohibiting cruise vessels calling at any Georgian ports.
• All ships calling at Georgian ports shall at least 24 hours before calling the port submit MARITIME HEALTH DECLARATION together with its Annexes:  http://mta.gov.ge/uploads/metxutmete_danarti-converted.pdf. The Harbour Master and port authorities are to be advised if there are any changes to the health of persons onboard after the declaration has been submitted.
• If a Ship, her Crew or Passengers entered the countries considered to be High Risk countries (i.e. Peoples Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark or Austria) within last 21 days, they will be subject to Thermal Screening by the authorized officers of Customs Department of the Revenue Service of Georgia.
• If a case of COVID 19 has been declared or is identified during the screening process, all possible contact will be restricted with the vessel according to the recommendations issued by the World Health Organisation.
• Pilots acting in Georgian ports must use personal safety equipment while going on-board of all ships, including: Masks, Single Use Gloves and Safety Glasses.
• Harbour Master office requests all crew to put on masks and PPE required for the prevention of spread of virus before meeting with pilot embarking on the weather deck.

The Bridge team are also required to put on masks during pilotage. All vessels should follow this guideline closely.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 matters. If required, Doctors can be arranged to visit the vessel. If required, crew members can be disembarked and transferred to hospital.

Restrictions on travel may make performing crew changes difficult.

PANDI SERVICES J. & K. Brons GmbH

IMO Circular Letter No. 4235

Safety4Sea

Medical Assistance

No special restrictions in place. Some terminals may prevent crew coming shore so launches may have to be arranged

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information
Safety4Sea report that crew services specialist Boers has launched seafarer vaccination programmes at German ports, offering free jabs to mariners at German ports in Hamburg and Bremerhaven.
port.

Shipping companies wanting vaccines for their seafarers at German ports need to provide Boers with a crew list, vaccination passport, the vessel’s contact details and a patient agreement and information sheet signed by the crew member.

• All Visa on Arrival (VOA) arrangements have been cancelled in all German Ports West of the River Elbe, like all ports at Weser area (Bremerhaven, Bremen, Nordenham etc.) and Cuxhaven, Stade, Wilhelmshaven, Emden etc. In the port of Hamburg, Rostock (all ports easterly River Elbe) etc. are still VOA arrangements possible – subject to approval by local immigration. –
• In the port Hamburg, a new containment regulation has been in force since Monday 02.11.2020. Testing before entry (up to 48 hours) or on entry is no longer possible to prevent quarantine.
• In principle, a quarantine obligation of 10 days applies. The quarantine can be shortened with a test which was carried out in Germany on the fifth day of quarantine at the earliest.
• An exception to the quarantine obligation for stays of up to 72 hours applies for professional stays of persons who transport persons or goods, among other things, on ships (in accordance with § 36 paragraph 2 no. 2 c)). From a local perspective, auditors or technicians would also be counted among this group of persons.

On/Off signing arrangements at German ports are possible provided that the flight data or transit is secured/guaranteed and that on-signers are in possession of valid Schengen Visa/Biometric PP – All crew changes are subject to approval by local immigration after case by case review – All other crew members will have to stay on board during vessel’s call at Germany and are only allowed to leave/enter vessel in the case of an emergency and/or medical treatment.

The following additional information required in advance for vessels that have recently called at ports in the UK:

• If a crew change was arranged during a port call the UK
• If any crew member went ashore during a port call the UK
• Date & Time of Arrival & Departure port call UK incl. name of port

Local port authorities are requesting rapid PCR Test onboard for all offsigners after the vessel’s arrival German Port / prior to any disembarkation arrangements and present a negative test result.

Further details on entry requirements can be found here (in German):https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Anlage/K/Corona/corona-einreise-verordnung-banz.html

ELTVEDT & O’SULLIVAN

TCI AFRICA

ETIC SAS

AFRICA P&I Services

McLeans – WAMS

GAC

OMA Ghana

Inchcape Shipping Services

All crew/passengers have to complete an online form and submit it to the Ghana Port Health 24 hours prior to vessel’s arrival. To access to the form, please log in to Ghana Health Service health declaration form. At present, it is necessary to have proof of negative PCR test to do this.

Ports continue to operate normally. Operations may be suspended if a positive case of COVID-19 is detected onboard.

Court delays are noted. No remote court so far and no extended time bars.

Medical Assistance

For non-covid19 patients, it is as usual. The sick crew will be brought to hospital for being treated.

For Covid19 cases, the crew members will be isolated for 2 weeks. If the Covid19 case becomes sickness, then Doctors will attend to the crew at the hospital.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

The Ghana Health Service has issued a directive requiring the vaccination of seafarers on vessels arriving at Ghanaian ports, but it remains unclear if and how it will be implemented and enforced. Further information is available at: https://www.nepia.com/industry-news/ghana-introduces-covid-19-vaccination-requirements-for-seafarers/

All disembarking and on- or off-signing crew must provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination.

According to UK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Ghana Health Service defines a fully vaccinated person as someone who has taken the full dose of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana. This is one dose of Johnson and Johnson, or two doses of AstraZeneca (Covishield), Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Sputnik V.

Any unvaccinated crew who wish to disembark would be vaccinated by Ghana Port Health.

All off-signers will be tested before taking their flights and all on-signers will be tested too. Any positive case will lead to the isolation centre.

On-signers crew are tested at the airport on arrival. In case of positive results, isolation of 2 weeks will be required. Off-signers crew are tested before leaving the vessel. If positive, isolation of 2 weeks will be required before repatriation and the remaining crew will be tested too. The vessel may be asked to shift to anchorage the time for the health authorities to clear the vessel. Fumigation may be required. This concerns both national and foreign crew.

There is no longer any need to seek authorisation for crew changes from Ghana Maritime Authority.

Furthermore, crew can now embark or disembark through Tema Fishing Harbour in addition to all the other port terminals including the dry docks, LNG terminal and MPS Terminal 3.

GAC

Wilhelmsen

Declaration

Port Circular 16 &17 of 2020

The form is to be filled in, signed and stamped.  No exemptions will be given. Agents are to stress to the captain to fill in this form carefully and to answer all questions. Please note that the following special conditions will apply to vessels who have answered yes to any of the questions in the declaration:

• Remote pilotage requirements will be applied to the vessel.
• Shore personnel are to minimise all interaction with the crew as much as practically possible.
• The GPA reserves the right to further scrutinise any incoming vessel if it deems necessary in the interest of public health.

Agents will receive via email from the Vessel Traffic Service Supervisor (VTSS) a special condition clause.  This clause is to be forwarded to the master and to service boat operators.

Service boat operators are to limit contact with crew members from the vessels that have been issued the “special condition cause”.

If any vessel declares that crew members are suffering from any sickness in relation to this protocol/declaration, the vessel will be refused clearance at first instance and will be referred to other agencies on a case by case basis.

15 April: GAC advise:

• The Port’s public counters will be closed until further notice. All communications with the Port must be either by phone or email.
• The procedure for Port Clearance Letters remains in place except that the hard copy of this document will be held by the Port with a scanned copy being provide instead until further notice.
• The procedure for Practique Notes remains in place except that the hard copy of the document will be held by the Port with a scanned copy being provide instead until further notice.
• All commercial STS operations have been suspended until further notice.
• Bunker barge inspections by our Bunkering Superintendents will be considered on a case by case basis, and will be subject to precautionary measures being complied with. Operators requiring such an inspection are to contact Port Authorities for further details on the protocol.
• All port licence renewals will be handled electronically – all renewal documentation to be submitted by email and scanned copies of certificates will be issued with hard copy being held by the Port Authority until further notice.
• All cruise calls have been cancelled until further notice. Cruise Liners intending to carry out a technical call will be subject to approval on a case by case basis. Agents must provide full information of scope of requirements for the technical call, as these will determine whether the call is allowed. Notification with suitable notice will need to be provided to Port Authority so that a decision can be made.
• Lubricants supplies to vessels will continue to be allowed subject to limitations on the human interface between discharging vessel and receiving vessel.
• Waste collection from vessels will continue to be allowed subject to limitations on the human interface between discharging vessel and receiving vessel.
• Delivery of stores, provisions, spare parts and other consignments will continue to be allowed subject to limitations on the human interface between discharging vessel and receiving vessel.
• Underwater works (such as hull cleaning, in water surveys, etc.) will continue to be allowed subject to limitations on the human interface between discharging vessel and receiving vessel.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance in Gibraltar is allowed with some restrictions. All disembarkation for medical treatment are to be approved in a case by case basis by Gibraltar Port Authority and Gibraltar  Civil Contingencies office. Before arrival Vessel must send/inform:

• MHD
• CORONAVIRUS FORM
• ADVISE PORT CALLS IN THE LAST 28 DAYS
• ADVISE WHETHER THERE HAS BEEN ANY SHORESIDE CONTACT OR CREW CHANGES IN THE LAST 28 DAYS
• CONFIRM THAT NO CREW MEMBER HAS A HIGH TEMPERATURE

Once above information is received, authorizations are requested to PORT DOCTOR in coordination with GPA and Civil Contingencies office.

Disembarkation:

• OPL will now be allowed for disembarking crew.
• Disembarking crew to confirm free of any symptoms for past 14 days – vessel’s master to provide official declaration.
• Agent to arrange special transport provisions – transportation from Port to Airport/Hotel needs to be carried out in the ‘Dirty Vehicle’. Details of which can be found below.
• Agents launch crew to avoid close contact with disembarking crew.
• Hotel stays are allowed for a maximum of 10 days. Details of hotels which can be used can be found below. All crewmen to be provided with FFP2/N95 quality masks to wear in transport or when moving around Gibraltar.

Embarking Crew:

• OPL will now be allowed for embarking crew.
• Only designated hotels to be used where hotel stay is required. Details of hotels which can be used can be found below.
• Agent to arrange special transport provisions – transportation from Airport/Hotel to Port needs to be carried out in the ‘Dirty Vehicle’. Details of which can be found below.
• Agent launch crew to avoid close contact with embarking crew
• All crewmen to be provided with FFP2/N95 quality masks to wear in transport or when moving around Gibraltar.

Travel Arrangements and Hotel Accommodation for Crew Members

All seafarer transportation needs to be carried out in a ‘dirty vehicle’. For benefit of any doubt the use of dirty vehicles are those that adhere to the following conditions:

1. Capacity to transport 22 passengers.
2. The driver is separated from the passengers by a compartment (no physical or airborne contact).
3. The vehicle is only used to transport seafarers.

Please note that transportation of seafarers are 3rd party arrangements between the agent and service provider.

Currently the following companies have adapted vehicles:

Persian Rose (contactable via email taxiassociation@gibtelecom.net)

Calypso

Blands Travel

Parody Tours

The GPA is to be copied into any transport arrangements – spo@port.gov.gi

Compulsory Covid-19 testing will be required for any crew member staying overnight in Gibraltar. Test results will be provided 12 hours after swabbing and if negative they will be allowed to go out. The following hotels are designated hotels for seafarer transfers:

Rock Hotel

Holiday Inn Express

Eliott Hotel

Caleta Palace Hotel

Further details on conducting crew changes at Gibraltar and can be found in Port Circular 20 and 21 of 2020 available at https://www.gibraltarport.com/port-circulars

Following the publication of Port Circular 20 and 21 the following guidance notes have been published:

1. Superintendents / technicians – They are treated as a suspect case.
2. They will be required to be tested on day 1 and between days 3 – 5, if staying under 5 days.
3. Ideally they should stay on the vessel and not commute.
4. If they need to commute, they can go daily to their place of work in a dirty vehicle.
5. They need to maintain social distance and wear a mask. FFP2 or N95 mask (or better quality if available).
6. They will be treated as a suspect case until day 5 at which stage if a negative test is received they can commute as normal wearing a mask.

Following the publication of Port Circular 20 and 21 the following guidance notes have been published:

1. Hotel stays are not conditioned to a minimum of 5 days, nor is there a maximum stay period.
2. Crew members are considered suspect cases which could be incubating. In which case they are required to stay isolated to their rooms.
3. On day 5 if tested negative the crew member can move around Gibraltar with an FFP2 or N95 mask (or better quality if available). They are confined to their rooms until then.
4. Stays under 5 days- in the case that a crew member is staying at an hotel for less than 5 days, a test will be conducted on day 1. There will be a requirement to conduct a second test between day 3 to 5, preferably nearest to the day of travel / embarkation (or unless directed otherwise by DPH). They are confined to their rooms until the day of travel / embarkation.
5. Short day stay – crew members who are accommodated temporarily at an hotel awaiting embarkation (no overnight stay) will be required to be isolated in a designated hotel area. Use of FFP2 / N95 masks and use of hand gel at all times is required. Crew members are not to mix with crew from different ships.

GAC

Goyios & Nassikas

IMO Circular Letter No. 4241

27 March 2020: Goyios & Nassikas advise: “According to the relevant ministerial decisions, for as long as the operation of the Greek Courts remains suspended, the time limitation periods are suspended as well.”

3 April 2020: PSC inspections may still be carried out and decided on a case by case basis. Further details can be found in IMO Circular CL 4241.
1. eptember: Kalimbassieris advise no delays reported with port operations. Surveyor attendance is generally unobstructed with the use of PPE.

22 September 2020: Goyios & Nassikas law firm advise that the Greek Parliament passed law N. 4690/2020 to deal with the suspension of the functioning of the Courts between 13.03.2020 and 31.05.2020. Article 74 §1 of the said law provides: “The time during which a temporary suspension of the Courts and Prosecuting Offices of the Country (i.e. 13.3.2020 – 31.5.2020) was imposed, does not count for the calculation of the lawful or judicial limitations of time for any judicial or extrajudicial actions or any other acts before the Courts, the Notary Publics or the auctioning clerks, land registries and other third parties. After the lapse of the aforesaid suspension these limitations of time continue running for the remaining time for the completion of the limitation which is provided by the law…”. Therefore, in light of the above, if the time limit, under Greek Law, for the filing of, say, a writ, was expiring on the 20 March 2020, this limitation of time has been extended to 7 June 2020.

22 February 2021: Kalimbassieris Maritime advise:

Berthing and operations – No delays for cargo operations. RO-RO services connecting mainland and islands operate a reduced winter service.

Surveyors boarding – Allowed with observance of PPE and distancing measures. Some private terminals and vessels require submission of health declaration forms and/or recent negative PCR test results prior to granting access.

Shore passes not granted/ not allowed.

Medical Assistance
Provision of medical services to seafarers is observed unobstructed in both public and private hospitals, however, as per National Health Policy, any COVID-19 related cases are only treated in designated public hospitals.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

• On-signers: No entry to Greece allowed for non-EU/non-Schengen citizens with some exceptions to apply. Compulsory submission of 72-hour negative PCR test and 24-hour PLF form for all nationalities. 7 days compulsory quarantine applicable on arrival (regardless of a negative PCR test)
• Off-signers: No PCR test entry requirement for EU citizens – however negative PCR test may be required depending on their destination.  72-hour negative PCR requirement for entry and departure of third countries citizens.

Henry, Henry & Bristol

Pilotage arrangements:

Be advised that it is MANDATORY for all vessels OVER 199 Gross Tons to have a Pilot from the Grenada Ports Authority, onboard, when entering and leaving the Port of St. George’s, where the commercial dock AND Port Louis Marina are located. Contact must be made in advance of the vessel’s arrival so that a Pilot can be booked. Pilots require 24 hours’ notice in advance of arrival and 3 hours’ notice in advance of departure.

To book a pilot, the following must be provided: Certificate of Registration and Estimated Time of Arrival and Estimated Time of Departure (Date and Time).

When the vessel arrives outside of the Port of St. George, the Pilot can be radioed “Grenada Pilot” or “Grenada Port Control”, on VHF 16, to notify him of impending arrival.

Port operations and surveys continue as normal with the observance of social distancing and wearing of masks. All crew are instructed to observe social distancing, particularly with employees of the Grenada Ports Authority. Shore leave is permitted once the quarantine period elapses and individuals comply with the entry protocols, including wearing a mask at all times when in public.

Remote court proceedings are being held via the Zoom platform.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for COVID-19 and  non-COVID19 related issues remains available.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Vaccines are offered at various locations, Monday to Friday and are available free of charge to anyone interested in being vaccinated.

Non-nationals are not allowed to enter the country unless they are fully vaccinated. Persons are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

All travelers to Grenada must present a negative PCR test result taken within three (3) days of travel.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Cariconsult advise that they can arrange for crew to receive  Moderna and Pfizer vaccinations in St Lucia. The vaccinations are administered to crew onboard the vessel.

All travellers, regardless of their status (resident, non-resident, fully vaccinated or unvaccinated) must submit a Travel Registration form online, and all visitors must take a PCR test 5 days or less before arrival in Saint Lucia. When uploading the result of the PCR test, all the required information must be included, otherwise it will not be processed.

International visitors must adhere to all safety protocols in place throughout Saint Lucia, including wearing a mask in public. Travelers are subject to mandatory screening and temperature checks at the port of entry and throughout your stay.
Travelers must download and print the Health Screening Form. The form must be completed on the day of travel and presented at the health screening desk on arrival in Saint Lucia.

All arrivals must receive authorization for travelling to Saint Lucia. The authorization will be sent by email and will be based on: Verified reservations at a COVID-19 certified property and Verification of COVID-19 PCR test results.

Health Screening

All passengers will be screened on arrival. This will include a temperate check.
Download, print and travel and complete the HEALTH SCREENING FORM. The form must be completed on the day of travel and before landing to expedite processing and presented at the health screening desk on arrival in Saint Lucia.

Marine Protocols

Entry requirements:

• All arrivals to Saint Lucia must have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 5 days before arrival.
• All arrivals must complete and submit an online Travel Registration Form prior to arrival. The requirements differ between traveller types.
•All arrivals must adhere to all safety protocols in place throughout Saint Lucia, including wearing a mask in public, and shall be subject to mandatory screening and temperature checks at the port of entry and throughout your stay.

At the present time, Covid-19 restrictions are not impacting the operations and/or logistics of the port.  However, shore leaves are not being allowed to seafarers.

Since courts have been closed and/or operating at a lower capacity, there are long delays.

The other legal issue that has taken place is that of one or more  crew members testing positive for Covid-19.  In such cases, the authorities with court backing will order the vessel to quarantine.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

Entry into country only permitted for those with full vaccination status

and with a minimum of 15 days of complete vaccination prior to travel to Guatemala. They must also provide PCR test valid for 72 hours.

Master of the Vessel must write a letter to the port authorities and port health for each off signer – the letter must indicate that the seafarer does not have and has not had COVID-19, or any contagious disease, must indicate the port where off signer embarked.

GAC

TCI Africa

There is no lack of stevedores for the time being.

Sanitary services are active to control the temperature and any suspected cases are quarantined.

There is not any disinfection services at the Conakry Port.

10 April: The following restrictions and regulations are in place at ports in Guinea to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Vessels may not enter port prior to Free Pratique being granted by Health Control at anchorage.
• Pilots must use protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.).
• No garbage disposal.
• Crew changes are not authorised. The airport is closed.
• Crew should stay on board their vessel. No shore passes are being given to crew.
• Curfew in force from 21.00 to 05.00 hours.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

• Health Maritime Declaration
• Ship Sanitation Certificate
• Water Analysis Certificate
• Phytosanitary + Fumigation-Pest Control Certificate required for vessels carrying grains

22 April: In ports cargo handling is restricted to between  08:00 and 16:00 each day.

Medical Assistance

Crew may visit doctors for sicknesses other than COVID 19. If any symptoms of COVID 19, special unit has to be called.

For nationals, 14 days quarantine for off-signers may apply.

It is forbidden to leave the capital Conakry for the remaining of the country. Checkpoints are in place.

TCI AFRICA

Pilotage is compulsory from Caio pilot station to the berth and must be arranged by agents.

Waiting times for the entering vessels is noted due to the Health Authorities’ reinforced inspection prior to berthing.

Shore leave is allowed. However, Authorities must be informed in advance.

All courts and legal proceedings are working normally with respect of Covid19 restrictions.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 cases remains available. Authorities do not accept disembarkation of crewmembers having COVID, except for vessels entering the ports for commercial operations.

Disembarkation is however possible for other unrelated illnesses regardless of scheduled commercial operations.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

Crew changes are allowed. However, on-signers must show on arrival a negative COVID-19 test. The test results should be dated less than 48 hours before arrival.

The off-signers must also undertake a COVID test 48 hours before their flight home.

GAC

Cariconsult

• Crew list and their nationality
• Vessel last port of call
• Shore leave of crew within the last 21 days
• Ship crew who feel unwell, experience respiratory symptoms or feel feverish should inform the master of the ship immediately. The master of the ship should then contact his ship’s agent and make the necessary arrangement to seek medical attention
• Vessels that refuse to comply with the aforementioned instructions may be denied entry into the country’s waters.

Most courts are working remotely but the process seems to be working reasonably well.

Medical Assistance
Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

All foreign travellers to Guyana must be fully vaccinated are required to present their Vaccination Passport/Proof of Vaccination for inspection upon arrival. Fully vaccinated refers to having a complete course/regimen of vaccination at least two weeks prior to travel. Travellers with a mixed vaccination regimen are considered fully vaccinated.

In addition, passengers arriving into Guyana must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within seven days prior to their arrival. Passengers arriving with a test completed within 72 hours will be allowed immediate entry into Guyana without restrictions. Passengers with tests within four to seven days prior to arrival in Guyana will be subjected to a second PCR test at the point of entry but will be allowed to self-isolate in their hotel or home until a negative result is obtained.

Hogarth

Cariconsult

• As March 16, the government has implemented flight restrictions and closure of the border with the Dominican Republic. All flights to and from Haiti and destinations in the Dominican Republic, Canada, Latin America and Europe will be suspended for two weeks. Flights between Haiti and the United States will continue.
• The Government of Haiti stated that all travelers from the U.S. must have a document showing that they have tested negative for coronavirus before boarding. The Government of Haiti did not specify what proof passengers should present and has not yet provided instructions to airlines.
• The Government of Haiti will continue to conduct health screenings for arriving passengers.
• The Minister of Interior announced that the border with the Dominican Republic will be closed to passenger traffic, but goods crossing the border will still be permitted if personnel transporting the goods are screened at the border.
• CPS Terminal at Port au Prince is implementing the IMO’s guidance. The Port Authority has not issued yet any memorandum regarding the other terminals.
• Ship cargo operations are being carried out normally at all ports for now. Correspondents strongly recommend that all crew must stay on board.

25 May: The state of emergency will remain in place until at least 19 July. A curfew between 20:00 – 04:00 is in force.

Medical Assistance

The government of HAITI does not have any emergency measures set up at any of the international seaports to deal with any COVID-19 infected sailors.

COVID-19 restrictions are having minimal impact on port operations and shore leave is permitted.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remain available for both COVID-19 or any other illness injuries.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Crew require a negative test or vaccination certificate for disembarking.

GAC

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office

On 16 June 2021 the  Hong Kong Port Health Division published  updated exemption conditions for cargo vessels visiting Hong Kong purely for shipping services & updated quarantine arrangements of visiting vessels. These can be read at: https://www.mardep.gov.hk/hk/pub_services/ocean/pdf/doh_notice_15Junc.pdf

In December 2021 The Chief Executive of HK announced that upon resumption of quarantine-free travel to mainland China, priority will be given to personnel with business needs, subject to a quota arrangement. The logistics, port and shipping sectors have been included as one of the priority groups. Hong Kong Shipowners Association encourages its members to submit their application to them.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for urgent non-COVID19 cases remains available.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Hong Kong Shipowners Association  inform that the Joint COVID-19 Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council announced on 10 December 2021, the ‘Notices on the better pandemic prevention and control works for Chinese seafarers on international ships’:

• With effective from 15 February 2022, ships calling Chinese ports with crew change purposes should:
  • Arrange COVID-19 tests for all seafarers at the departing port and report the results to the Port Authorities together with other port clearance documents at the first Chinese port of call.
  • Any positive cases of seafarers found should be reported to local joint mechanism for COVID-19 prevention and control at the first Chinese port of call.
• COVID-19 tests should be taken for all signing off seafarers at the first Chinese port of call, except for non-signing off seafarers if they wish to stay on board and meet other requirements.
• All returning Chinese seafarers on board international ships are subject to 14-day hotel quarantine plus 7-day home surveillance.

GAC advise Turks & Caicos has been added to Hong Kong’s Group A list of High Risk countries for risk-based boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements, effective since 0000 hours on 25 January.

Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed there within 21 days are denied entry.

Hong Kong residents who have stayed there may only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised Convid-19 jab record.

Upon arrival, they must undergo 21 days compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel, during which six virus tests have to be conducted. On the 26^th day after arrival, they must also undergo another compulsory test in a community testing centre.

The full countries list can be seen at https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html.

Aeghiscorp

Maritime Ventures

GAC

Bose & Mitra & Co

James Mackintosh & Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Chowgule Brothers Pvt. Ltd

Hiralal & Company

HP Law

DGS Circular 27 of 2021 2021 (3 December 2021)- Maritime Advisory for maintaining a vigilance to reduce the risk of transmission of the Omicron variant.

The Supreme Court order dated 23rd September 2021 lifting the suspension of time bars, no new orders by the Supreme Court of India and / or any High Courts for that matter, have been issued regarding court delays, remote operation of courts or extension of time bars. Several Courts have resumed physical hearings. Some are following a hybrid system. Court delays are nevertheless likely to occur as mainly urgent cases are being taken up.

On 25 February 2022 HP Law advised that the Bombay High Court has resumed physical hearings every day on weekdays. Admiralty cases are however still being listed only once a week in the Bombay High Court on Tuesdays. In extreme urgencies such as an arrest, the admiralty cases may be listed on other days too subject to the Court granting urgent hearing permission.

GAC advise that India will resume scheduled International flights from March 27 2022 – two years after they were suspended.

Medical Assistance

Dependent on port / region. Authorities wish to know background before permitting a seafarer to be disembarked for hospitalisation in India, whilst acknowledging that  there is a need to ensure that nobody is deprived of requiring medical attention including hospitalisation.

The DGS issued a letter dated 12 June 2020 to Maritime Association of Shipowners, Ship managers and Agents & Foreign Owners Representatives and Association which states that access to medical treatment for existing morbidities or for any other COVID-19 infected cases, its cost will be borne by the shipowner/RPSL Agency as per the applicable CBA. It also states that the shipowner/RPSL Agency shall make necessary arrangements if the COVID-19 test has to be repeated. However, a one day waiver can be grated subject to the seafarer having being isolated.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

DGS Circular 08 of 2022, DGS Circular No 9 of 2021 and DGS Circular 20 of 2021 advises that as far as possible seafarers get vaccinated before signing on vessels.

The following categories of Indian seafarers can now utilise the vaccination facility at Mumbai Port Trust Hospital on production of CDC or SID:

• Seafarers aged 45 years or older.
• Seafarers who are younger than 45 years old but have to sign-on a vessel after 60 days. An online certificate to this effect to be issued by the Directorate General of Shipping.
• Seafarers above 18 years of age and below 45 years can use this facility after 1 May 2021.

DGS Circular No 9 of 20 has been followed by: Addendum I, Addendum II and Addendum III.

GAC advise that six major ports in India (namely Mumbai Port Trust, Cochin Port Trust, Chennai Port Trust, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Kolkata Port Trust and Tuticorin Port Trust) have started vaccinating seafarers at their port hospitals.

Seafaring unions and associations like MASSA, FOSMA and NUSI have also organised special camps for vaccination. The Union Shipping Minister emphasised that all efforts should be made to get the seafarers vaccinated before they join their scheduled duties on board.

Cochin Bureau of Immigration advise on 19 July 2022 (letter No.01/OS/CSP/2022-731) – as provided by GAC – that in view of the declining COVID-19 cases, controlled crew changes services from the outer anchorage are now withdrawn.

GAC

PT Polynesia Bhakti

• Incoming vessels from all other countries will first be inspected by Quarantine officer at anchorage.
• Nobody can come on board, no loading activity can be conducted before arrival inspection by quarantine officer is completed
• Free Pratique will only be granted if crew are not suspected of coronavirus all crew are in good condition after inspection completed.
• Arrival inspection will take about 2 3 hours by quarantine officer at outer anchorage.
• If any crew members are suspected to have the coronavirus disease, all activity will be suspended and vessel will be quarantined She will not be allowed to proceed alongside jetty or load at anchorage, and shall wait for quarantine officer’s decision with indefinite waiting time.
• Any person who has spent the last 14 days or more in mainland China is not allowed to enter, or transit, through Indonesia and Indonesian ports.

Foreign crews may not go ashore during ship’s activities in the port area. During the Covid-19 outbreak, foreign vessels (cargo ships, passenger ships and cruise ships) that apply for permission to disembark crews, bunker, fresh water and provision supplies will be provided shelter for ship-to-ship (STS) and lay-up at the designated area, i.e. Nipah Island, Tanjung Balai Karimun and Galang Island by fulfilling the terms and requirements of arrival the foreign ship in accordance with laws and regulations.

SPICA have produced the regional update Coronavirus Disease South East Asia Port Implications which includes Indonesia.

PT Polynesia Bhakti advise that restriction of movement results in delays in port and vessel’s operations as well as surveyors attendance on board the vessel. Therefore, any request for surveyors attendance on board the vessel must be given well in advance of the vessel’s arrival to enable the surveyors to take PCR/Swab test and make the necessary preparations for the survey.

The commercial courts have been affected for schedules of hearings, suspensions and extensions due to the Covid-19, but not the time bars.

SPICA  advise that Indonesian and foreign crew  arriving at Batam from ports outside of Indonesia are not allowed to leave the  vessel unless in an emergency situation. Crew changes are permitted however a permit must be obtained from Batam Port Health Office.

Medical Assistance

Crew members who got sick or injured on board the vessel can be disembarked from the vessel to get medical treatments ashore in coordination with the Port Health Office and Covid-19 Task Force.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

GAC advise Indonesia’s COVID-19 Handling Task Unit have issued a new circular about overseas travel health protocols. This can be read here.

From February 2022, fully vaccinated crew signing-on in Indonesia must now undergo 5 days’ quarantine and take two PCR tests before joining their vessel. Previously, they were required to quarantine for 7 days.

The first PCR test will be upon arrival at CGK Airport (Jakarta) and the second will be on the 4^th day of their quarantine.

Calm Sea Culture Marine Services

Ports are open and operating. Additional COVID-19 restrictions may be enforced on vessels arriving from areas such as Brazil and India.

Shore leave is not permitted.

COVID-19 restrictions are causing considerable delays in court proceedings.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID issues.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Gulf Agency Company (Kuwait) Ltd

Mutual Marine Services Al Mushtaraka Ltd

• A declaration of health
• Last 10 ports of call
• Crew list
• Cargo manifest.

In general the agent will provide the master/owners with any additional requirements.

Ports continue to operate normally with minimal delays.

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment for COVID and non-COVID-19 related matters remains available.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On-signing crew must arrive in Iraq with a valid negative PCR test result.

S5 Agency World

P&I Shipping services Ltd.

IMO Circular Letter No. 4233

For medical emergencies in Irish Waters contact the Irish Coast Guard on telephone 112 or VHF Radio. For medical emergencies in Port telephone 999 and request ambulance service. In addition any Covid related issues in Port should be reported to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)  (01) 4631380 or (01) 4631384  for case management and Public Health assessment. The Master must also notify the Port Authority of any suspected case of Covid 19  on board as soon as possible and preferably not less than 24 hours before arrival. This is done via the vessels agents office.

Airports are open and only non-essential travel is prohibited.

Social distancing is in place and attendances on board by third parties are kept to a minimum. Port agents provide notification to vessels in advance of arrival on the current procedures in place at their respective ports. A common sense approach is being adopted in general. Third party attendees have enhanced their PPE to include face masks and gloves. Hand sanitising stations should be available on board for third party attendees usually at the gangway watch station.

Department of Transport Marine Notice No. 06 of 2020 (Amended: 08/05/2020)

Masters are required to complete:

• a Maritime Declaration of Health for all ships arriving in Ireland from outside the Island of Ireland, and
• an updated Crew List and Passenger List (for passenger ships)

Ireland is complying with the temporary guidance issued by the Paris MoU regarding COVID-19 and will accept exemption documents or other relevant circular letters issued by the respective Flag States during  PSC  inspections.

Further details can be found in Maritime Notice No. 15 of 2020 and  IMO Circular CL 4233

Medical Assistance

Crew medical treatment is allowed for emergency non-Covid-19 injuries and illnesses.

Wilhelmsen Ship Agency

HARPAZ P&I

Ports are working as usual. In case crewmember are suffering from covid – 19 symptoms, the port and health authorities should be informed immediately – and instructions will be given in accordance to the crewmember medical condition. Shore leave is not permitted.

Medical Assistance
Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Foreign nationals from United Arab Emirate , UK , USA , Ethiopia, South Africa. Hungary , Turkey ,Tanzania , Mexico , Nigeria , Spain , Scotland, Portugal , France , Canada and Switzerland ( Red Countries ) will not be allowed to enter Israel.

Foreign nationals vaccinated or recovered ( as per Israel Ministry of Health definition , which can be found in their web site )  will be allowed to enter Israel.

( List of countries may vary at any time and can be found in the Israel Ministry of health web site).

PCR or Antigen test have to be taken prior the flight to Israel.

Application for the crew changes have to be passed to the Israeli ministry of transport for their approval 5 working days prior to the crew member flight.

After arrival to Israel the crew member has to pass PCR test at Ben Gurion airport.

The crew member will have to be isolated for 3 days after arrival to Israel on board the ship until receiving a negative result on the PCR test that will be taken on the 3rd day of the isolation.

MAURO Consultants LTD Srl

BonelliErede Studio Legale

Studio Legale Mordiglia

Vaudo Paggini & C.

Hugo Trumpy

Radonicich Insurance Services

Sarpandi Srl

Wilhelmsen

As a general rule, crewmembers are not allowed to disembark during the vessel stay at Italian ports just to limit as much as possible foreign people in circulation with the public. however there are in most of the Italian ports some hub for vaccination for the crew.

Sanitary Authorities are used to come on board for PCR test and may dispose some limitation to crew but also allow seafarer who are interested in to attend the hub for vaccination. The local agents have to organise the transfer from the vessel to the hub.

Any potential positive case must be reported to Harbour Master upon vessel arrival

As regards the Italian Courts, last year we experienced some delays in the legal proceedings due to the limited access to the Courts.

Apart from urgent and particular cases, most of the hearing had been held via web.Now situation is quite normal but the Italian legal proceedings continue to take long time irrespective of Covid-19.

Studio Legale Mordiglia have provided a comprehensive update with the latest COVID-19 restrictions in Italian ports as of 20 December 2021. This can be read here.

Medical Assistance

In case of hospitalizations for COVID or not COVID crew are allowed always subject to pre-triage check on the health status. In some minor ports there have been reported experiences of the refusal of the local authorities on the disembarkation as the local hospital was not properly equipped for COVID.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility defined the vaccination of seafarers as a national priority.

The Ministry has been collecting the names of all national and international seafarers onboard Italian vessels who have yet to be vaccinated, and transmitted them to the competent local health offices. Seafarers who work onboard Italian vessels can be vaccinated onboard by the ship’s doctor, or in dedicated facilities ashore (even if they are not registered within the Italian National Health System).

In July 2021 the Port of Civitavecchia was one of the first port hubs in the world to inaugurate a vaccination centre open to seafarers of all nationalities, regardless of the nationality of the vessel they’re embarked on.

It is also important to notice that Italy recognizes the following vaccines administered by foreign competent national health authorities as equivalent to those administered in Italy:

–             Vaccines for which the marketing authorization holder is the same as in the European Union;

–              Covishield (Serum Institute of India), licensed as AstraZeneca;

–             R-CoVI (R-Pharm), licensed as AstraZeneca;

–             Covid-19 vaccine-recombinant (Fiocruz), licensed as AstraZeneca.

In order to carry out a crew change the shipowner/operator is required to:

• make sure the seafarer is in good health both before boarding and before disembarking for repatriation;
• arrange flights and other travel support (e.g. transfers) for the seafarer;
• in the event the seafarer needs an accommodation before boarding or after disembark, the shipowner/operator shall ensure the accommodation complies with all necessary safety measures;
• when the seafarer is about to disembark, the shipowner/operator shall notify the port and the appropriate authorities of the disembarkation.

Countries are currently divided in five lists, and different measures apply to each of them:

• List A merely includes San Marino and the Vatican City, which are not subject to any transit limitation.
• List B includes States and territories at low epidemiological risk, which are being identified among those in List C. Currently, no State is on this list.
• List C includes most European Countries. Transit is normally allowed with the EU green pass.
  However, more stringent measures will be in force from December 16, 2021, until January 31, 2022: in addition to the EU green pass, all people coming from EU countries will be required to show a negative molecular test performed within the previous 48 hours, or an antigen test performed within the previous 24 hours. Unvaccinated people will also have to isolate themselves for 5 days.
• List D includes: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, British bases on the island of Cyprus), Republic of Korea, United States of America, Uruguay, Taiwan, Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

Individuals traveling from these countries have to show both a vaccination certificate and a negative molecular test performed within 72 hours (48 if coming from the UK) prior to arrival to Italy, or a negative antigenic test performed within 24 hours prior to arrival to Italy. Unvaccinated individuals have to isolate themselves for 5 days and perform a new molecular or antigenic test when terminating the isolation.

• List E refers to all States and territories not expressly mentioned in another list.

Transit from/to these Countries is at the moment permitted only for work, study, return to domicile and other urgent and necessary reasons. Upon arrival to Italy, it is necessary to show a negative swab test performed within 72 hours or a negative antigenic test performed within 24 hours, isolate themselves for 10 days and perform a new swab or antigenic test when terminating the isolation.

Finally, it is currently forbidden to enter/transit Italy to those individuals who have stayed/transited in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, eSwatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi in the previous fourteen days.

McLeans – WAM

TCI-Africa

ELTVEDT & O’SULLIVAN

Shore leave is not allowed due to Covid-19. The Covid restrictions are not impacting on the port operations since there is no reduction of the personnel/logistics and the working time remains unchanged (24hours/7 days).

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remain available for both COVID-19 or any other illness injuries.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

.

Wilhelmsen

8 June: The borders remain closed until further notice. A nightly curfew is in effect from 21:00 – 05:00.

19 June: Airports are now open for commercial flights. A curfew between 22:00 – 05:00 remains in force.

Medical Assistance

The availability of medical assistance is unknown.

C-RECT P & I Services

Shikoku Marine Agency Company Limited

IMECS

Wilhelmsen

Local agents have to report Health Conditions of seafarers also to a pilot office in advance.  If it is healthy condition, a pilot will board as usual.  If there are any seafarers who have high fever or some doubtful conditions of COVID-19, a pilot office may ask to a ship to anchor off pilot station.

Port operations are normal – port personnel and visitors wear masks.

Stevedores are attending on board for cargo working but NOT entering into accommodation areas.

Shore leave of crew is not permitted. Crew may only disembark vessels in exceptional cases and with approval from the port authority.

Updated list of countries that the Japan’s Ministry of Justice is denying permission to land foreigners unless the circumstances are exceptional:

https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

Seafarers already on board the vessel are not mandatorily required to receive PCR test before calling at Japanese port but in anyway the vessel is requested to inform in advance of arrival health condition of all seafarers.   If suspected crew have been reported,  berth owner may wish PCR test to be carried out on board at anchorage.  In such circumstances, pilot may decline to guide the vessel to the berth until test result show negative.   If he/they is/are found positive case, provisional quarantine certificate if the vessel already obtained from Quarantine Office, become most probably invalid, that is the vessel has to apply again once negative is ascertained.

Positive case crew may be brought to shore hospital if the vessel so requests.  Otherwise he may be quarantined at isolated ship’s cabin for 14 days.

Courts are operating however some delays are being experienced.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for COVID-19 and  non-COVID19 related issues remains available.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

The current crew change procedure is as follows:

ON-SIGNERS

1. Crew who board a vessel at a Japanese port must take test to confirm they are negative for COVID-19 in the 72 hours prior to departing from their original country.
2. After arrival to Japan, on-signers will need to undergo an Antigen-Test taken at Japan Airport Quarantine upon arrival takes approx. 3hrs to get result.
3. If Negative, on-signers will be allowed to go to Hotel/Vessel by agent’s escort.
4. If Positive, on-signers need to undergo Quarantine at designated facility for 14 days.
5. There are addition restrictions for crews travelling from the following countries:

• Crews from designated 38 countries, Argentina/ Belarus/ Belgium/ Bolivia/ Brasil/ Chile/ Colombia/ Costa Rica/ Cuba/ Denmark/ Dominican Republic/ Ecuador/ Egypt Fiji/ Greece/ Ireland/ Jordan/ Kazakhstan/ Libya/ Namibia/ Paraguay/ Peru/ Philippine/ Portugal/ Russia (Republic of Sakha/ Nizhny Novgorod Oblast/ Republic of Karelia/ Saint Petersburg/ Saratov) / Seychekkes/ South Africa/ Spain/ Suriname/ Sweden/ Thailand/ The Netherlands/ Trinidad and Tobago/ Tunisia/ Turkey/ Uruguay/ USA ( Florida/ Idaho/ Arizona/ Oregon/ Colorado/ Nevada/ Montana/ Kentucky/ Mississippi/ Louisiana/ Washington/ Arkansas / New Mexico/ Utah/ Wyoming ) Venezuela will need to undergo 3 days Quarantine isolation at hotel arranged by Owners. After 3 days, crew will need to take PCR test (under owners account) and if the result is negative, they will be allowed to embark.
• Crews from Malaysia/ United Kingdom/ Bangladesh/ UAE/ Uganda/ Russia(Moscow) will need to undergo 6 days Quarantine isolation at hotel arranged by Owners. Crew will need to take 2 PCR test (3rd & 6th day) and if the result is negative, they will be allowed to embark.
• Crews from India/ Pakistan/ Nepal / Maldives / SriLanka/ Afghanistan/ Indonesia/ Kyrgyz/ Zambia are basically required to undergo 10 days Quarantine with 3 PCR test (4th day, 7th, and 10th day ) . Basically crews will be permitted to embark once all 3 PCR Test results are confirmed as “Negative” however, depending on vessel schedule crew may not need to take all 3 PCR Test.

OFF-SIGNERS

1. Off-signers can disembark from their vessel only if the vessel has passed 14 days after departing from last port. Shore pass will not be issued if there is any intermediate call or crew change with rendezvous.
2. If a vessel’s crew has had any close contact with people from shore (such as shore workers coming onboard, crew change carried out, etc) within 14 days and off-signing is required in a Japanese port, quarantine inspection will be applicable upon berthing. All crew onboard will be required to take a PCR test. It takes approximately one day to receive permission for cargo operation
3. Crew landing may be refused if any crew onboard are suspected to have COVID-19, even if more than 14 days has passed.

For further details on restrictions on travelling to Japan see: https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/

Amin Kawar & Sons Co

Safwa Security

Jordan PandI Consultants Corporation

-Health declaration.

– Last 10 ports.

– Crew List showing date/place of embarkation.

– Statement that crew is free of COVID-19.

Upon vessel’s berthing sterilization for the vessel to be carried out by one of the local companies in Aqaba, the company has to be approved by the Jordan maritime commission and the same to be arranged by the Agent.

Free Pratique committee will board the vessel after berthing.

Temperature screening will be done by one of the committee members.

COVID-19 restrictions are not having a negative impact on port operations.

Shore leave is allowed only for emergencies.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to access hospitals ashore with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 diseases.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No specific requirements.

There is no special vaccination program for seafarers

For joining crew, see latest requirements here

For disembarking crew:

• Require approval from authorities for disembarking crew 2-3 days in advance.
• Off signers will conduct PCR tests before disembarkation. If the results are positive, the crew member will not be able to disembark and will stay at the vessel.
• Confirmed Flight details are required.
• An exit visa will be paid at the airport.
• In case the crew had the vaccine, the vaccination certificate should be carried during his travel.

Servicing of ships from Azerbaijan and Iran at the sea ports of Aktau and Kuryk has been suspended as a temporary measure. Crews of foreign cargo vessels are not permitted to leave their ships and the transportation of people and vehicles with drivers have also been halted.

TCI AFRICA KENYA

Nisomar Ltd

GAC Kenya

Protecting and Indemnity (K) Ltd

Inchcape Shipping Services

Crew/passengers with any of these symptoms (fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, cough or shortness of breathing) the Master must report to the Port Health Office.

Crew members are NOT granted shore passes. Only Kenyans and foreigners with valid residence permits will be allowed to disembark after presentation of Health Declaration forms and by the Health Authorities.

All visitors (dockworkers, agents, surveyors, port state inspectors) to a ship must be informed about the precautionary measures while on board. It shall be prohibited for anyone to board a vessel before the completion of the health inspection of the crew or passengers. All visitors to use protective disposable mask and/or latex gloves while on board and should dispose them on board before disembarking in a special disposal bin.

Masters of all ships due to arrive in a Kenyan port are required to declare their last 10 ports of call or voyage memo for the last three months, whichever is higher, and confirm that there is no crew showing symptoms of COVID-19 on board.

Ships agents, if possible, should use alternative means of contacting the vessels instead of boarding the vessels, so as to minimize potential contamination risk.

The Masters of vessels shall be required to provide sanitizers at the ship’s gangway for persons entering and upon exit.

Garbage from vessels will not be allowed to be discharged at any Kenyan Port.

Courts are generally proceeding virtually i.e., no physical attendance is required unless the courts directs otherwise. As a result of this mode of proceedings there have been delays in final determination of litigation due to teething problems in the new virtual system adopted but situation is gradually improving. Time bars still remain the same.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Nisomar Ltd have provided details of entry requirements for entering Kenya with effect from 28 December 2021 which can be read here and also a Crew Change Checklist which is available here.

Read the full bulletin here.

Vessel arrival requirements

The master of the vessel* shall notify the director of the quarantine station via VTS or the agent 24hrs prior to entering the port. Arrival / Departure General Declaration must be submitted upon notifying the authorities.

*The owner of the vessel / vessel’s agent may notify the authority on behalf of the master.

On board quarantine inspection

All crew members and passengers shall be subject to quarantine inspection such as temperature check and health questionnaires conducted by the quarantine officer upon arrival. Vessels subject to on-board inspection are as follows:

1. Vessels with reported cases of death / crew member infection (including suspected infection crew)
2. Vessels with seafarers that have embarked the vessel within the past 14 days
3. Vessels without a valid ‘Ship Sanitation Control Certificate’
4. Vessels where on-board inspection is deemed necessary by the director of National Quarantine Station (NQS).

Electronic Quarantine

Vessels NOT subject to on-board inspection shall be subject to electronic quarantine; failing to clear the electronic quarantine shall subject the vessel to on-board inspection.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance is available for COVID 19 and non-COVID issues, with the approval of local authorities. Crew members will be tested onboard for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

There is no vaccination requirement for seafarers but the aforementioned PCR negative certificate is required.

Vaccinations are being offered to international voyage workers including national seafarers.

On-signers

1. PCR Negative Certificate is no longer required.
2. Q-Code is recommended to be registered prior to entrants’ departure from last country. (For entrants who did not register Q-code prior to departure shall register Q-code on his/her arrival as per the instruction of quarantine officer)
3. PCR test on arrival is no longer mandatory but PCR test within 3 days of arrival is recommended.

Off-signers

PCR test before / after disembarkation is no longer mandatory but PCR test within 3 days of disembarkation is recommended.

Guideline for QR Code

http://cov19ent.kdca.go.kr

Entrants entering Korea from overseas through any international airport can promptly receive the quarantine service by inputting their quarantine information using Q-Code before entry. Entrants should present their QR code upon entry to the quarantine officer.

*QR Code for the Q-CODE guideline in English.

GAC Kuwait

S5 Agency World

Wilhelmsen

Kuwaiti  Ministry of Communications (MOC) have informed all agents that as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Kuwaiti ports are prohibited from receiving foreign ships arriving from/ departing to the following countries in addition to closing all Maritime ports and banning all arrivals from any Nationality during the past two weeks from the above countries until further notice: Republic of Korea, Italy, Thailand, Singapore and Japan as well as the Peoples Republic of China and Hong Kong.

The Ministry of Communications have further advised that in order to maintain efficient trade, ships carrying goods from the Republic of Korea, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Peoples republic of China and Hong Kong will be allowed to berth with the emphasis of prohibiting direct contact with the crew and preventing them from disembarking from the ship. The period they have specified is two weeks of their departure from the affected ports.

With effect from 6 March, The Ministry of Health in Kuwait has imposed a ban on travellers arriving from, or who have visited in the last two weeks, the countries listed below:

• China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Iraq, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, France, Spain, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, the United States of America, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden, Norway and Azerbaijan.

11 May: Measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus include halting commercial flights and sending public sector employees on a public holiday until March 26th 2020. This has been extended to 31 May. The 4pm to 8am curfew will come into effect at the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Maritime navigation and normal operations at all Oil Terminals ( Mina Al Ahmadi & Mina Abdulla ) and Commercial ports ( Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ) will continue as usual without any hindrance.

Ministry of Communications advise that agents are required to provide in addition the usually required documentation before arrival:

• a copy of the ships’ logbook for the last 30 working days – in English
• a copy of port clearance for the last 10 ports where cargo operations were carried out

11 September: Port operations are operating  normally and working 24/7. Local surveyors are permitted to enter a port to attend a vessel if they have the correct pass. Overseas surveyors are not permitted.

The Kuwaiti Commercial Courts have re-opened. The Kuwaiti Courts Registrars Dept. is dealing with a great number of cases due to the back log and is currently prioritizing appeals and judgments to be issued.

As for new filings, criminal, labour and family matters are being prioritized over civil and commercial claims. However, if the time bar is an issue, a commercial or civil claim can be filed upon taking a special appointment to do so.

Medical Assistance

For serious medical it is subject to port authority / port health and security agencies approval via the vessels local agents.

Wilhelmsen

Prior to entering the port all ship agents of all cargo ships calling at the ports shall provide the port authorities with accurate information on the composition of the ship’s crew and the health status of all crew members. Any cases of illness or bad feeling among the members of the crew shall be reported to the authorities.

Activities related to cargo handling and ship maintenance shall be performed observing general safety rules.

Surveyors and other service providers may visit the vessel, observing general safety rules that are in force in Latvia. Due to a high level of registered Covid-19 cases in Latvia, availability of surveyors is limited, so it is recommended to appoint a surveyor in advance (where possible).

Courts operate in a normal regime.

General restrictions:

• Use of face masks (a medical face mask or respirator with a level of safety FFP2 – FFP3) is compulsory in all enclosed spaces (including workspace, public transport, taxi, shops and etc.). Face masks are also compulsory outside, in public gathering places.
• EU digital certificate or document proving vaccination or recovery after COVID-19 is not required to enter shops and shopping centres, but still may be asked to enter other public places.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance (both in-patient and out-patient) is available for foreign crewmembers.

Disembarkation of Covid-19 infected crewmembers from a ship to a hospital (if prescribed by a doctor) or special hotels, where a seafarer must observe a quarantine for 7-10 days, is allowed.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

All persons, arriving to Estonia by all means of transport, are obligated to register with the The Health Board’s self-service portal (terviseamet.ee) three days prior to arrival.

Crossing of the state border for the purpose of entering Estonia is allowed for:

• Estonian citizens and residents and their family members. Estonian citizens and residents are admitted to the country regardless of whether they are symptomatic or not;
• citizens and residents of the European Union, the Schengen countries, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, and long-stay visa holders and their family members if they are asymptomatic;
• citizens of countries on the list in Annex 1 to the recommendation of the Council of the European Union;
• vaccinated and asymptomatic citizens who attained the maximum level of protection after their last vaccine dose of third countries for any purpose;
• asymptomatic third country citizens, who have not completed a course of vaccination and who arrive to Estonia to work, study, see their family, or on a special permit, if they have taken a coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-test 72 hours before entering Estonia or a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test 24 hours before and can provide a certificate of a negative result;
• asymptomatic third-country citizens, who have not completed a course of vaccination, if they immediately transit through the territory of Estonia for reaching their country of residence;

Transporters of goods and raw materials, people involved in international freight and passenger transport, as well as other specific categories of people are excluded from entry restrictions. Full list is available under the link: https://kriis.ee/en/travelling-crossing-state-border/travelling-estonia/coming-estonia

Maurice G. Mouracadé & Co

Baroudi & Associates

GAC Lebanon

The measures applied at the Lebanese ports for commercial vessels consists of members of the Ministry of Health attending onboard the vessels arriving from countries at risk and prior to their berthing, checking the body temperatures of all crewmembers onboard to verify whether any of them are suffering from any of the symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Depending on the findings of the Ministry’s representatives, measures are decided on a case-by-case basis.

21 September: Containers terminal are almost “Business as usual”. General cargo, roro and livestock vessels have only 4 berths that accommodate between 10 to 12 ships at a time are operational. Cargo is discharged onto trucks on Direct Delivery basis. Warehousing in closed depots or open yards is not available. Bulk grain berth No 8 is off-limit and no storage silos in port, so bulk grain is discharged using ships’ or mobile cranes with grabs. Maximum draft and other restrictions to be checked with local ship’s agent prior to fixing a vessel.

Surveyors are available to attend vessels’ operations or investigate claims, but all surveyors are over working and sufficient notice is recommended to accommodate ships’ requests for various surveys.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to access medical attention in Lebanon for both COVID-19 and non-COVID illnesses and injuries. However, it should be highlighted that due to the dramatic surge in coronavirus cases lately, the local hospitals have reached their maximum capacity and are presently at risk of no longer being able to welcome COVID-19 cases.

21 September 2020: Containers terminal are almost “Business as usual”. General cargo, roro and livestock vessels have only 4 berths that accommodate between 10 to 12 ships at a time are operational. Cargo is discharged onto trucks on Direct Delivery basis. Warehousing in closed depots or open yards is not available. Bulk grain berth No 8 is off-limit and no storage silos in port, so bulk grain is discharged using ships’ or mobile cranes with grabs. Maximum draft and other restrictions to be checked with local ship’s agent prior to fixing a vessel.
Surveyors are available to attend vessels’ operations or investigate claims, but all surveyors are over working and sufficient notice is recommended to accommodate ships’ requests for various surveys.

26 February 2021: Maurice G. Mouracadé & Co advise that there is still a lockdown in Lebanon extending until mid-March with the exception of few sectors including Shipping & Insurance which staff are considered essential workers ; however most staff members are working remotely. Ports are operating normally and safely (security level 1).

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to access medical attention in Lebanon for both COVID-19 and non-COVID illnesses and injuries. However, it should be highlighted that due to the dramatic surge in coronavirus cases lately, the local hospitals have reached their maximum capacity and are presently at risk of no longer being able to welcome COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The crewmember must carry out a PCR test upon the vessel’s arrival to the port and wait onboard for the results. If the results are negative, they will then be disembarked and confined to a hotel for 72 hours. After 72 hours, a second PCR test is to be carried out and if the results are also negative, sign-off formalities may be started. Otherwise, the crewmember will have to be quarantined for 10 days following his disembarkation, following which his sign-off formalities may be commenced.

If joining from a foreign country, the crewmember must undergo a PCR test maximum 96 hours prior to their arrival to Lebanon and then again upon their arrival to Lebanon. If the results are negative, the seafarers can either carry out another PCR test after 72 hours of being confined to a hotel, or stay quarantined for a period of 10 days. In any event, only persons showing negative PCR test will be allowed into the Lebanese territory.

AFRICA  P&I  Services

Ivory P&I

BUDD Liberia

The port of Monrovia is operational. The local port Authority has not yet issued any restrictions on seaport or vessels entering.

The National Port Authority and APM Terminals Liberia at Monrovia port advise that all port users within the commercial and operational area of all seaports within Liberia such as, stevedores, cargo surveyors, boarding Agent, Supervisors, Tally Clerks, crane Operators, field Managers, vessels’ crews, are advised to take strict health practices or measure to ensure the washing of hand, usage of face mask and wearing of glove as a safe measure set by the ministries of health.

All vessel crews are not allowed to leave the vessel while the vessel is in port. However, all seaport operations are ongoing within Liberia such as:

1. Disembarkation of stowaway from vessels
2. Disembarkation of Sick Crew Members
3. Loading and offloading of vessels operations

15 April: On the 10 April the Government of Liberia declared a 21 day state of emergency in four counties (Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Kru and Margibi) and put the rest of the country into a 14 day quarantine. Only essential business and government offices remain open and they close at 15:00 at the latest each day.

Ports remain open and commercial operations continue to take place.

Medical Assistance

No possibility of medical disembarkation

GAC

Ali Gargoum

AMBEK Marine Surveyors Group

This prohibition includes the Pilot, the Home Office representative, the customs representative, the shipping agent, the representatives of the maritime authority and the like, unless the following requirements are met:-

1. Proof of the corona virus vaccination card for the first and second doses,
2. With the necessity of using personal protective equipment (protective glasses- masks – personal sterilization liquid,)

It is prohibited to disembark crews of ships, Tugs and foreign marine units in all Libyan ports unless the following requirements are met:-

1. Proof of the corona virus vaccination card for the first and second doses.
2. With the necessity of using personal protective equipment (protective glasses- masks – personal sterilization liquid,)
3. the extreme cases approved by the director of the health control office at the concerned port.

All ship agents must provide the following:

-a list of the last ten ports visited by the ship;
-a crew list which should include the date of sign on;
-a declaration signed by the ship’s master stating the situation on board the ship in relation to Coronavirus.

All required paper work must be done electronically.

A final declaration must be given by the health authority.

Disposing of any waste is prohibited while the ship in port. A meeting was held between the Libyan Chamber of Shipping and the Central Bank in the last few days, who discussed measures to facilitate the import of food and medical items, the main point of discussion being that the local banks will accept documents such as Bills of Lading and invoices via email instead of hard copies during this period of restrictions.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Wilhelmsen

RAMANAUSKAS IR PARTNERIAI Law Firm

The crew of foreign-flagged vessels calling at the Klaipeda port are prohibited from coming ashore, except the specific cases to be agreed upon when necessary for the normal operation of the ship.

All activities related to cargo handling and ship maintenance shall be performed to minimize physical contact between persons.

There is a certified COVID 19 testing laboratory at Klaipeda port central terminal.

Face masks are mandatory, expect outside with no one in two meters radius.

Court hearings are held online via Zoom platform. Courts operate in a normal regime.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for COVID-19 and non-COVID19 matters remains available.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Travel restrictions – All persons, arriving to Lithuania by all means of transport, are obligated to register with the National Public Health Center. If using air or sea transport, persons may be asked to show a proof of registration before the beginning of their trip. All persons, arriving to Lithuania by car, are obligated to register with the National Public Health Center within 12 hours of arrival. Cruise ship passengers are not required to complete a passenger form if the ship’s crew submits a Maritime Declaration of Health to the National Public Health Centre in accordance with the International Health Regulations and Medical-Quarantine Control Regulations of the NPHC.

• People, who arrive from COVID-19 affected countries or specific regions, should isolate themselves for 10 days (with a possibility of shortening the isolation time by taking a coronavirus test at their own expense on the 7th day of isolation) and present a negative COVID-19 test result, which has to be received not earlier than 72 hours before arrival (PCR) and 48 hours prior to arrival (antigen). Crew members and transiting are in exemptions. Isolation exemptions: https://nvsc.lrv.lt/en/information-on-covid-19/for-arrivals-from-abroad/everything-you-need-to-know-about-isolation/isolation-exemptions
• Those who are full vaccinated or have already been sick (positive SARS-Co-V2  PCR test and that maximum 180 days have passed) do not need testing nor isolation (more info: see the link above)
• Official FAQ section

ETIC SAS AFRICA  P&I  Services

Indoceanic Services

SEMAD S.A.

• Only cargo ships are allowed to call in Toamasina Port. The port of Toamasina is open 24h/24h and Dockers involved in night shift should join the port before 20:00.

The previous requirement of 14 days of quarantine has been removed but, in operation, crew members have to wear all protecting equipment (glasses / masks / gloves). Other crew members have to stay on their cabins.
Other measures taken by the port will be applied such as:

1. No shore leave
2. No contact with shore personal,
3. Wearing mask / gloves / glasses from crew side is compulsory when crew members have to go out on deck
4. All documents exchange is carried out by email to avoid contact
5. 2 meters distance must be kept in case involved crew members have to work on deck.
6. Ships that have completed more than 10-day travel will berth only at 15th day from last port (to comply with corona quarantine)
7. Crew and safety embarked team displacement are not accepted.
8. Disembarking is not allowed.

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment ashore is allowed following assessment by border officials. For incidents occurring after berthing, crew must undergo COVID-19 rapid test prior to disembarkation.

GAC

AqualisBraemar

Harrisons

Ben Line Agencies

1. 1. In Kuantan / Kemaman,
      • Ship will be quarantined for 14 days if crew change is done in last port at Bangladesh, India, Pakistan or Srilanka.
      • For crew change done in last port at other countries, the ship quarantine period is *10 days (*14 days if joiners nationality is Bangladesh, India, Pakistan or Srilanka).
      • Agent can request exemption from the quarantine by presenting the joiners’ negative results of joiners’ covid-19 health test, but subject to approval by Port Health Officers.
   2. In Sabah ports, ship will be quarantined for 14 days if last port is in India.
   3. In Melaka, ship will be quarantined for 21 days if the last port is in India.
   4. In Labuan,
      • The local domestic crew members must take a RTK (rapid antigen test) upon ship’s arrival Labuan while the foreign crew members must show negative PCR test result taken 72 hours before ship’s arrival Labuan. Free pratique will be granted once all test results are shown to be negative result for Covid-19.
      • If the above condition is not met by the ship, then all the crew members will have to undergo a PCR test upon ship’s arrival. Free pratique will be granted only once all crew members are found to be negative. Ships must anticipate about 24 to 72 hours waiting time for the process.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 related issues remains available subject to approval from the Port Health Department and Immigration Department.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

1. 1. • Crew members of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka nationalities are now permitted by immigration to enter Malaysia through airport or seaport. However, the procedure is not consistent across Malaysian seaports, and suggest checking with Agent prior organizing crew change.
      • Joining and sign off crew must be quarantined for 14 days upon entry Malaysia. For Sarawak joiners, double quarantine is applicable (1) 14 days upon arriving International Airport (2) 14 days upon arrival Sarawak.
      • If the ship has visited Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last 14 days, then, crew change is not permitted in the Malaysian seaports (of late some ports like Port Klang have made exception). Malaysian nationalities may be permitted provided prior permission is secured from the Authorities.
      • Effective 24^th Sep ‘21, all joiners are required to be vaccinated for entry into Malaysia. Agent is required to present Vaccination Certificate to Immigration to issue Letter of Guarantee for crew to join ship.

East Malaysia

1. 1. • Sabah: Crew change is not possible in Sipitang, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Tawau. Crew change is possible in Kota Kinabalu and Sepangar Bay with prior approval.
      • Sarawak: Only joining and sign off crew members who have completed 2 dose vaccines are allowed carry out crew changes activities at Sarawak. Prior approval is required.

Peninsular Malaysia

1. 1. • Crew change not possible in East coast of Peninsular Malaysia as well as in Lumut
      • Crew change possible in remaining areas but some peculiarities to bear in mind
        1. In Port Klang, crew change is only permitted if ship is calling alongside berth for cargo operation
        2. In Pasir Gudang / Melaka, ship must arrive and be cleared inwards PRIOR joiners can arrive at International Airport. Other husbandry services (Fresh water etc) need to be availed.
        3. In Penang,
           1. ship is allowed to call exclusive for husbandry purposes (including crew change) at anchorage.
           2. If the ship is coming for cargo operation, then only the cargo agent can perform crew change.

Vassallo Associates

Surveys or inspections within or outside Maltese Territorial Waters:

• With immediate effect surveyors, technicians and other personnel will not be allowed to interact with vessels.
• Surveyors and similarly designated personnel may operate from onboard local bunkers barges or service boats BUT not transfer to the sea-going vessels.
• In certain circumstances these restrictions may be lifted if both Maltese Governmental departments (Port Heath and Port Operations) give consent and specific safety instructions are followed.

Surveys or inspections in port:

• If a vessel is granted permission to enter Maltese Ports, interaction with surveyors is only permitted if  both Maltese Governmental departments (being Port Heath and Port Operations) consent.
• In general, attendance onboard will only be allowed once the crew have undergone a 14 day quarantine period. Otherwise a person boarding a vessel may be subject to a 14 day quarantine period themselves.
• Special authorisation may be given in an extraordinary situation e.g. fire or accident onboard, oil spillage etc.

26 May: Transport Malta issued Port Notice 09/20 titled “COVID-19 Temporary Precautionary Measures – Framework of protocol for conducting maritime support services”. Requests for services to be carried out in Maltese territorial waters or in port shall be presented to the Port Health Authorities and Superintendent of Public Health for their review (same will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Once the request has then been approved, applicable measures noted within Port Notice No. 09/20 shall apply. This Notice sets out five (5) potential support services and associated measures that need to be taken:

1. Conveyance with STS Surveyors and Mooring Masters (Technical Personnel).
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Infection Prevention Control (IPC).
3. Travel ban exemption for repatriation or in connection with ship operations.
4. Fishing Vessels (Tuna Season).
5. Yachting/Ship Maintenance requests and other requests related to the maritime Industry.

16 September 2020: Local ports have opened up for International trade, and surveyor attendance is also being allowed on board, subject that the necessary Personal Protective Equipment, and in some circumstances, a COVID19 swab test is undertaken by the surveyor at least 48 hours prior to boarding. Additionally, any attendance on board must be authorised by the terminal facility itself and the duty Port Medic.

Medical Assistance

Any medical seafarer suffering illnesses other than COVID19, are being allowed to disembark the vessel to be provided with the necessary medical attention, subject to the necessary approvals being obtained by the Port Authorities / medics. The seafarer must however undergo a COVID19 test swab upon arrival at the hospital.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The Government of Malta published Legal Notice 229 of 2021 relating to the Conditions to be imposed on Persons Travelling to and from Malta. This legal notice stipulates that any person who travels to Malta, whether by air or by sea, shall, upon that person’s arrival in Malta, provide a Passenger Locator Form (PLF Form) together with any one of the following documents:

1. a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test performed not longer than seventy-two (72) hours before that person’s arrival in Malta; or
2. a valid vaccination certificate showing that that person has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19:

Provided that the boarding of any person shall be denied and refused prior to that person’s departure from any country to Malta, if that person is not in possession of either one of the documents mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b); provided further that a vaccination certificate shall only be valid and accepted if issued in that official form, and with regards a vaccine, recognised and approved by the Superintendent of Public Health.

The same legal notice also lays out that any person who, upon arrival in Malta, fails to provide a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test or otherwise a valid vaccination certificate, shall be subject to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test in Malta. Any person who shall be required to be subjected to a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test in Malta shall be placed in mandatory quarantine, until the test result is issued, in an accommodation specifically allocated for this purpose by the Superintendent of Public Health. The mandatory quarantine shall be extended for such period deemed necessary in the case that that person’s test results positive or detected. Any person who shall be required to be subjected to a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test in Malta and refuses to subject himself or herself to this test, shall be required to submit himself or herself to mandatory quarantine for such period deemed necessary.

ELTVEDT & O’SULLIVAN

TCI AFRICA

Autonomous Port of Nouakchott Circular 23 April 2020

• The origin and the last ten ports of call ;
• A health clearance and report of any seafarer embarked who became sick on board the ship within a period of 15 days before arrival of the ship at the port of Nouakchott.
  Before any entry or exit of seafarers to embark or disembark on board/from the vessel of a passing vessel trough the focal point of autonomous port of Nouakchott (PANPA):
• The visa of the last point of entry at the borders of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, for seafarers to embark;
• The origin and the last ten ports of call ;
• A health clearance and report of any seafarer who became sick on board the ship and who has to be disembarked within a period of 15 days before arrival of the ship at the port of Nouakchott.

In addition, before berthing, all vessels are visited by COVID medical team to check ship’s crewmembers status. If no visible evidence of COVID signs, berthing clearance is immediately granted.

• Shore leave allowed in case no evidence of COVID signs.
• COVID-19 not affecting bulk cargo operations (wheat, clinker, etc..).
• For bagged cargo, using more attending persons, operations are stopped during curfew period which is at moment from 08 PM – 06 AM.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for urgent non-COVID19 cases remains available.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

On-signing crew are required to travel with a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate which is valid within 2 days of travel.

Indoceanic Services

Scott Shipping International

The following information must be submitted to agents at least 24 hours prior to arrival at Port Louis harbour:
(i) The Maritime Declaration of Health;
(ii) Port of calls
(iii) Crew list, which shall include last crew change date
(iv) Any shore leave in the last ports
(v) A report, which includes a list of all crew members with their body temperature just before the report’s delivery.
(vi) In case of crew change during the last 14 days any results of PCR test for COVID-19 and any undertaking by ship Master.

Green light will be granted on condition that the information provided satisfies the Port Health Authority, including no crew change or shore leave during the last 14 days prior to ETA and the vessel will be allowed to enter port limits for free pratique.

Green light will not be granted to vessel where there is crew change without a negative PCR COVID-19 test at most five days prior to embarkation on the vessel or shore leave in the last 14 days prior to ETA.

Green light can be granted to vessel where there is crew change with a negative PCR COVID-19 test at most five days prior to embarkation on the vessel and the crew must have boarded the vessel directly from the airport.

Green light can be granted to vessel where there is crew change with a negative PCR COVID-19 test at most five days prior to embarkation on the vessel and the crew did not board the vessel directly from the airport, provided the said crew remain confined on board segregated from the other crew. In such cases, the Master of the vessel must take a written undertaking that said crew had been effectively segregated from the other crew and the undertaking must be forwarded the Port Health Authority during request for green light.

Boarding of the vessel for free pratique will be carried out outside harbour by Port Health Authority only. A service boat shall be provided by agent to the Port Health Authority to clear the vessel outside harbour. The service boat operators shall comply fully with all precautionary measures related to COVID-19 including wearing of face mask. During boarding, all crew members shall wear face masks and rubber gloves.

Temperature of all crew members will be taken and recorded on the arrival crew list.

If the Port Health Authority is satisfied free pratique will be given and order the ship Master on-board to lower the yellow flag.

If the Port Health Authority is not satisfied and suspects an infectious disease on board, he/she will contact the Regional Public Health Superintendent on call for protocol COVID-19 to be initiated and maintained yellow flag, while vessel will remain outside harbour.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

All requests for change of crew should be made only to the Port Master at least 14 days before the operation to allow ample time for proper verification of documents and processing. Details of crew change protocols can be found here.

Pandi Nave

Pinedo Agogados

Moctezuma & Torre Abogados

Shore leave is currently restricted, but Port operations are steady and at a usual pace.

Legal proceedings have seen a general delay, and are sometimes subjected to the urgency of the matter (ie. detained persons/crew). Hearings have returned in-person in most cases, and time bars have also been extended.

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment for COVID and non-COVID-19 related matters remains available and is dependent on local medical facilities’ capabilities.

Hospitals may request large deposits before accepting a Covid positive person, especially those in a critical state.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On-signers

On-signers have to arrive to the Port where they intend to board the vessel with enough time to spend at least 3 days confined in a hotel, after this period is elapsed a PCR test is practiced, if the result is satisfactory, the seafarer can board the vessel once the standard formalities are completed.

Off-signers

Off-signing crew are commonly put in a hotel after they leave the vessel and a PCR test is practiced, if the result is satisfactory, they can board the airplane and continue their journey back home.

Ports are operating regularly, following sanitary health measures. Shore leave not allowed.

Courts are reported to be working normally and no delays, suspensions and extensions are being experienced.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for COVID and non-COVID issues.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Citizens from Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Albania, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and North Macedonia, allowed to enter with no restrictions. Any other nationalities are required to travel with a negative PCR test certificate  or proof of vaccination.

TCI Africa

Société Maghrébine de Défense Maritime

IMO Circular Letter No. 4277

Further information can be found in IMO Circular CL 4277.

20 June: Moroccan Marine Marchande issue note 15/2020 authorizing the embarkation and disembarkation of crew members from 20 June 2020. Crew changes are subject to the prior approval of the Merchant Marine Direction and must be done in compliance with the health framework enacted and adopted in the Kingdom of Morocco. Moroccan borders are still closed and consequently flights are remain suspended until further notice.

20 October: The state of health emergency has been extended until 10 November 2020 and Morocco’s boarders remain closed.

Courts have now resumed activity however it should be noted that legal time limits were suspended in Morocco from 24/03/2020 until 26/07/2020  that is during 4 months and 2 days. Therefore to calculate a time bar it is now necessary to add a further period of 4 month and 2 days prior a case is considered as time barred.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance  for non-COVID19 related issues is available subject to approval of local authorities. In such a case the Comité de sécurité portuaire consisting in the various port authorities representatives (Health, Harbour master office, police, customs)  meet and verify that there is no Covid19 case on board. If  Comité de sécurité portuaire considers there is no Covid19 risk it will authorise the disembarking of the crew and his transfer to a clinic for care / treatment.

However, in practise it is extremely difficult, especially for crew members whose nationality is subject to visa since Moroccan authorities do not issue any more visa further to the closure of the borders. Authorities may impose to have the crew sent back on board after medical treatment.

From McLean’s experience, only Casablanca port allowed crew disembarking for urgent medical care.

Crew changes are subject to the prior approval of the Merchant Marine Direction and must be done in compliance with the health framework enacted and adopted in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Moroccan borders are still closed and consequently flights remain suspended until further notice.

GAC

Wilhelmsen

P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd

France P&I

1. Maritime Health Declaration
2. Crew list  which is mentioned the countries where all crew members have embarked the vessel
3. List of 10 Port of Calls Before Beira
4. Yellow fever vaccination list
5. Declaration from Master confirming that all crew members are in good health conditions since from last Port of departure until arrival in Beira Port
6. Vaccination list

All vessels coming from India and Saudi Arabia must complete 14 days Quarantine Period at Anchorage before berthing at Beira Port.

Maputo & Matola

• All Vessels that have undertaken and international voyage, must apply for “Free Pratique” to Port Sanitary and Health Authorities, 24 to 48 hours prior to arriving the Limits of Port Maputo Marine Jurisdiction Area. Port Sanitary and Health Authorities and MPDC Port Authority/Harbour Master´s Office, must be kept updated on any changes to the health status on board the vessel, whilst in Anchorage or while alongside the berth.
• Masters submit accurate declarations of health and wellbeing of the crew, and if in doubt, consult with a medical practitioner to be arranged by the vessel agent. Masters unable to communicate in English stand the risk of not receiving services until a translator is arranged by the vessel agent. Any false declaration will be viewed in a serious light and reported to the MPDC Port Authority and Mozambican Health and Sanitary Officials for further action.
• Masters of all vessels are required to display the “Q” Flag if all onboard are healthy and Free Pratique has not been granted by Port Health – means the master declares that all crew & personnel onboard are healthy and he/she requests Free Pratique.  The Q Flag is to remain raised on the main mast until the vessel has been cleared by Port Health and Free Pratique has been granted.
• Duty Pilots are to make use of issued personal protective equipment (PPE), protective facial masks, gloves and long sleeve shirt when boarding any vessel to protect themselves, even if the master has declared all onboard are healthy. The disposable PPE is to remove after every vessel and placed in a sealed plastic bag. The Pilot transport vehicle and the pilot boat will be provided with designated hazardous waste containers.
• All waste removal from Off Port Limit vessels, Vessels at anchorages and alongside Maputo and Matola Ports can be done in the Port Marine Jurisdiction Area under the following circumstances and conditions:

1. a) Vessel Agents have to submit a notice with not less than 24 hours before vessel´s arrival and for the period of weekends prior 48 hours, informing the type of garbage for disposal, amount in cubic meters for type, vessel´s details and all other relevant information for the HSE Port Authority and copy the Marine Operations Manager, Port Control and Harbour Master.
2. b) Collection of Grey Waters, Sludge, etc., are included in this prerogative.
3. c) Garbage will only be authorized for disposal a shore if separated and packed by type, without leaks and correctly identified.
4. d) Garbage must be separated according classification classes prescribed by MARPOL.

• All Off Port Limit activities involving foreign vessels and crews to be suspended until further notice.
• The attendance of technicians from foreign countries is suspended until further notice.
• Permission from Port Health and the Harbour Master’s Office is required prior to any interaction with vessels (i.e. vessels with any person having any illness). This also applies to bunker barges/ships and small vessels.
• Shore leave for Crews which vessels are alongside of any quay of Maputo and Matola Ports are not allowed. Visitors to vessels restricted to essential personnel only. Cancelled the emission of Shore Passes to Crew Members. Exceptions will be made for emergency and exceptional case effectively verified and assessed case by case and authorized by the Harbour Master.
• Limited interaction between bunker operator and vessels permitted. Crew to ensure gloves are provided and used when handling mooring lines & all preventative precautions are upheld – no crew changes permitted for bunker barges or vessel taking fuel from foreign countries.
• Applications for services to be render to vessels and on board vessels will be thoroughly assessed before Permission is Granted by the Harbour Master.

Medical Assistance

Medical emergencies are considered, provided that all necessary MPDC Port Protocol and Port Sanitary and Health Authorities are adhered to.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

 No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On-signing crew much arrival in Mozambican territory with an official negative PCR test result. The test is required to be valid within 72 hours of arriving in Mozambique.

Off-signing crew must receive a PCR test from an official test centre at either Maputo or Matola when disembarking the vessel. They are only permitted to travel if they are in possession of a valid negative PCR test result.

Crew that are not travelling directly to a vessel or airport when signing on or off a vessel are required to isolate themselves in a hotel. The hotel facility must be informed to the Free Pratique Committee (Harbour Master, Port Authority, Immigration Authorities and Sanitary Authorities) for the purpose of inspections, verifications and clarification of an event or detail.

Wilhelmsen

Prior to arrival vessels are required to submit a Declaration of Health to local agents and daily temperature records of all crew. Once the vessel has  berthed, port health officials will check the vessel first and once they grant clearance, the normal operation will be allowed to commence.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance  for emergency non-COVID19 related issues is available subject to approval of local authorities and decided on a case by case basis. All seafarers must be clear of COVID-19 before entering port as per Maritime Declaration of Health and body temperature records.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Crew sign off for other nationalities is permitted but the respective embassies must submit a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

MOFA will then send an official request to the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Immigration and Population who will then process sign off visa and arrange for the necessary quarantine procedure with the Ministry of Health. Sign off crew will be placed in a designated quarantine hotel by authorities for quarantine period of 14 days or directly transferred to the airport from vessel with medical escort if sign off time and flight time are suitable for direct transfer.

Novaship Namibia (Pty) Ltd.

• The following ports entry are closed for passengers: Oshikango, Katwitwi, Wenela, Buitepos, Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer, Luderitz and Walvis Bay.
• The travel ban is extended to all countries around the World for a period of thirty (30) days and applies to all Namibians and permanent residents
• Any foreign vessels calling  for the purposes of conducting dry docking and/alongside-repairs will be required to first self-quarantine at a suitable anchorage for at least 14 days. Time spent sailing from the previous port of call to our port can be taken into account in reducing the quarantine period at anchorage.
• Compliance with this self-quarantine requirement will be pre-requisite prior to any relevant vessels being given port clearance to come through into the ports.
• Any foreign vessels  intending to undergo repairs at anchorage will be required to first self-quarantine at a suitable anchorage for at least 14 days before any shore-based repair crews will be allowed to board that vessel. Time spent sailing from the previous port of call to our port can be taken into account in reducing the quarantine period at anchorage.

1 April: Upon completion of the mandatory quarantine period, the vessel must then be medically screened (again) and cleared by all the relevant authorities including Namport, before a pilot will board. Namport may grant exemptions to this restriction, should such exemptions be in the best interests of the Republic of Namibia and in the case of certain emergencies on board.

5 May: The Country is under State of Emergency as declared 17 March 2020 for a period of 6 months. Walvis Bay port is closed and country under international travel ban.

Medical Assistance

Only life threatening injury or illness will be looked at upon application case by case.

However note that all airports are closed and  international travel to and from Namibian closed and banned.

Dutch P&I

Hudig & Veder (P&I) B.V.

NNPC Correspondents BV

International Chamber of Shipping

Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners

People with valid visa and travel documents are free to move around in the country as long as there is no group of three or more persons. Groups and people not keeping the 1.5 Mtr distance are fined if caught. In case of a Corona outbreak on board, the whole vessel will be quarantined and supplied with the necessary medical supplies.

Dutch P&I advised the following practical advice if a COVID-19 outbreak is encountered prior to arriving in the Netherlands:

• Keep a record of all measures taken to keep the outbreak under control (i.e. which persons have been kept in quarantine, what type of tests were carried out, record of body temperature, actual symptoms etc.).
• Once the vessel is to enter a port, the background info as set forward above can be of use for authorities to make decisions for port entry of the vessel.

Courts are reported to have a backlog of cases. Some cases are being dealt with remotely.

A partial lockdown has been extended in the Netherlands until 14 January 2022. The additional restrictions does not affect the measures which were already in place for seafarers and shipping in general they remain the same.

NNPC Correspondents BV have provided an update on COVID restrictions in Dutch ports (dated  23 December 2021). The update can be read here.

Medical Assistance

Emergency medical response is still possible. If a crew member requires immediate medical assistance (because of an accident on board) the crewmember will be taken to hospital with all precautions.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

The International Chamber of Shipping have announced that the Netherlands have commenced offering voluntary vaccinations to non-native seafarers. Further information is available at: https://www.ics-shipping.org/press-release/ics-releases-vaccination-roadmap-to-quicken-seafarer-jab-rollout/

GAC advise the Netherlands’ COVID-19 Vaccination Programme for Seafarers launched in June is being expanded from 2 August 2021 to cover all seafarers of all ships embarking on international voyages over sea at the port of Rotterdam.

For full details of the programme, go to https://www.kvnr.nl/en/vaccination/start

From 22 December 2021 travellers from outside the EU/Schengen area must always provide a negative test result to enter the Netherlands. Travellers from very high-risk areas must always self-quarantine. These rules also apply to travellers with proof of vaccination or proof of recovery, who were previously exempt from the mandatory quarantine.

For further information on entry requirements can be found here:

https://www.government.nl/topics/c/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad

Crew changes with positive tested crew are often possible, although every individual case is at the discretion of the Dutch Health Authorities, usually positive tested crew member will be taken from the vessel as close as possible to the time of departure of the vessel.

The positive tested crew member will be placed in dedicated quarantine hotel awaiting negative test results (this can take up to about 6 weeks before a negative PCR result is obtained). Any other crew members would be required to quarantine and tested until they have been COVID free for 5 days before they would be permitted to travel.

Immigration only allows longer stay when the visa is properly extended for negative testing purposes. Additional measurements may be required.

P&I Services Ltd

Maritime NZ

The New Zealand Government for the purpose of preventing and limiting the risk of an outbreak, or the spread, of COVID-19 is:

a). restricting which ships may arrive in New Zealand; and
b). putting in place isolation or quarantine requirements for people who arrive in New Zealand by sea.

Vessels are not permitted entry to New Zealand unless exempted by the order. A cargo ship that is arriving in New Zealand for the purpose of loading or unloading cargo is an example of one such exemption.

The right of innocent passage through the territorial sea, and transit passage through straits used for international navigation is unaffected.

Vessels are required to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health 7 days prior to arrival.

Shore leave is allowed if the ship has been at its last overseas port at least 10 days prior to arrival.  Everyone on board needs to be PCR tested (results take about 48hrs) but work can continue as scheduled without results.

Remote hearings in court are common. There are court delays, some flexibility is given with procedural time requirements in cases.

Maritime NZ issued COVID-19 Maritime Industry Update 95 on 6 December which is available at:

https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/covid/documents/maritime-industry-update-095-06%20December%202021-10.pdf

Medical Assistance

NZ ports are allowing crew off for essential medical treatment i.e. emergency only. Dentists for example are closed, but if there is an emergency dental situation, it can be arranged.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Only the Pfizer vaccine is available in NZ, therefore it is difficult to get crew vaccinated because it requires 2 doses and the doses have to be administered at least 21 days apart.  If crew have approved shore leave agents  can take them ashore to get a vaccination, but they may not be able to get the second one within the require timeframes (believe you have until 6 weeks after the first dose to have the 2^nd one).  The Government  is working on getting seafarers vaccinated with a one dose vaccine, but nothing has eventuated as yet.

On-signing crew arriving New Zealand by air have to be fully vaccinated and at least 14 days prior to their travel since they completed vaccination of last dose.  Crew arriving by sea do not have vaccination requirement.

Covid-19 incidents have taken place, and for the most part the authorities are being cautious, but cooperative.  Specifically, if there are infections onboard, immediate notification is extremely necessary in order to have the port make necessary arrangements and health department notifications.  Decisions are made on a case by case basis.

Port operations

At the present time, Covid-19 restrictions are not impacting the operations and/or logistics of the port.  However, shore leaves are not being allowed to seafarers.  This is what has taken place up to now.  Do to the increase in infections, these restrictions are evaluated on a daily basis, and changes can be sudden.

Courts

Since courts have been closed and/or operating at a lower capacity, there are certainly long delays.

The other legal issue that has taken place is that of one or more  crew members testing positive for Covid-19.  In such cases, the authorities with court backing will order the vessel to quarantine.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Africa Marine Services
(Europe)
Limited

Acas Law

McLeans – WAM

Bloomfield
Law Practice

TCI Africa

ELTVEDT & O’SULLIVAN

West Africa

Marine P&I NIGERIA

All arriving vessels must send full details/information to the Pilot signal station on arrival. Full declaration of health issues and reporting of any COVID cases onboard to the health authorities while all arriving vessels at berth will be cleared by the Port health Officers before Port workers could board the vessel.

Any incoming vessels, especially those that are from Countries with an index of over One Thousand (1,000) cases of COVID -19 will be quarantined for 14 days before coming alongside to berthing. From here, the Port Hearth Officers will board the vessel and certify her before the Port worker could board the vessel for any commercial activities. The 14 days quarantine would include the voyage from the previous port.

Other Port workers are required to put on face masks and other required preventive measures before gaining access into the Ports.

Shore leave is allowed on special request e.g. health issues.

There are currently no court delays as a result of Covid-19, except that the number of cases listed in any particular day may be less than normal to avoid congestion in the courts. There are no remote courts or time bar extensions on account of Covid-19.

Medical Assistance

Illness can always be treated as with every other persons, but COVID-19 cases can only be handled by specifically designated centres across Nigeria.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Details of quarantine and PCR testing protocols for conducting crew changes in Nigeria can be found here.

Nordic P&I

Bachke & Co. AS

All Norwegian ports are operational however delays may be encountered due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The latest information on COVID-19 restrictions in place in Norway can be found at:

https://www.kystverket.no/en/news/2021/the-coronavirus-and-seagoing-traffic/

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment will be allowed in all ports, but subject to evaluation concerning urgency.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

GAC Norway is offering the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccination to crew members which can be arranged in  Norwegian ports, anchorages or OPL. Further details can be found at: https://www.gac.com/hot-port-news/covid-19-vaccination-of-seafarers

Detailed information can be found in on this page from the Norwegian Maritime Authorities:

https://www.sdir.no/en/news/news-from-the-nma/guidelines-regarding-seafarers-signing-on-and-off-ships-in-norwegian-ports/

On and off signers must travel directly from/to airport/ship.

GAC

Ports are operating normally with standard COVID-19 restrictions in place. Shore leave is not permitted.

Supply of provisions/stores/spares etc. can be arranged subject to prior approvals from the concerned authorities.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Further details, including restrictions, can be found here.

GAC advise  the Government of Oman have imposed new travel regulations from 1 February 2022 restricting the entry of non-vaccinated visitors. Visitors and crew entering Oman should be fully vaccinated and carry a certificate issued by the relevant authorities in their home country.

The Ministry of Health accepts the following vaccines to enter Oman: AstraZeneca/Covishield; AstraZeneca/Oxford; Pfizer/BioNTech; Sinovac; Sputnik V; Sinofam; Johnson & Johnson; and Moderna.

The following documents are required to arrange sea crew visas:
– Clear Passport copy (with 6 months validity).
– Clear Seaman Book copy.
– Passport Size Photo (image of crew in civilian wear)
– Clear copy of Covid Vaccination Certificate.

The visa process takes 1-2 working days.

Fully vaccinated crew can disembark at Sohar without restrictions.

Non-vaccinated off-signers may disembark at Sohar if they agree to have at least the 1st dose of vaccination in Oman. The Pfizer vaccine is available in Oman.

Oman’s Supreme Committee on Covid-19 pandemic has banned entry of travelers from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe , Lesotho, Eswatini and Mozambique as well as other travelers who have passed through these countries over the past 14 days after the outbreak of new coronavirus variant in these countries.

GAC Pakistan

• Maritime Health Declaration certificate and undertaking by the Master.
• List of crews with port of joining, date of joining, body temperatures and ports visited.
• Crew International Vaccination Certificate (disease and country specific)
• Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC)/ Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC).
• Medical Chest Certificate.
• Derating certificate- Derating exemption certificate.

All ports and terminals are operational and working normally while adhering to strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, delays in operations may be expected due to these restrictions.

Shore leave is not permitted.

Courts are currently operating normally.

AIV (Pvt.) LTD have provided COVID-19 procedures  for Karachi Port and  Port Qasim. The procedures  include responsibilities for different roles involved with port operations and the management of suspect and acute cases of COVID-19 onboard vessels.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 medical matters remains available.

The crew would be tested for COVID symptoms and on clearance would be taken for medical treatment in the respective hospital.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

ON-SIGNERS: GAC advise The Federal Government of Pakistan via Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has decided to abolish Category B and Category C Country Lists with effect from 5 January 2022. Consequently, the following guidelines will be applicable on inbound travel to Pakistan:

Pre-Departure Guidelines:

1. Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and possession of proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This is applicable for all passengers above 15 years of age.
2. Valid negative PCR Test results conducted within the 48hrs prior to commencement of travel to Pakistan. This is applicable for all passengers above 06 years of age.

Guidelines for arrival in Pakistan:

1. Rapid Antigen Testing upon arrival for all direct flights from Europe.
2. Rapid Antigen Testing upon arrival of minimum of 50% inbound flights from KSA, UAE and Qatar.
3. Selective Rapid Antigen Testing for all inbound flights other then flights mentioned at (1) and (2) above.

Any and all passengers with a positive Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival will be quarantined at a self-paid / Government facility for 10 days and a PCR test will be conducted on Day 8 of quarantine.

Pakistanis currently aboard and not vaccinated against COVID-19 for the following reasons are exempted from mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement concerning inbound travel to Pakistan subject to production of valid proof of immigration authorities / airline operators:

• Expired Visa or illegal Immigrants / deportees
• Medical conditions / issues
• Pregnant female passengers
• Passengers between 15 to 18 years of age (this exemption is valid until 15 February 2022)

OFF-SIGNERS: are required to have a  COVID-19 PCR test at Karachi/Bin Qasim Ports (which will be arranged by the agent onboard through airline’s authorized lab, reports to be received after 24/36 hours.) and upon receiving negative result and confirmed air ticket up to hometown they will be allowed to disembark from Karachi/Bin Qasim Ports.

Please note that the off signers flight should be arranged during vessel’s stay at berth as per instructions from Immigration Authority, as in case of flight cancellation, crew to re-join the vessel at respective Port.

GAC Panama

Panama Agencies Co. Inc.

Cariconsult

5 June: ACP impose mandatory requirements for the wearing of masks during transit of the Panama Canal: https://www.pancanal.com/common/maritime/advisories/2020/ADV-19-2020.pdf

10 September: It is still generally not allowed for ship personnel to land ashore with the exception of urgent medical attention in which case permission has to be requested to the Ministry of health.

Launch services are in operation and surveyors and other ship service companies are able to operate. Port Terminals and the Panama Canal continue to operate normally.

As covid-19 cases appear reduced the last few weeks, there has been a gradual opening of local commerce and movement restrictions. Provided that the situation does not deteriorate it is expected that next week will see the elimination of local movement restrictions except for night time curfew and total lockdown on Sundays except for persons whose nature of work (such as shipping) require their attendance in which case special passes are provided.

24 December:  Due to the high numbers of daily new cases, the Ministry of Heath have announced a full lock down beginning at 1900 hrs December 24 until 0500 hrs December 28 and again from 1900 hrs December 31 until 0500 hrs January  04. Only essential movements will be permitted during these periods.

-Outside the above full lock down periods, a nationwide curfew from 1900 hrs until

0500 hrs is in force.

– All Government offices (Immigration/Customs) and banks will be closed from Dec

24th-27th and again from Dec 31st-Jan 03rd.

– The local Health Authorities announced the temporary suspension to enter the

country by any person who has travelled from or through the United Kingdom

and/or South Africa due to the new strains of the virus reported in these countries.

– The Panama Canal and Port Terminals continue operating normally

PANAMA CANAL SITUATION

– The waiting time for Northbound vsls is currently running at approx 3-4 days and

for Southbound vsls the waiting time has increased to 5 days.

– Projected arrivals are heavy for Dec 26th-28th which could result in delays increasing to 5-6 days.

The PCA continue their best efforts to reduce the current backlog of Panamax-Plus

vessels and have managed to maintain THREE (3) vessels scheduled for today (Dec

23rd) and TWO tomorrow (24th).

– The waiting time for these vessels has improved slightly to approx 15 days.

– Preference will always be given to NeoPanamax vsls when programming transit

schedules via NEW locks.

– Panamax-Plus vessels can NOT be prebooked and must wait their turn to transit.

The maximum authorized drafts currently as follows:

– PANAMAX (Old) Locks:             12.04m (39ft 06in) TFW – In Effect Until Further Notice

– NEOPANAMX (New) Locks:     15.24m (50ft 00in) TFW – In Effect Until Further Notice

– The level of Gatun lake is currently at 88.27ft

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment to non-COVID19 crew is possible in Panama, however after strict protocol followed, including the boarding of authorities to review the crew member before authorizing his disembarkation.

Travellers entering Panama are required to travel with a negative COVID-19 test certificate which is valid within 48 hours of travel.

International flights resumed on 12 October.

Any vessel proceeding to PNG will need to standby at anchorage at one of “port of entries” listed in Schedule 1 on page 6 which are Motukea Port, Port of Rabaul, Port of Morobe, Port of Madang and Port of Kimbe.  Entry to a PNG port is subject to approval from the Controller/National Control Centre (NCC) and such application would normally be made by the ship’s local agents. The vessel cannot proceed to a port in PNG that is not a “port of entry” without first receiving clearance/approval.

Port operations have not been significantly affected by current restrictions and there are no restrictions or changes to pilotage arrangements. Shore leave is only permitted if permission is received from the Controller.

No significant changes to the usual operation of the District, National or Provincial courts in PNG have been reported.

Up to date information on restrictions in PNG can be obtained from https://covid19.info.gov.pg  which is an official site maintained by the NCC.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related issues and are approved on a case-by-case basis.

An application will need to be made to the Controller for the vessel to enter anchorage or berth at a PNG port and for PCR testing of the crew to be carried out. The PNG authorities have not taken a consistent approach to dealing with requests for treatment ashore and COVID cases on-board foreign ships in our recent experience,  so while applications for treatment ashore are usually accepted, this has not always been the case.  The decision to allow a seafarer ashore is ultimately in the Controller’s discretion.

There are potentially complicating issues that may need to be considered.

1. Repatriation can be difficult to arrange due to limited international flights and border closures in transiting and home countries.
2. A seafarer disembarking will usually be required to undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR) before permission is granted or as soon as practicable after going ashore.  There seems to be sufficient local capacity for testing at the Port Moresby Gen Hospital in our experience.
3. Hospitals in PNG, at least at the time of writing, are stretched to near capacity due to widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in most districts and provinces.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Any person that enters PNG must quarantine for 21 days after arrival at their cost and will be required to be tested for COVID-19 during quarantine on day 1, day 7 and day 21.

Further details can be found here.

Overseas Service Agency S.A.

GAC Peru

Wilhelmsen

The inspection will be carried out by personnel from the National Port Authority in liaison with The Maritime International Health Direction and the Ministry of Health.

Effective midnight today Sunday 15th March 2020, a National State of Emergency will enter into force in all Peru. The intention is that all Peruvian population stay at home for the next 15 days. With exception of those people essential to certain activities needed by the population, such as; health, food and banking services. In particular frontiers will be closed and this includes inbound passenger; planes and ships that will not be allowed to disembark; crew or passengers in the country. Marine and river Cargo transport and stevedoring operations are excepted in the National State of Emergency and ensuing social isolation – these operations of import, export and cabotage will continue. The complimentary measures taken to put in force the above; National State of Emergency and the limitations this will cause will be informed.

11 May: Legislative Decree 1492 – PROVISIONS FOR THE REACTIVATION, CONTINUITY AND EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE FOREIGN TRADE LOGISTICS CHAIN is a regulation that will have effect in Peruvian  international Trade (import cargo) as well as matters related to Bills of Lading, which may also contradict different local Laws related to the matter.

INTERLOG Servicios S.A.C advise that the principal issues  related to the maritime carriage are:

1. Carriers must release cargoes after receiving the scanned B/L through email by the corresponding representative of, among others, the consignees.
2. All local charges  allowed to be collected by carriers at Peru should be listed in the B/L.
3. The place of delivery of the cargo may be changed by consignees nominating a Yard, Deposit, etc

1 July: The state of emergency has been extended until 31 July and Peru’s borders remain closed.

18 September: Interlog advise:

• The attendance of surveyors is not affected
• Some port operations were delayed or suspended at the beginning of the emergency but since resolved. The current situation remains the same as pre-pandemic days, provided safety measures are strictly followed
• All Court activities were suspended from March 16^th to July 17^th 2020 hence the time bars must be re-calculated taking into consideration  this “extension” of time.

12 February 2021:  Port activities continue normally at all ports, with applicable sanitary protocols. With the exception of a few private terminals (which had temporary stoppages) this has been the case since March 2020.  The country is imposing high, very high and extreme level restrictions depending on area. There are still levels of restrictions to mobility for the general population. E.g. ; at nights (curfew), weekends and in Extreme Level regions for the general population during all days (24/7 quarantine) except for selected permitted activities, which includes  those related to international cargo movement.

Legislative Decree 1492 remains in force.

Medical Assistance

Local ports do allow medical treatment for non COVID-19 injuries / illnesses. Correspondents in Peru report that they have had various successful cases

Crew changes of foreign nationals are not possible due to the Peru’s borders being closed.

Del Rosario

SPICA Services

GAC

Claims Services P&I Management Co., Inc

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for urgent non-COVID19 cases remains available. Routine medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case by case basis which is subject to an remote consultation with a medical professional.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

As part of the vaccination roll-out of Filipino seafarers  the Maritime Industry Authority of Philippines Government (MARINA) have requested Shipping Companies and Manning Agents submit their deployment plan for the period between 1 July to 30 September 2021.

Filipino Seafarers due to be vaccinated in June 2021 and those scheduled for deployment in July 2021 can be vaccinated at the AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital Manilla. Seafarers that are scheduled to deploy in the beginning of August 2021 can receive vaccinations at the AMOSUP Seaman’s hospitals in Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Cebu or at local Government units.

The MARINA advisory is available here.

GAC advise that new entry, testing and quarantine protocols for foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines from abroad will come into effect at 0001 hours on 10 February 2022.

Foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines may enter the country without visas, provided they:

• Qualify as former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privilege under Republic Act No. 9174, including their spouse and/or children who are not Balikbayans in their own right and are traveling with them to the Philippines; provided they are not restricted nationals;
  OR
• Are a citizen/national of the following 157 countries entitled to a stay no more than 30 days:
  Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, UAE, UK and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, USA, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
• Are fully vaccinated (except children below 12 years of age traveling with their fully-vaccinated foreign parent/s;
• d. Carry/possess an acceptable proof of vaccination;
• e. Present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines;
• Have valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination not later than thirty (30) days from date of arrival in the Philippines;
• Have passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months at the time of their arrival to the Philippines;
  AND
• Obtain, prior to arrival, a travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment costs from reputed insurers, with a minimum coverage of USD 35,000.00 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines.

Morska Agencja Gdynia

S5 Agency World

There have been proceeding suspensions due to Covid-19 in Polish commercial courts, but they are not relevant for the parties legal certainty.

The courts are working normally and there are also remote proceedings as technical infrastructure is made available in common courts, which allows the parties for video conferencing.

Medical Assistance

There are no restrictions in treatment ashore of seamen suffered from illness or injury. Due to the demand on local hospitals there be difficultly receiving some treatments.

Crewmembers arriving from outside of Schengen area are required to do a COVID-19 test no earlier than 24 hours before crossing the border.

Bensaude – Shipping Agents, Ltd

• Health Maritime Declaration must be sent prior vessel’s arrival, at least with 24 hrs in advance and with new Health Maritime Declaration sent on arrival day.
• Pilotage, towage services and linesmen are working normally, with some contingency plans of their owns.
• In some ports, some terminals (on account of its contingency plans) do not allow visitors, crew change nor provisions & supplies by shore side. In these situations launch boat is the only alternative to serve vessels needs by sea side.
• Contact between Officers and Crew with terminal staff, surveyors and agents are kept to a minimum possible.
• Additional PPE (such as Masks, Goggles and Gloves will be compulsory to use in some ports / terminals.

Restrictions on Cruise Vessels

The Portuguese Government decided to continue with measurements restrictions for cruise vessels sector, enounced on Resolution no. 291-D/2022, stating following:

To allow embarkation, debarkation and licenses to go ashore for passengers and crew members of cruise ships in all Portuguese ports, only If holding PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection with negative result and performed within 72 hrs prior boarding plane; or showing Quick Antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection (approved by UE Health committee) with negative result and performed within 48 hrs prior debarking or embarking, or if holding a COVID-19 Valid Certificate of recovery

Only Quick Antigen tests approved by the EU Health committee will be accepted and lab report must indicate the set of normalized data agreed by the EU Health committee.

Such restrictions are not applicable to Children under 12 years of age.

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment for non-Covid19 injuries or illness is allowed in a case by case approval, after all documentation is accepted by the health Authority.

They are able to access treatment for Covid -19 if it´s an urgent situation that may place in risk the life.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Passengers arriving from a high risk country and  hold a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate of vaccination or recovery are not required to quarantine.

1. Flights within EU and within Schengen Space are authorized.
2. Authorized flights to Portugal with passengers coming from, or originated from, countries outside EU and Schengen space are allowed from the following countries: 1. Argentina, Australia, Bahrein, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea , Taiwan, U.A.E., United Kingdom, Uruguay, U.S.A.
3. All passengers arriving from the following countries, in which epidemiological situation is complying with EU Recommendation no. 2020/912 of European Council are allowed voyages to Portugal: Argentina, Australia, Bahrein, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea , Taiwan, U.A.E., United Kingdom, Uruguay, U.S.A.
4. Passengers are only authorized to board flights to Portugal:

   A – If holding PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection with negative result and performed within 72 hrs prior boarding plane; or showing Quick Antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection (approved by UE Health committee) with negative result and performed within 48 hrs prior boarding flight.
   B – Or if holding a COVID-19 Valid Certificate of recovery.

5. Crewmembers on board ships, required to embark, disembark or to obtain license ashore, are only allowed under same conditions as above mentioned on item 4. (a. and b.)

Pilots boarding a ship are required by CDC to maintain social distancing with ship crew. The ship is required to clean (with an EPA approved sanitizing agent), all surfaces that the pilot will touch including, but not limiting to, bridge equipment, radar, controls, radios, machinery, elevator buttons and railings. If there are Covid-19 positive crewmembers, pilots may refuse to board or require enhanced protection measures to board.

In case of a positive Covid-19 crewmember, the ship must comply with 42 C.F.R. § 71.21 (Report of Illness or Death) requiring the Master of a ship destined for a U.S. port to immediately report to the Center of Disease Control quarantine station at the nearest port, or at the port at which the ship will arrive, the occurrence, on board, of any death or any ill person among passengers or crew (including those who have disembarked or have been removed) during the 15–day period preceding the date of expected arrival or during the period since departure from a U.S. port (whichever period of time is shorter).

Ships arriving with crewmembers presenting Covid-19 symptoms are usually isolated and PCR Tests are required for all crewmembers. Cargo operations can proceed if measures minimizing contact between crewmembers and stevedores and other personnel are feasible.

Arriving ships must inform, USCG, US Customs, CDC, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and the Puerto Rico Department of Health about any symptomatic, or Covid-19 positive, crewmember. Requirements to have the crewmembers quarantined may occur. The ship must confirm in advance to agents if any crewmember on board has exhibited any of the following symptoms:

• Fever 100.4 °F, 38 °C or greater, or feels warm to the touch, or gives a history of feeling feverish, accompanied by one or more of the following:
• Skin rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent cough
• Decreased consciousness or confusion of recent onset
• New unexplained bruising or bleeding (without previous injury)
• Persistent diarrhea
• Persistent vomiting
• Headache with stiff neck, or 
• Appears obviously unwell
• Has a fever that has persisted for more than 48 hours
• Has symptoms or other indications of communicable disease, as the CDC may announce through posting of a notice in the Federal Register
• Confirm that no one on board has had a known exposure to COVID-19

Puerto Rico is a US territory where US Federal Courts coexist with local Puerto Rico Courts. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant delays in local civil courts, as well as in the US District Court. Cases are mostly being handled via remote platforms such as Zoom ®, Skype® and Microsoft Teams ®.  Criminal cases and special civil proceedings such as Injunction cases, will still be conducted expeditiously. Some cases filed during 2021 are now being scheduled for trial to take place during 2023. No Covid-19 time-bar extensions are currently in place in Puerto Rico.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 related issues. In cases of Covid-19 positive crewmembers with minor symptoms, or asymptomatic, the Puerto Rico and US authorities may require that they remain on board the vessel in isolation. If they are in serious or critical condition, they will be allowed to be disembarked to receive medical care. USCG will allow ship deviation or air medical evacuation to Puerto Rico of Covid-19 positive crewmembers in case of serious or critical medical condition. In these cases, the USCG acts with close involvement of the CDC and can be hesitant to allow disembarkation in cases of crewmembers with symptoms that they believe can be handled on board.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Crew changes are permitted.

All crewmembers departing Puerto Rico are required to have negative PCR tests before repatriation. Arriving crewmembers must be fully vaccinated or must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arriving to the island. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a 14-day quarantine and a US $300.00 administrative fine by the Puerto Rico Health Department

During scheduled and unscheduled inspections, the USCG is vigilant on the ship’s compliance with Covid-19 regulations. USCG safety bulletins on Covid-19 are applicable to Puerto Rico and are enforced by the USCG boarding officers when reviewing ship’s compliance with safety manuals and protocols.

Milaha Integrated Maritime & Logistics WLL

A. Shipping agents are no longer required to submit Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) Declaration Form and following documents. Last ten Ports of call.

II. Crew list with crew joining date and place.
III. Latest body temperature records for all persons on board.

B. There is no longer a requirement for Shipping agents to submit requests seeking no objection for proposed visits of their principals, service engineers or other service providers to the ships.

C. Vessels are required to monitor the health condition of crew members as per their company’s Safety Management System.

The above stipulations apply to Mesaieed Industrial City Port only and shall not infringe any other requirements of QatarEnergy / State of Qatar and also those of Terminal Operators for which the respective vessels are required to work.

For any crew change, please contact your respective agent well in advance and notify your plan.
https://www.milaha.com/en/node/351 

GAC

Wilhelmsen

Before arrival MRCC contact the Master and check if no crew members are ill on board.

The Master has an obligation to inform of whether or not symptomatic persons are on board. Failure to do so is an offense punishable by imprisonment and fine.

If no suspicion, free pratique is granted.

If suspicion, vessel stay at anchorage waiting for health authorities’ intervention.

An official document will be issued soon by the authorities.

All requests for special operations at Port-Reunion are under the control/approval of the authorities. All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Guidance issued by the Port Reunion is available at: https://reunion.port.fr/en/?s=covid

Medical Assistance

Case by case basis. Repatriation affected by lack of commercial flights.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

• a copy of the passport of each crew members
• the maritime declaration of health completed
• crew list
• confirmation that there are no symptoms of covid on board
• list of ports of call & date
• ship’s sanitary certificate
• Company’s letter, in French, explaining the intended operation
• e-tickets with final destination
• attestation document completed for each crew members
• for non-European crew member a ‘Sauf conduit’
• All the flights (arrival and departure) should be booked on the same day of the operation.

All these documents will be send to the authorities for authorization & approval.

Travellers from any of the following countries, or having passed through one of these countries to get to Reunion in the last 15 days are prohibited from entering the island :

South Africa, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, United Arab Emirates, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Colombia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Seychelles islands, Russia, Australia, Canada, USA, Afghanistan, Maldives, Paraguay, South Korea, Namibia Taiwan, Serbia, New Zealand, Albania, Saudi Arabia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Liban, Kossovo, Serbia, Japan.

Interservices SA

Atlas P&I Services Romania

Port operations continue undisturbed with normal restrictions such as wearing personal protection equipment.

Shore leaves are not allowed for crewmembers, unless they present vaccination proof, proof that they had the illness in the past 180 days or negative PCR test. Without such certificates they will be provided with shore passes only after 5 days upon arrival in the port.

For crewmembers arriving from green/yellow countries in the EU, shore passes are only allowed if they present vaccination proof or proof that they had the illness in the past 180 days and 14 days since healing or negative PCR test done 72 hours prior to entering Romanian territory.

Courts are working normally with protection measures (use of mask) but there are some delays on the final decisions due to court staff being off or isolating due to COVID-19.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers have access to medical assistance in all cases and without any restrictions. In such cases special shore passes are granted for medical reasons.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

National crewmembers can get vaccinated anytime, without prior schedule. Foreign crewmembers can also be vaccinated free of charge. Given the short staying of the vessels, the Johnson 1 dose vaccine is recommended, which is available, with prior arrangements made by the agent.

See relevant recording in LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/antonios-kalmoukis-95170a15_seamen-covid19-vaccination-activity-6806211561141665792-aXwr

Crew changes are allowed as follows:

• For foreign crewmembers coming from EU countries in the green/yellow area, they will not be quarantined if they present vaccination proof or proof that they had the illness or negative PCR test done 72 hours prior to entering Romanian territory.
• For crewmembers coming from red EU countries or non-European countries, they will not be quarantined if they present vaccination proof or proof that they had the illness in the past 180 days and 14 days since healing.

Also, even for not vaccinated crewmembers or who did not have the illness in the past 180 days, they will not be quarantined if they remain on Romanian territory for less than 72 hours and they present a negative PCR test done 48 hours prior to entering from non-European countries and 72 hours prior, for EU countries. If they will remain longer than 72 hours, then they will quarantined for 14 days, starting with the 4^th day on Romanian territory.

For disembarking crewmembers, they are granted 24 hours to leave the country, without PCR testing requirement. If they remain longer than 24 hours, then they will need to have a PCR test done 72 hours prior to leaving the country.

Axis Ltd

GAC

PANDI Services East

General Service Ltd

Novorossiysk Marine Company Limited

The Kaliningrad and Murmansk port are operating as usual. The following Port’s precautionary measures were implemented in compliance with the Orders of the local governments, these precautionary measures are applicable to all the visitors to public areas, incl. the port area:

• mandatory body temperature measurements – access to the port area is denied to visitors with any ARVI symptoms and body temperature above 37.0
• mandatory use of PPE such as face masks and gloves
• hands disinfection – recommended
• social distancing – recommended, where possible

The vessels’ crew is still not allowed to disembark while the vessel remains berthed at the Kaliningrad port. During inward clearance all the crew members are interviewed by the authorities with regard to their health condition, any ARVI symptoms, etc, body temperature measurements can be taken.

Ship agents, port staff and surveyors are given access on board, provided that they are properly protected by PPE such as face masks and latex gloves.

Commercial courts are operating as usual.

Novorossiysk and Black Sea ports

It is compulsory for ships and personnel to follow the below COVID-19 measures in force at the port of Novorossiysk.

All ships must furnish the following information at least 2 days before arriving at the port:

• Medical Declaration of health
• Crew List
• List of the ports of call in the last 30 days, with arrival/departure dates for each port
• Body temperature list for crew

The Master must immediately report of any persons with high temperature, fever or any other symptoms of infection disease on board.

No restrictions are imposed on pilotage and or mooring operations.

All ports of South Russia are operating normally. The shore leave is, however, prohibited for all crew except Russian crew. The medical attention falls under the exception and any kind of medical attendance could be rendered to seafarers of any nationality, including hospitalization.

There is no impact on legal proceedings and courts, no extended time bars, everything is totally as regular. Due to Covid under the judge’s permission witnessing can be done remotely, lawyers still have to present during the court hearings.

Axis Maritime have provided guidance  for vessels operating in the Black Sea ports of  Russia, which is available here.

Medical Assistance

Crewmembers with non-covid illnesses are able to access hospitalisation, however difficulties are possible when arranging repatriation due to lack of flights. And liaising with local authorities for receipt of their permission for disembarkation also requires time. A medical examination on board can be arranged with much less difficulties and faster.

As regards covid-infected seafarers, they are hospitalised in special state institutions which do not provide any medical information to correspondents and it is possible to monitor the situation only through sick seafarers. The ship where covid patient was discovered may be put on 14-day quarantine and regular covid tests and medical supervision of the crew will have to be arranged at shipowners’ expense, in accordance with instructions of Rospotrebnadzor.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

In Novorossiysk vaccination of foreign seafarers is possible with special permission from authorities and the procedure is done in private clinics only, therefore is chargeable.

Depending on area, the availability of flights may make it difficult to repatriate off-signing crew.

All on signers will need to hold a COVID-19 test result that is not older than 72 hours and certain ports may impose a 14 day quarantine on all arrivals.

KSA Ministry of Health Circular

• No voyages between KSA and the following countries except for trade and evacuation: UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Italy and Korea
• Suspend travel of citizens and residents to and from UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Italy and Korea
• No entry for travellers who have been in UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Italy and Korea within previous 14 days
• Suspend crew changes if vessel has called at UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Italy and Korea within previous 14 days.

A circular issued by the Ministry of Health provides a list of countries from which travel to Saudi Arabia is restricted. Anyone travelling directly from the listed countries will be quarantined for 14 days on arrival. In addition strict checks are now being implemented at the airports to determine the point of origin of any journey.

27 May: Amended curfew status – 28th May – 30th May, curfew from 3PM – 6AM. 30th May – 20th June, curfew extended from 8PM – 6AM. From 21st June, no curfew, all activities open except international flights. Even whilst under curfew, surveyors can obtain special permission to attend ships.

Medical Assistance

In general it is proving very difficult to arrange medical treatment for crew members at Saudi Ports with general medical symptoms, unless it is an emergency. If a crew member is taken off, they are first tested for COVID-19, if the test is positive, the ship is the quarantined for 14 days

Port of Dakar Circular

English translation 

ETIC SAS –AFRICA  P&I  Services

McLeans – WAMS

TCI Africa

Senegal P&I

• The list of the 10 previous port of call
  • The maritime health declaration
  • The crew list clearly stressing the date and port where each crew member boarded the vessel

To both:
1. the Harbour Master at capitainerie@portdakar.sn, and
2. the Maritime Border Health Inspection Services (Service de Contrôle Sanitaire aux Frontières Maritimes) at csfmsn@gmail.com

Waiting times for the entering vessels is noted due to the Health Authorities’ reinforced inspection prior to berthing.

Shore leave is allowed. However, Authorities must be informed in advance.

All courts and legal proceedings are working normally with respect of Covid19 restrictions.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 cases remains available. Authorities do not accept disembarkation of crewmembers having COVID, except for vessels entering the ports for commercial operations.

Disembarkation is however possible for other unrelated illnesses regardless of scheduled commercial operations.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

Crew changes are allowed. However, on-signers must show on arrival a negative COVID-19 test. The test results should be dated less than 72 hours before arrival in Dakar.

The off-signers must also undertake a COVID test 48 hours before their flight home.

Wilhelmsen

Medical AssistanceSituation not known.

Africa Marine Services (Europe) Limited

15 September: Surveyor attendance must be pre-planned by giving at least 72hrs notice. Courts are now functioning

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance available but first the crew member will be isolated and tested for Covid-19 .

Agent can do so on behalf of crew. Joining should ensure that they must have tested and certificate issued as that has to be uploaded into the web page.

COVID  PCR Testing has to be done.

Singapore MPA

Cosmarine

Spica Services (S) Pte Ltd

GAC

https://www.mpa.gov.sg/media-centre/details/covid-19-measures-for-vessels-in-the-port-of-singapore

The owner, master, or agent of the vessels calling the Port of Singapore shall inform MPA (email: pms@mpa.gov.sg) and NEA Port Health Section (email: port_health_cro@nea.gov.sg) if any vessel’s crew tests COVID-19 positive. These vessels are strongly encouraged to carry out contactless operations or contactless operations with segregation protocol.

Medical Assistance

Sick crew may not be allowed to land ashore, but if medical condition is serious, the authorities may allow a medical doctor to attend onboard to carry out health screening of vessel and medical assessment of crew to determine extent of illness/injury of subject crew.

Based on attending doctors’ medical report, the authorities may allow landing of crew ashore if medical treatment ashore or hospitalization is necessary. Once medical clearance is obtained, agents would have to proceed ashore to obtain further clearance from the port to land crew ashore. Agents would have to obtain MPA/Health authority approval in order to organize landing and medical treatment of crew in Singapore. Long delays of more than a day may be expected for this as the hospital ashore would carry out further tests of crew before confirming if finally fit to re-join vessel or has to sign-off on medical grounds. If signed-off for hospitalization, 14 days Stay Home Notice order would commence, for non-Covid 19 cases.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

The SEAVAX initiative commenced on 30 September 2021. Under the SEAVAX programme, MPA is able to facilitate the vaccination of crew in Singapore. Ship owners/managers/agents may apply for the crew’s vaccination at the following link https://go.gov.sg/mpa-icc-seavax at least 3 days prior to the vessel’s arrival in Singapore

The SSA has provided a comprehensive FAQ regarding SEAVAX.
https://www.ssa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SSA-SEAVAX-FAQ.pdf

The link to the Guidebook on Seafarers Vaccination in the Port of Singapore is available here:
https://www.ssa.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Guidebook-on-Seafarers-Vaccination-in-the-Port-of-Singapore.pdf

GAC Singapore have proved an update on the vaccination process for international seafarers in Singapore. The update is available at: https://www.gac.com/hot-port-news/vaccination-for-international-ocean-going-seafarers

https://www.mpa.gov.sg/media-centre/details/crew-change-and-shore-leave-for-cargo-ships-in-the-port-of-singapore-and-application-for-vaccination

All non-fully vaccinated crew arriving in Singapore from 28 August 2022 will no longer be required to undergo a 7-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) prior to departing for Singapore. They will continue to be required to take a pre-departure test within 2 days before departure for Singapore, as well as carry a valid travel insurance for non-fully vaccinated Short-Term Visitors.

The COVID-19 Singapore Crew Change Guidebook focuses on the various stages of crew change administration, and the recommended steps following the ICS issued Framework of Crew Change Protocol and based on the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued Port Marine Circulars. Find the latest version at: https://www.ssa.org.sg/mediaimg/publications/sg-crew-change-guidebook.html

Samer & Co. Shipping Ltd.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information
No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Crew changes of Slovenian nationals are permitted. Off signing crew will be subjected to a 14 day quarantine at home.

Further details are available at: https://www.gov.si/en/topics/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/measures-to-curb-the-spread-of-the-coronavirus/

Omer Ali Dualeh & Co. Somalia

Certificate plus Vaccination Certificate. The port Authority follows the WHO guidelines and the Ministry of Health.

Port continue to operate normally, as does Inland transports, but on Departure and arrival at the boarder one must present a Negative Covid-19 Certificate plus vaccination Certificate.

Shore leave is not permitted.

Medical Assistance
Seafarers are able to receive Medical Treatment for both Covid and Non-Covid issues and arrangements are done through the Agent and if Covid-19 the Agent must consult with the Ministry of Health.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On-signers are required to travel with a negative PCR test certificate which was performed not later than 72 hours prior to boarding at the airport of origin.

ENSafrica

Bowmans

Shepstone & Wylie

GAC South Africa

P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd.

The Ports Authority (TNPA) has implemented various measures in light of the recent Covid-19 cases in South Africa, for the protection of port front line workers and to minimise the negative impact of Covid-19 on port users. In terms of the latest circular issued to port users by TNPA, these measures are:

• It is mandatory for all vessel masters to make accurate Maritime Declarations of Health and to report the wellbeing of all crew and passengers on board a vessel to the Authorities, including any suspicions of any other health infections. Any false declaration will be viewed in a serious light and reported to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and Port Health officials for further action that may result in either detention, a fine, and / or additional penalty measures being taken. The Master is responsible and accountable for all the crew on-board the vessel and will be held liable for any false declarations;
• Masters of vessels must make a declaration of crew who joined the vessel in the last 30 days and the transit points they went through. This includes the declaration of stowaways, if any on board;
• All vessels arriving from outside South African ports are required to conduct Covid-19 testing for their crew prior to entry into port – a minimum of a rapid / antigen test is acceptable;
• If the last port of call was a South African port, the results of the tests conducted in that port will be usable in the next South African port. It will not be necessary to conduct another round of Covid-19 tests, unless circumstances require it;
• No shore leave is permitted except for emergency reasons in which case permission must be obtained from the relevant Harbour Master;
• All vessels calling at South African ports must have a Covid-19 management plan in place having identified all risks associated with its activities and have clear mitigation measures in place;
• The daily temperature monitoring must be accurately recorded and must be made available for inspections by any Authority;
• Vessels at the anchorage are to conduct Covid-19 testing prior to berthing;
• Vessels calling Off Port Limits (OPL) for crew changes must ensure all off signing crew are tested (PCR or antigen test); however, vessels calling for stores and spares are not required to be tested;
• Night-time crew changes and Covid-19 testing for OPLs where applicable, are to be approved by SAMSA;
• Vessels calling to ports with limitations in terms of night tests need to plan accordingly.

There may be delays in having crew members tested for Covid-19, as referred to above, which may result in delays in berthing.

No shore leave is permitted except for emergency reasons, in which case permission must be obtained from the relevant Harbour Master.

South African courts remain open and functional but are dealing with a backlog of matters due to the various lockdowns implemented since March 2020. There are strict protocols regarding social distancing, the number of persons allowed in court and the wearing of masks.

Urgent matters are being attended to but each court may have specific timing and other requirements which will need to be adhered to. Certain courts have hosted remote hearings using virtual options such as Microsoft Teams, Webex and Zoom. Remote hearings are dependent on the presiding officer as well as the parties involved.

Courts are following the usual time limits as prescribed by legislation and the rules of court in respect of time bars.

All in all, restrictions depend largely on the jurisdiction of the court and the number of active Covid-19 cases.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to receive medical treatment for both Covid and non-Covid issues.

In non-emergency situations, normal protocols and screening will apply before the seafarer can receive medical attention.

In emergency situations, the medical evacuation procedure as set out in Government Gazette 44121 should be followed-

“The medical evacuation of seafarers, passengers and mariners on board all ships along the South African coastline must be allowed in terms of Search and Rescue procedures, as well as the Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951), and subject to the following:

1. The evacuation must comply with the provisions of medical evacuations, as contained in the South African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Act, 2002 (Act No. 44 of 2002);
2. the evacuation must be carried out in terms of the approved Standard Operating Procedures for evacuation as contained in the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Manual, obtainable from the South African Maritime Safety Authority website; and
3. all evacuated persons must be subjected to mandatory quarantine for a period of up to 10 days.”

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Port Authorities are not requiring the vaccination status of foreign crewmembers.

International seafarers can now be vaccinated in South African ports. Further information, including requirements, can be found in SAMSA Marine Notice 19/21

(1) Foreign crew changes are permitted at all nine commercial ports.

(2) (a) Signing -on crew must produce a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction ( “PCR “) test certificate or a valid certificate of COVID -19 negative test results, obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel, from an accredited laboratory and in line with World Health Organization requirements at the first South African Port of Entry.

(b) In the event of a crew member’s failure to produce a valid PCR test certificate, this will warrant quarantine, at the crew member’s own cost.

(3) (a) Signing -off crews are not required to produce a valid PCR test certificate if the vessel has not had crew changes or has not visited a foreign port within 10 days before arrival at a South African sea port.

(b) A crew member’s failure to adhere to the requirement contemplated in paragraph (a), will warrant quarantine, at the crew member’s own cost.

(4) Foreign crew may layover at a designated quarantine facility for a period not exceeding seven days, at their own cost, but must proceed directly to Ports of Entry once this period has lapsed and must also comply with South African Immigration requirements and Port Health protocols.

(5) Cruise ships are prohibited from calling at any of the South African sea ports, except for the disembarkation of returning-

(a) South African crew;

(b) South African citizens; or

(c) holders of South African permanent residence permits.

MedPandi

Hispania P&I

Indeco

Aiyon Abogados

Nagasa

Wilhelmsen

Bull Marine Surveyors

Internacional Marítima

Grupo Stier

AMAZSA

SERVICIOS DE INVESTIGACION MARITIMOS, S.L.

When pilots board vessels they will always proceed to the bridge via external stairways.

COVID-19 restrictions are having minimal impact on port operations. Were possible information exchanges etc are contactless.

There are occasionally delays in face to face court proceedings if the hearing cannot be handled remotely.

La Coruna: the Regional Government of Galicia has created a website where all the seafarers have to notify information: https://coronavirus.sergas.gal/viaxeiros/rexistro.aspx?ling=en

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remain available for both COVID-19 or any other illness injuries.

Seafarers can be hospitalised due to COVID-19 in case of severe symptoms. In case of mild symptoms, the crew should continue on board or in a “quarantine hotel” for 10 days period from the date of the positive result (depends on the Health Authority decision).

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Currently limited hotels are opened, Authorities recommend the arrival / departure flights must be very adjusted, direct embarkation and disembarkation preferable.

Crew cannot embark / disembark until they have confirmed flights with Eticket.

Vessels cannot depart from the Port until crew have reached the flight since in case flight cancellation, crew should return to the vessel, which must be accepted by Master in writing.

Vessel operators are required to confirm that there are no restrictions for the country of destination (Philippines/India/Brazil. Etc) and the requirements in the countries of transit is required. Also confirmation that there are no prohibitions on persons arriving to Spain.

Spanish Immigration Authorities must also approve the on / off signers. They require 1 working day notice for approval when face to face or stamp required or two (2) working days when TRANSIT VISA to be issued

Travellers coming from a country/area considered at risk for COVID-19 must   present a  negative PCR test in the previous 48 hours. Alternatively, if they are vaccinated, they will be required to produce the vaccination certificate.

In the event the person has previously been positive; a certified test showing the presence of antibodies will be required. Failure to provide said results can result in fines of up to €6,000. Further information is available at:

https://www-tourinews-es.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.tourinews.es/resumen-de-prensa/notas-de-prensa-espana-turismo/llegar-espana-sin-pcr-multas-hasta-6000-euros_4462366_102_amp.html

GAC Sri Lanka

Mclarens Shipping Ltd

Ceyline

Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd.

Vessels are also required to report on their onboard health status to Port Control at their first point of contact.

Health declaration forms have also been provided to all local agents to be passed on to calling vessels and is required to be completed and submitted to authorities for consideration.

It is mandatory for all crew and passengers landing ashore to fill out a Health Declaration Form for screening by health authorities. Any suspected patients or those with travel history to WHO categorized very high risk countries within the last 14 days may not be provided with the relevant medical clearances by authorities.

Vessels calling at ports in Sri Lanka, are subject to the following restrictions to prevent the transfer of COVID-19 to shore based personnel:

• Representatives of vessel agents may not go onboard unless it is essential.
• All personnel are advised to wear full PPE when going onboard.
• Port Health Officer (PHO) will issue “Free Pratique” without going onboard the vessels. However, the authority of the PHO to enter into a vessel at any given time with regards to the prevention and control of diseases remains unchanged.
• Agent’s representatives are instructed to do their work at the service desk near each vessel’s gangway, along with the Port Security personal for general cargo/ breakbulk vessels, to minimise contact with the ship’s crew.
• Security officers of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) have been deployed for Gangway Sentry Duty in all vessels calling ports Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee, without disturbances to vessel operations.

Shore leave is not permitted. Courts are also operating under the guidelines and protocols stipulated by the health authorities i.e – limited times and on a shift basis.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health has advised that the following procedure must be adhered to by the crew of tanker vessels calling at Single Point Buoy Moorings (SPBM) to discharge liquid cargo.

1. It is mandatory to conduct Covid-19 PCR test for the entire crew of the oil tankers arriving at Sri Lankan ports for oil discharging operations.
2. The PCR test should be performed by an approved private sector laboratory in Sri Lanka
3. Free Pratique will be issued by the Port Health Officer upon receipt of negative PCR test reports of all crew members along with other routine documents to the Port Health Office.

There are also restrictions for the terminal staff to follow if they board vessels.

Medical Assistance

In the case of requests for disembarkation of a Foreign Seafarer on medical grounds, clearance from the PHO/health authorities to be obtained prior to obtaining approval from other authorities.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

GAC advise that as of 4 November 2021 the Government of Sri Lanka permit crew changes via commercial flights. They have provided an update on crew change procedures which is available at: https://cdn.gac.com/prod/docs/SRI-LANKA_CREW-CHANGE-FORMALITIES-11-NOVEMBER-2021-GSL.pdf

Sri Lanka’s previous travel ban issued on arrivals from six Southern African countries has been lifted. Effective from 10 December, foreign arrivals with a travel history to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini (Swaziland) will now be allowed entry to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health has issued a circular on 1 February 2022 updating the measures for travellers arriving from overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Foreign passport holders must now have a minimum of USD 50,000 travel insurance including Covid-19 hospitalisation, valid for duration of their stay + additional 14 days.

Prior to departure for Sri Lanka, travellers aged 12 years and above must have a negative 72-hour PCR OR 48-hour Rapid Antigen report (previously, a negative 72-hour PCR for travellers aged 2 years and above was mandatory).

Cariconsult

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

All persons, except not vaccinated tourists from (very) high risk countries are allowed to enter St. Eustatius based on the normal immigration rules.

Everyone that wants to enter St. Eustatius must register through the St. Eustatius EHAS system.

The request for entrance can be done within 72 hours before the planned date of arrival. Approval will be within 12 hours after receiv

Risk Level of COVID-19:

• COVID-19 Risk Very Low:
  • Vaccinated: No specific requirements
  • No Vaccinated: No specific requirements
• COVID-19 Risk Low:
  • Vaccinated: Pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR Test (< 48 hrs) or Antigen Test (< 24 hrs)
  • No Vaccinated: Pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR Test (< 48 hrs) and 10 days of quarantine with exit test
• COVID-19 Risk High:
  • Vaccinated: Pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR Test (< 48 hrs) or Antigen Test (< 24 hrs) and 5 days monitoring with exit test
  • No Vaccinated: Pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR Test (< 48 hrs) and 10 days of quarantine with exit test
• COVID-19 Risk Very High:
  • Vaccinated: Pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR Test (< 48 hrs) or Antigen Test (< 24 hrs), Entry Antigen Test and 5 days monitoring with exit test
  • No Vaccinated: Pre-arrival COVID-19 PCR Test (< 48 hrs) and 10 days of quarantine with exit test.

Fully vaccinated: this implies two weeks after the second shot of a two shots vaccine and four weeks after a one shot vaccine. Allowed are the WHO approved vaccines

The list of countries was updated based on the level of risk from COVID-19 contagion:

• Very Low-risk countries: Montserrat, Saba,
• Low-risk countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cabo Verde, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Macau, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Republic of China, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea (Republic of Korea), Sri Lanka, Sint Kitts and Nevis, St. Barth, St. Maarten, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.
• High-risk countries: Aruba, USA and all other countries that are not mentioned in this overview.
• Very High-risk countries: Afghanistan, Andorra, Anguilla, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Bonaire, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Eswanti, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Jersey, Jordan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malawi, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.

Visitors coming from a country with a lower risk and a transit of more than 5 hours in a very high risk country will be treated as if they come from the transit country.

Non vaccinated Persons entering from low risk, high risk and very high risk countries must go into quarantine upon entry for 10 days (not including the day of travel).

The government will not give permission to conduct work during the quarantine for persons entering. Exemptions can be requested for conducting essential work, exemptions will require extra testing on cost of the person in quarantine.

If vaccinated persons under monitoring need to conduct work which is not possible under the monitoring protocol exemptions can be granted, exemptions will require extra testing on cost of the person under monitoring.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Cariconsult advise that they can arrange for crew to receive  Moderna and Pfizer vaccinations in St Lucia. The vaccinations are administered to crew onboard the vessel.

All travellers must complete and submit an online travel registration form to receive Travel Authorization, and must take a COVID PCR test 5 days or less before arrival to Saint Lucia and submit the negative results to the travel registration form for review and approval.

Passengers must receive and print your travel authorization documents prior travelling. Failure to do so will result in you being denied boarding of your flight or vessel.

As a fully vaccinated arrival you have expanded access to the island and will not be required to quarantine. Travelers are considered “Fully Vaccinated” once two weeks has passed since the second dose of the two-shot vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Vaccine proof must be presented on entry to Saint Lucia.

Unvaccinated passengers must be transferred by certified taxi to approved COVID-19 accommodation.

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated are required to remain on property for the duration of their stay except to transfer to another Covid-19 certified property to continue their stay, or to participate in certified activities, tours and excursions.

After 14 days in COVID certified accommodation, international visitors who are not vaccinated may remain in COVID certified accommodation and continue to observe the protocols for stays in this type of accommodation, and they will also enjoy expanded access to the destination

Wihelmsen

The Directorate of Health Quarantine have advised that when a ship arrives at Port Sudan, if the voyage has taken 14 days or longer, the vessel can berth on arrival. If less than 14 days, as we understand, the vessel will have to wait at the anchorage until the 14 day period is reached.

The above does not apply to ships that arrive at Port Sudan via the Suez Canal, in which case all these ships must wait at the anchorage for 14 days.

Prior to arrival vessels are required to supply the port health authority with the a list of the last 10 ports and a crew list.

All ships on arrival will be boarded by the Port Health to check the crew as necessary.

Medical Assistance

The availability of medical assistance is unknown.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Cariconsult

• All ship pre-arrival documents, in particular the crew list and the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDoH) form, shall be authorized by the captain of the ship;
• If there is a report of a sick person after sending the first MDoH form, a new form shall be drawn up and sent to the MAS;
• If on arrival of the ship at the light ship (LS) buoy the shipping agent is informed by the crew that a sick person is on board, the he shall pass this information to the MAS/Vessel Traffic Control (VTC) and the Public Health Department (BOG), through the emergency number 178, without delay; and
• It is prohibited to transport sick crew member to the doctor without prior authorization of BOG

The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) provide this precaution in order to preventing and/or mitigating the transmission of the COVID-19 to pilots:

• Prior to the pilots bearding the vessel, the bridge and equipment must be sanitized including as well as the pilots’ chair, door handles, piloting stations and open bridge wings, radars, chart tables, etc.
• Port health and the Port authorities must be advised on the health status of all persons onboard as outlined in the pre-arrival documentations.
• The pilot must be escorted by one person to and from the bridge.
• Pilots will not greet with the customary handshake any shipboard personnel.
• Non-essential crew members should have kept out of the bridge while the vessel is being piloted.
• Where possible, systems should be put in place to allow the vessel to be piloted from the wings.
• Vessel Captains will be allowed to enter or depart the harbour without a pilot whenever possible
• All shipboard personnel must maintain a distance of at least two meter from the pilot. This space should also be maintained during Master/Pilot information exchange.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Nordic P&I

IMO Circular Letter No. 4245

3 April: The Swedish Transport Agency issued an update to their guidance document “COVID-19 related actions and measures – information from the Swedish Transport Agency as regards shipping”. See https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/en/About-us/coronavirus-covid-19/

Key points include:

• Decision to temporary restrict non-essential travel to Sweden from countries outside of the European Union
• Ships calling at Swedish ports: Regular routines/procedures are in place and still appropriate. Also, if a ship, arriving to a Swedish port from a foreign port, is carrying or suspects it is carrying an infectious disease onboard, a declaration on the state of health onboard (corresponding to the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH)) shall be submitted to the relevant authorities (Swedish Coast Guard (Kustbevakningen) or the Swedish Customs (Tullverket)). Such a declaration, containing three general questions on the health status onboard, is to be fulfilled in the Swedish Maritime Single Window (MSW) together with other reporting formalities for ships before entry into port.

Medical Assistance

All Swedish ports offer assistance.

Lawyers Raja & Omar Haroun

Port operations are largely unaffected and are running smoothly. There has only been the added delay due to the sanitation and health safeguards on arrival. Usually, however, once the vessel is listed on the port’s berthing schedule, it will berth and commence discharge / loading as usual.

Shore leave is only allowed for national/local seafarers but only after undergoing a PCR test resulting in them being negative for Covid-19. A PCR test will be arranged to be carried out on board the vessel for this purpose. If the PCR test has a positive result, then the affected crewmember(s) will be removed from the vessel and quarantined for 15 days in  quarantine centres which are located inside the ports.

Currently, the courts are working as usual and legal proceedings are taking place as normal. There are no remote courts.

Medical Assistance

For  COVID-19 cases that are nationals/local, they will be will quarantined for 15 days in quarantine centres inside the ports and receive the medical treatment required whilst there.

For other medical conditions, if they are nationals / local they will only be allowed to leave the port area after carrying out a PCR test with a negative result.

For foreign crew,  in both cases they are not allowed shore leave or a shore pass and will receive treatment on board the ship.  Special permission may be sought in life threating medical situations.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On and Off-signing crews are subjected to PCR tests.

Wilhelmsen Taiwan

Taiwan Maritime Services Ltd

B TAIWAN P&I

Vessels which arrive in Taiwan with positive cases of COVID-19 onboard will be required to quarantine at anchor for 14 days and also to provide an epidemic prevention plan to CDC/authority for further approval. All crew members must have negative certificate of rapid test on day No.15 after quarantine and further berthing arrangement would be only arranged once obtained all negative certificate by crews.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance (both in-patient and out-patient) is available for foreign crewmembers.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

On arrival, no quarantine will be required and a self-health monitoring for COVID-19 with a duration of 7 days will suffice, unless the crewmember entering Taiwan tests positive for COVID-19.

Further details are available here.

ELTVEDT & O’SULLIVAN

• Ship particulars
• Crew list
• Maritime declaration of health
• Port of call list
• Stowage plan
• Arrival draft and voyage number
• Clearance from previous port
• Cargo manifest and copy of the OBLs

The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) is the government body and have provided the following guidelines issued on 24^th July, 2021

All service providers including water transport vessel owners, terminal operators, shipping agents and cargo transporters at ports are directed to implement the following measures:

1. Vessels owners should spray disinfectants a in their vessels at the end of each voyage.
2. All crew and passengers entering and leaving the vessels, including ships, canoes and ferries, should wash their hands with running water and soap.
3. Consider the number of passengers allowed on the vessels when traveling from one area to another to avoid congestion.
4. Install hand washing equipment terminal operators, shipping agencies, tallying, cargo delivery officers countrywide.
5. Ensure to provide sensitization on precautionary measures against the Corona virus are provided by means of radios and televisions on such vessels.

TASAC will oversee the implementation of these directives as part of its responsibilities as the regulator of Maritime transport services to ensure safety and security of the maritime transport.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available and is approved on a case-by-case basis. Seafarers can only receive treatment at private hospitals.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements

The government has recently commenced testing on all airport passenger arrivals. The same is not strictly followed for marine passengers / crew. The PCR test at the airport is sufficient for the new crew arriving by air / boarding the ship. However, extra tests can be requested and done via the government lab. It is not compulsory for foreigners (as well as locals) to be vaccinated.

Thai P&I Services International Ltd.

SPICA advise that the pandemic situation has increased in severity in past months , the Government has announced ;

• government officer to work from home and requested the private company to allow the staff to work from home as much as possible.
• Company where has staff more than 50 persons should has to provide/ allocate area to be isolation area within company , in case any staff is suspected to affect by Covid 19
• Curfew during 2100 – 0500 Hrs.
• Public transportation between province is not allowed ( but public transport within province is still available)
• Travelling from one province to another province is not allowed , unless company has issued letter to allow the staff to travel due to their business ( and registration in government website is required). If no company letter , notification to government officer at destination and isolation ( for 14 days period) is required.
• No food eating in the shop is not allowed.

Surveyor/agent

• Are still able to travel when their company issues a letter and registration with government website is made. There may be some restriction / enquiry when travelling in the night due to curfew.
• Some of chemical terminals in Map ta phut and Rayong area announced restriction , not to allow third party to access in to their terminal in any condition ( even the surveyor has 2 doses of vaccination).
• No restriction for surveyor / agent to board the vessel from government , after the vessel passed the quarantine formality. Anyhow , some ship’s owner has their own policies.

COVID-19 restrictions are having minimal impact on port operations. Shore leave is not permitted.

In Bangsaphan port  the quarantine officer shall requires a medical health insurance certificate to cover medical cost at USD 100,000 for the crew who enter in to the port. This insurance cover can be purchased  locally.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance  for emergency non-COVID19 related issues is available and is approved by local authorities on a case-by-case basis. Some ports are very strict for the crew to visit  hospitals such as Laem Chabang , Maptaphut , Rayong while Bangkok is more flexible

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Foreign crew can sign off but this is reported to be a complicated process. Agents will have to submit documents / flight detail for authority’s consideration / approval, it will take a few weeks and approval is not guaranteed.

McLeans – WAMS

Eltvedt & O’Sullivan

TCI AFRICA

The Covid 19 team of Lome Port may board to investigate whether there is a Covid 19 case or not. In case there is a case, all the crews will be put in quarantine and be PCR tested and the positive cases will follow up treatment. Moreover, the vessel will be completely disinfected before any cargo operations commence.

Port commercial activities continue to operate normally and logistic activities related to cargo vessels continued.

The port authorities set up entry restriction of vessels in order to minimize the spread of COVID – 19, for instance all vessels are inspected at anchorage before their berthing. Regarding  crew changes , they are monitored by a health service. Indeed before any disembarking of crew members the covid 19 – test is strictly conducted on board by specialized health services.

All persons involved in commercial operations of vessels , such as stevedores, agents, suppliers; must take all necessary precautions (use of antiseptic gel, gloves, mask) when assisting or boarding the vessels.

Each company has established the necessary measures in order to protect their employees’ health, all in line with the Togolese Health Ministry instructions and procedures.

All courts and legal proceedings are working normally with respect of Covid19 restrictions.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 cases remains available. Some medical centers and hotels are dedicated for Covid 19 cases and Non Covid 19 hospitals and clinics are available for any other treatment.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information known.

• Any traveller arriving in Lome must travel with:

– vaccination card for Covid19 or PCR test negative within 72hours

– a vaccination card, for yellow fever control is compulsory and fill the immigration information on https through: //voyage.gouv.tg

• The application form for TOGO SAFE will be settle by crew on arrival at Lome airport on their respective mobile phone for the covid-19 test result after 24hrs.

Nearest Convenient Airport: Aéroport International Gnassingbe Eyadema (LFW),

• Documentation requirement:
  • full flight details and passport copy should be sent in order to issue OKTB letter for joining
• Off signers will disembark for Covid-19 test at port 72 hrs before departure and reembark immediately on-board the vessel waiting for the result. If the result received after 24hrs is negative, they can disembark again in order to catch their flight. If the result is positive, Togo covid-19 team will assist them.
• Crew assistance cost depend on the number of crew and their Nationalities. Service boat is request if the crew change will be at Lome port anchorage.

Caribbean Marine

Teal P&I

1. Free Pratique will be authorized via VHF by Port Health Authority based on EDP “Early Departure Procedure”, verifying crew list, the last 10 ports visited especially the latest 4 weeks and the submission of a Maritime Health Declaration.
2. No shore authorization will be issued.
3. To board any vessel, visitors must comply the corresponding protocol:

• Wear protective equipment (mask & gloves) is compulsory, in case the visitor has not wearing the protection the vessel has to provide it,
• Social distance (1 meters or 3 feet) is suggested,
• Access to accommodation is restricted,
• Local Agent personnel and Officers are not allowed to get on board, in case a visitor showed any sign of illness, the vessel has the right to restrict access.
• Each visitor must complete a form before boarding.

1. Ports still open for bunkering, goods, spare, chandlery, however crew changes are not allowed.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness and will be approved by the health authorities on a case by case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Cariconsult advise that they can arrange for crew to receive the Sinopharm vaccination  at onshore vaccination centres in St Lucia.

TCI Africa

ETIC SAS AFRICA P&I Services

Tunisian International Protection & Indemnity Correspondent

In the case of positive COVID-19 cases being detected on board, the vessel will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days out of port limits.

Port and logistic operations are continuing normally however crew are not permitted to go ashore except in very urgent or exceptional cases.

Courts are now working normally, but if ever courts are closed for covid purposes, time bars are suspended during the closing period.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for COVID and non-COVID issues.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Both on and off-signing crew are required to hold negative PCR test results prior to leaving the vessel or travelling to Tunisia. The test must be valid within 48 hours of travel.

GAC

Inchcape Shipping Services

Supramar Shipping

Vitsan

Atlas P&I

Omur Marine

Esenyel Partners Lawyers

Ships that have called in their last 10 calls or within last 14 days to certain countries are required to provide a body temperature list for all the crew members on board for the last 3 days before allowing anyone to board the vessel. Inchcape provide a list under the Turkey section: https://www.iss-shipping.com/pages/coronavirus-port-country-implications

Port operations are in progress without any delay. Only body temperature of a surveyor is measured by medical officials prior to entry to the port and a form involving questions relating to medical condition of a surveyor for 14 days is filled & signed.

Berthing and operations – No significant delays except for some on account of queued up sanitary inspections and pilots boarding.

Medical Assistance

Vessels which have been granted free pratique are permitted to disembark crew for medical treatment. Medical assistance is also available for vessels transiting the Turkish Straits and will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Travellers arriving at Turkish airports are no longer subject to quarantine restrictions if:

• they have had at least two doses (single dose for Johnson & Johnson) of the vaccines approved for emergency use by The World Health Organization or our country are required and at least 14 days have passed since the last dose.
• they have documented evidence of recovering from  COVID-19 in the last 6 months.
• they hold  a negative PCR test result in the last 72 hours or submitting antigen test result which was received within the last 48 hours.

SVERTILOV MARINE CONSULTING LLC

Dias & Co

Sergeyevs’ Law Office

GAC Ukraine

CIS PandI

Services Ltd

All ports in Ukraine operate in the usual manner and the current COVID-19 restrictions are not impacting on the cargo operations and logistics. Shore leave can be arranged nowadays via the local ship agents in case of need, though at first the seafarers can be asked by the authorities to provide a grounded reason for their shore leave request. Visit to the doctor, exchange of expired seaman’s book or suchlike reasons are considered as grounded.

Ukrainian courts works in usual manner, there are no delays, remote courts, extended time bars. Standard WHO recommendations are applicable during the court visiting.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to access hospitals ashore with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 diseases.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

The Ukrainian government offers free vaccination programs to all Ukrainian citizens (vaccines approved by WHO such as Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Sinovac are available), seafarers including. Foreign seafarers are able to get vaccines on a commercial basis.

In order to arrange the changing of crew the national and foreign  seafarers should have a certificate confirming the receipt of a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 with vaccines approved by WHO or a negative rapid test for the COVID-19 that was done no more than 72 hours before departing/ arriving from/ to Ukraine or a certificate of a negative PCR test result done no more than 72 hours before departing/ arriving from/ to Ukraine.

All foreign seafarers entering Ukraine for crew changing must have a travel insurance covering COVID risks covering the period of stay in Ukraine (period of vessel’s stay in Ukrainian port where there should be a change of crew.

In this particular time unvaccinated seafarers arriving from Russia or India (including in transit) have to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine without the possibility of early termination.

GAC Dubai

Al Tamimi & Co

Circular No. (10) of 2022: Lifting of all restrictions and precautionary measures imposed during Covid-19 Pandemic (16 November 2022) states:

“all the restrictions and precautionary measures imposed through previous circulars during Covid-19 pandemic has been lifted, and thus reinstating the maritime business activities as normal.”

GAC advise that The requirement of the Maritime Declaration of Health (Ref. CHM Direction No.01/2020) is still valid until further notice.

Medical Assistance

No known restrictions

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Abu Dhabi Port Authority issued a circular on 6 January 2022 to All Shipping Agents, Port Users Including Ships Masters’ and Vessel’s Owners / Operators regarding the Covid-19 vaccination program for seafarers within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The circular requests the details of companies and seafarers operating out of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is not understood how the vaccine programme will be implemented and no further details have been released.

Circular No. (10) of 2022: Lifting of all restrictions and precautionary measures imposed during Covid-19 Pandemic (16 November 2022) states:

“all the restrictions and precautionary measures imposed through previous circulars during Covid-19 pandemic has been lifted, and thus reinstating the maritime business activities as normal.”

GAC report: Based on the recent decision of National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority about lifting all restrictions and precautionary measures related to COVID-19, with immediate effect, CHM Direction No.03/2020 related to vessels crew changes and disembarking mechanism requirement at Abu Dhabi is now cancelled.

There have been recent issues with pilots refusing to board due to covid on board the ship and agents  have had to assist in providing full PCR at anchor for the crew to relay pilots fears and encourage their attendance.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 related issues.

Emergency injuries and illnesses call 999.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

Vaccination of foreign crews can be arranged by selected local agents.

The UK is operating different entry restrictions for red, amber and green listed countered. Further information is available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules#seamen-and-masters-and-inspectors-and-surveyors-of-ships

GAC have provided updated guidelines for conducting crew changes in the UK, which incorporate the latest entry requirements. The guidelines are available at: https://cdn.gac.com/prod/docs/UK_Dec2021-Updated-Covid-19-pandemic-crewing-guidelines.pdf

From 7 January 2022,  arrivals to the UK no longer need to provide a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken before travelling.

Further, fully vaccinated travellers (vaccinated in an approved country) arriving into the UK from non-Red List countries after 0400 on Sunday (9 January) can take a Day 2 lateral flow test instead of a PCR test, and are no longer required to self-isolate until a negative result is received.

Thomas J. Schandy

Medical Assistance

Landing of crewmembers and passengers for medical treatment of non-COVID-19 injuries and illnesses, are allowed in Uruguayan ports as to their seriousness and urgency, what is decided by the Marine Department of Sanitary Authorities on a case to case basis. Montevideo is very well prepared to assist.

There have been reported instances of seafarers with COVID 19 which were hospitalized and repatriated once recovered.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No information is known on seafarers COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

With regard to request for crew change:

A. Crew members that disembark at Montevideo and are immediately transferred to the airport: not subject to mandatory swabbing.

B. Crew members that disembark at Montevideo and have to wait for flight at a local hotel: not subject to mandatory swabbing but must keep mandatory isolation.

C. On signers arriving through the international airport: subject to mandatory swabbing.

As from November 1, 2021 the Uruguayan government has up dated the requirements for entering the country in the Covid 19 context.

In such sense, borders have been open to foreigners subject to the conditions below:

A. presentation of corresponding vaccination certificate of single or two doses (as appropriate for the type of vaccine), received within nine months prior to the date of arrival, having served the subsequent waiting time for achieving effective immunity ; or

B. presentation of evidence of having been Covid 19 positive within the last ninety (90) days prior to the date of arrival to the country, through a positive PCR test result RT or antigen detection, which must have been performed between twenty and ninety days prior to the arrival date.

Besides, any person entering the country must:

A. Have his/her temperature monitored at the point of entry;

B. Wear a face mask when the distance with other people is less than two meters;

C. Provide proof of a negative result of a SARS COV 2 virus detection test (by PCR RT molecular biology technique or diagnostic techniques approved by the Ministry of Public Health), carried out no more than 72 (seventy two) hours before the start of the voyage, in a recognized laboratory in the country of origin. In case the entry to the country is made through a commercial passenger carrier, the accreditation of the negative test must be done before boarding with the corresponding carrier.

Children under 6 years of age are exempted.

D. To have health coverage in Uruguay;

E. Comply with the measures to prevent the spread of the disease as determined by the health authority.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance is available for COVID and non-COVID illnesses.

Currently, seafarers are able to travel to Alaska to join vessels, and are able to depart Alaska to return home from vessels.  Vessel agents report that they are not encountering problems with United States immigration officials as long as the seafarer possesses a C1B Visa.

The State of Alaska does require that persons traveling to Alaska submit a travel declaration and self-isolation plan and arrive with proof of a negative molecular-based covid-19 test, taken within 72 hours of departure for Alaska.  Travelers with negative test results are still required to socially isolate for 5 days after arrival in Alaska, or until they leave Alaska, whichever occurs first.

If a traveler is still awaiting the results of such a test, the traveler must follow strict social distancing guidelines for five days after test results arrive, and must submit the results to the state once they are received.

Cox, Wootton, Lerner, Griffin & Hansen LLP

GAC

GORDON REES SCULLY MANSUKHANI

KAYE, ROSE & PARTNERS, LLP

Keesal, Young & Logan

HudsonTactix

1. Notice to the CDC is required if COVID is suspected.  This notice can be made to the local quarantine station or  through email to the MaritimeAdmin@cdc.gov
2. Notice to the local Captain of the Port of a hazardous condition per 33 C.F.R. § 160.216.  Sector LA-LB is enforcing this requirement with civil penalties against operators and agents.
3. If COVID affects the ability of the crew to perform duties, this should probably be noted in the vessels advance Notice of Arrival and updated Notice of Arrival.  See Entry 4(iv) to the table at 33 CFR  I60.206.

USCG is reminding all vessel operators that Illness of a person onboard any vessel that may adversely affect the safety of a vessel or port facility is a hazardous condition per 33 CFR §160.216 and must be reported immediately to the USCG Captain of the Port (COTP). All cases of persons who exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must be reported to the COTP.

There are no additional  COVID restrictions , unless a vessel has suspected or positive COVID cases on board.  Crew are not restricted from going ashore assuming they have a valid visa to do so.   When COVID is present on a vessel in Coast Guard Sector LA-LB, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port has, in the past, imposed Orders preventing any crew from embarking or departing the vessel.

Crew are permitted to go ashore for medical treatment for both COVID and non-COVID related issues.   However, when COVID is present, the Coast Guard in Los Angeles has been reluctant to permit cargo ship crewmembers to go ashore for any reason until quarantine is completed.  Of course, if there is a medical emergency (including severe COVID related conditions) the Coast Guard has arranged for emergency transportation for land-based treatment.

Port of San Diego updates: https://www.portofsandiego.org/press-releases/covid-19-port-san-diegos-response

Port of Los Angeles updates: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/covid-19

Port of Oakland updates: https://www.portofoakland.com/port-of-oakland-updates/

Port of Long Beach updates: https://polb.com/business/covid-19-information#covid-19-overview

Medical Assistance

Medical care is not restricted by any port or government authority so long as social distancing requirements are met. Whether or not treatment ashore is provided is up to the medical facility on a case by case basis. Most will accept acute care patients but minor medical problems or elective issues that can be delayed may not be accepted. It depends on the facility. Also, due to limited availability of public and private transportation, getting a crewman from a ship to a medical facility may be difficult.

Notifications for a medical emergency underway should be made to the nearest USCG District Command Center. Notifications for a medical emergency when the ship is alongside the ship is to coordinate private transport and hospital arrangements. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard should first be advised for non-U.S. seamen, and U.S.C.G. and the Coast Guard recommends that the Center for Disease Control should be notified if U.S. seamen are the ones in need to medical attention ashore. Also, local health authorities should be advised. Crew will not be allowed to go ashore without first obtaining permission from all agencies and having “necessary precautions” in place.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

In June 2021, the City of Long Beach has a mobile vaccination clinic available for vessels and will schedule onboard vaccinations for vessel crewmembers.  This program is available for US and foreign crewmembers.  The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Port of Long Beach now has a free vaccine program for vessels calling in the Ports of LA/LB.  We are informed this program is also being coordinated with the County of Los Angeles, so this mobile vaccine clinic will administer the J&J vaccine to vessel crews calling in both the Ports of LA/LB.  They have a reservation portal to schedule an appointment for crew vaccinations aboard vessels.  The following is a link to the reservation site: https://forms.gle/ggKRsoK4M345neby9.

For information regarding vaccines, the City of Long Beach Department of Health refers to its website: https://longbeach.gov/health/diseases-and-condition/information-on/coronavirus/vaccines/.

However, they recommend that if foreign crew is being changed Customs and Border Protection be advised in advance as to when and where (anchorage, dock, city) any exchange will occur. If U.S. crewmembers are being exchanged, USCG recommends that the same advance warning be given to Center for Disease Control.

If there is any suspicion of COVID-19 affecting any crew, then local health authorities should also be advise. If crewmembers cannot arrange a flight, CBP will not allow them off the ship. California has not implemented orders mandating self-quarantine upon arrival in the state.

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP

Palmer Biezup & Henderson LLP

• The master of a ship destined for the Delaware Bay Captain of the Port zone shall report to the CDC, the occurrence, on board, of any death or any ill person among passengers or crew (including those who have disembarked or have been removed) during the 15-day period preceding the date of expected arrival in accordance with 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CPR)§ 71.21. The CDC Philadelphia Station can be reached 24 hours a day at (215) 365-6401.
• Also, under 33 CPR. § 160.216, the owner, agent, master, operator, or person in charge of a vessel is required to immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Sector whenever there is a hazardous condition aboard the vessel.
• While the presence of a person with coronavirus like symptoms does not by itself constitute a hazardous condition, vessel operators should report suspected cases or other unusual circumstances whenever they are in doubt.
• Vessel masters should inform Coast Guard and Customs boarding teams of any ill crewmembers onboard.

31 March: MSIB Number: 07-20 provides details on Vessel Reporting Requirements for Delaware Bay Zone, which states the following.

Vessel representatives are reminded of the following requirements to report hazardous conditions and illnesses:

• Prior to clearance for entry into the Delaware Bay Captain of the Port (COTP) zone, the master of any foreign vessel must remit an Attestation of Hazardous Conditions letter to this office at PortState@uscg.mil.
• This letter shall be submitted when the master submits the advanced notice of arrival and is attached to this MSIB. The letter may also be obtained from the vessel’s agent or this office.
• Key portions of this letter ask the master of the vessel to attest that:
  • There are NO passengers or crew aboard this vessel that are exhibiting, or have exhibited, one or more COVID-19 or other flu-like symptoms in the past 14 days,
  • There are NO passengers or crew aboard this vessel that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong, and Macau), Iran, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, or the Republic of Ireland in the past 14 days, and
  • There are NO passengers or crew aboard this vessel that have been in contact with another person who has been to China (excluding Hong Kong, and Macau), Iran, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, or the Republic of Ireland in the past 14 days or another person exhibiting flu-like symptoms within the  past 14 days.
• If the master is unable to attest to all three components, vessel or crew information shall be provided to this office for the portions that cannot be met, along with the attestation letter.
• This letter is intended to identify vessels that need to report hazardous conditions specifically related to COVID-19. However, under 33 CFR.  § 160.216, the owner, agent, master,  operator, or  person in charge of a vessel is required to immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Sector whenever there is any hazardous condition aboard the vessel.
• Failure to remit an Attestation Letter to this office may cause delays for clearance into the Delaware Bay COTP zone.

20 April: In conjunction with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance provided to commercial vessels by the Coast Guard in Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) Numbers 02-20 (as amended) and 06-20, the Coast Guard is providing the following updated information to port and facility operators as it relates to COVID-19.

• Signatures: Both Declarations of Security (DoS) and Declarations of Inspection (DOI) require signatures.  Electronic signatures discussed below are acceptable.  However, if electronic signatures are not reasonable, in lieu of having one DoS/DOI with two signatures, two separate forms may be used.  Each DoS/DOI will be signed and the name of the other Person in Charge (PIC) or Facility Security Officer (FSO)/Vessel Security Officer (VSO) or their designated representative should be written on each form with a date and time.  Each PIC and FSO/VSO shall keep their respective copies.
• Declarations of Security (DoS) – 33 CFR 105.245 and approved Facility Security Plans require a DoS to be completed in certain situations, depending on the Maritime Security (MARSEC) level. While there may be a requirement to complete a DoS, there is no requirement for the coordination of security needs and procedures, signature of the DoS, or implementation of agreed upon measures to be conducted in a face-to-face manner between the FSO and the Master, VSO, or their designated representative. As such, electronic communication may be used for the purposes of completing the DoS, however a conversation should still occur between both the vessel and facility.
• Declarations of Inspection (DOI) – 33 CFR 156.150 requires a DOI to be completed before any transfer of oil or hazardous material to or from a vessel. Prior to the transfer beginning and in accordance with 33 CFR 156.120 and 156.120(w), the PIC from the vessel and facility shall meet to begin completing the DOI and hold a conference to ensure both parties understand the operation. The DOI meeting/conference can be completed over the radio, phone or at a safe social distance and still meet these requirements, however both PIC’s must communicate with each other before beginning any transfer. Additionally, both PIC’s shall sign the DOI, but it can be done electronically. All other requirements of 33 CFR 156.150 must be met before the transfer begins.
• Seafarer’s Access – Maritime facility operators are reminded they are not permitted to impede the embarkation/disembarkation of crew members as permitted under Seafarer’s Access regulations. The authority to restrict access resides with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Coast Guard, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for medical matters. Facility operators should contact their local CBP, Coast Guard, or the CDC, State and local health department offices regarding specific questions or concerns about their individual operations. Nothing in the Seafarer Access requirements prevent the facility from maximizing options to minimize direct interaction that may include use of camera systems, barriers, or other measures. These modifications can be made to the Facility Security Plan or use of Noncompliance, as discussed below, may be used.
• Waste Reception Facilities – Garbage and Medical Waste  33 CFR 158 regulations require all ports and terminals under the jurisdiction of the United States to provide vessels with reception facilities for garbage (33 CFR 158.133(c)).

• • Reception Facilities – Ports and terminals must be ready to receive any medical waste from any vessels calling at their facility. This means that those ports/terminal with or without a COA for garbage, must provide vessels with adequate reception facilities for medical waste or a list of persons authorized by federal, state or local law or regulation to transport and treat such wastes.
  • Vessels – In addition to notifying the COTP, vessels must coordinate with the port/terminal/recreational boating facility their needs for reception facilities for medical waste, 24 hours in advance of their arrival (33 CFR 151. 65(b)), or immediately if already in port.
  • COA Waivers – If there are issues or concerns with the health hazards associated with any garbage, reception facilities and vessels should work with the appropriate federal, state, and/or local agencies to determine the actual risks and formulate a plan of action based on information received from those agencies. COTP may also exercise their authority to grant waivers under 33 CFR 158.150, if necessary, to allow for offloading of medical waste or garbage to a reception facility without having a COA.

Medical Assistance

There is no official prohibition of crew disembarkation for non-COVID medical treatment. It is necessary to obtain advance approval to disembark crew for treatment of non-COVID illness even if the crewmember has a visa.  CBP is generally authorizing crew disembarkation for essential medical treatment for non-COVID illness but delays may be encountered if the vessel or the crewmember recently visited one of the U.S. travel restricted countries which include Iran, China, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, U.K. and Ireland.

Few if any crew changes have occurred here since the crisis began.  But it seems that this is largely due to the impact of governmental travel restrictions into the U.S. and the current lack of any outbound  international flights from Philadelphia.

GORDON REES SCULLY MANSUKHANI

Hudson Tactix

GAC North America

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP

Murphy, Rogers, Sloss, Gambel & Tompkins

Wilson Esler

International Chamber of Shipping

North American Maritime Ministry Association

The guidance includes:

• Preventive measures, including hand hygiene, social distancing, and wearing facemasks or cloth face coverings, are essential to maintaining ship operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• After a COVID-19 case is identified on a non-cruise ship, all persons on board are considered contacts because of the close living and working conditions. Due to the size and number of persons on board cruise ships, identification of contacts should be done on a case-by-case basis.
• Cleaning and disinfection protocols may reduce transmission of COVID-19 on ships.

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/maritime/recommendations-for-ships.html

MSIB 02-20 (Change 7) issued on 5 May 2021,  provides information on COVID Port and Facility Operations. This includes the latest vessel reporting requirements and vessel entry restrictions.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/MSIB/2020/MSIB-02-20_Change-7_Novel-Coronavirus.pdf?ver=DD9kz2VaUcPx9pR-ml3tmA%3d%3d

MSIB 02-21COVID-19 ‘Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System’ (Change-3)

Updates the US policy on wearing masks. “Non-passenger carrying commercial vessels operated by a team of mariners who all live on the vessel” are exempt from wearing a mask. A mask will still be required when the vessel receives persons who are not a part of the team of mariners that live on the vessel.

Further information available at: https://www.maritimedelriv.com/storage/app/media/Agencies/COVID19/MSIB_02_21_Ch3.pdf

Medical Assistance

Medical attention is available for serious medical cases, but it can be challenging to get appointments (especially for specialists like ENT, Dermatologist etc.) at Hospitals for minor cases.  COVID testing is available for COVID cases, crew is to remain quarantined aboard and USCG and CDC must be notified upon arrival. Cargo operations will most likely be delayed.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

The International Chamber of Shipping have announced that the US have commenced offering voluntary vaccinations to non-native seafarers. Further information is available at:   https://www.ics-shipping.org/press-release/ics-releases-vaccination-roadmap-to-quicken-seafarer-jab-rollout/

North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) has published information on vaccine status and availability in US ports. See https://namma.org/vaccines/

On October 25 2021, President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation revising various COVID-19 travel restrictions/guidelines.

Non-vaccinated mariners will be permitted to onboard at a U.S. port if:

(1) the mariner has a D or C1 visa;

(2) a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of scheduled airline departure; and

(3) the mariner signs an attestation upon arrival in the U.S. that he/she will take another COVID-19 test (PCR preferred) within 3-5 days.

In its Technical Instructions, the CDC has identified three documentation categories considered to be acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination:

(1) Verifiable digital or paper records: This includes, but is not limited to, examples such as vaccination certificates or digital passes accessible via QR code(such as the UK NHS COVID Pass and the European Union Digital COVID Certificate).

(2) Non-verifiable paper records: A paper vaccination record or aCOVID-19 vaccination certificate issued by a national or subnational level or by an authorized vaccine provide (such as the CDC vaccination card).

(3) Non-verifiable digital records: Digital photos of vaccination card or record, or a downloaded record or vaccination certificate from an official source (e.g., public health agency, government agency, or other authorized vaccine provider), or a record shown on a mobile phone app without a QR code.

The proclamation defers to the CDC’s guidance on acceptable vaccines, which include:

(1) Janssen/Johnson & Johnson;

(2) Pfizer-BioNTech;

(3) Moderna;

(4) AstraZeneca;

(5) Covishield;

(6) BIBP/Sinopharm;

(7) Sinovac (available in Asia).

Crewmembers with a transit and/or crewmember visa, may be permitted to disembark the vessel for the immediate and continuous transit through the U.S. to another country.

When entering the U.S. all persons must be cleared by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and, if applicable, CDC. Crewmembers without the appropriate visas will generally be required to remain on board unless otherwise cleared for entry by CBP and, if applicable, CDC.

When entering the U.S. all persons must be cleared by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and, if applicable, CDC. Crewmembers without the appropriate visas will generally be required to remain onboard unless otherwise cleared for entry by CBP and, if applicable, CDC. – Crew members traveling on a C1/D Visa are consider exempt from the suspension order with exception of those crews from or travelling through/routed the following countries: Iran, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), the European states within the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland), United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, and the Federative Republic of Brazil. – Crews from above countries or those with travel routes through the above countries may be rejected at first port of entry. There may also be additional stipulations/restrictions by the air carriers imposed for travel.

Crew members are generally taken straight from the vessel to the Airport during sign-off and similarly during sign-on brought directly from the Airport to the vessel, hotel stays are avoided to the greatest extent practicable.

The CDC requires all passengers entering the United States by air to have a negative COVID-19 test result which was taken within 3 days of travel. Further details available at: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0112-negative-covid-19-air-passengers.html

The US Center for Disease Control updates its website as required at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/crew-disembarkations-commercial-travel.html and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/cruise-ship/cruise-ship-member-disembarkations.html

Check with individual State to find out exact position on crew changes.

The USCG published MSIB 04-21 ‘ COVID-19 Crew Change Issues’ on 17 March 2021 which provides guidance for  U.S. mariners who may be experiencing crew change issues abroad and for foreign mariners who may be experiencing crew change issues while in the U.S. The bulletin can be found at:

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/MSIB/2021/MSIB-04-21-Crew-Change.pdf?ver=d5CBgtrhyQVVBvnFoKjPSg%3d%3d

De Leo, Kuylenstierna & Little P.A.

Port operations have been unaffected though some restrictions still apply to cruise vessels

Medical Assistance
Medical assistance remains available for non-COVID19 injuries or illness.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

See USA – Federal (All States) for further information

Crew repatriations/changes need to be coordinated by the vessel agents through USCG/CBP and of subject to other travel restrictions depending on country of departure.

Hunter Maclean

• All cruise vessel calls to Georgian ports have been halted.
• Ships calling at Georgian ports shall, at least 24 hours before arrival, submit Maritime Health Declaration with annexes.
• If as ship, her crew or passengers entered countries consider High Risk within the last 21 days they will be subject to thermal screening.
• The ship Master is also responsible for observing the further health of crew and passengers while alongside, at anchorage points or waiting areas and must communicate any suspicious cases to the Harbour Master and appropriate authorities without undue delay.
• If submitted documents or screening show the existence of COVID-19 on board, all possible contacts will be restricted with the subject vessel.
• Pilots must use personal safety equipment when going onboard, including mask, single use gloves and safety glasses. All crew are requested to put on masks and PPE to prevent the spread of virus before meeting pilots embarking on the weather dock. The Bridge team must also wear masks during pilotage.

Medical Assistance

Crewmembers with non-COVID 19 injuries or illnesses can be medically paroled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for treatment ashore, as long as no other crewmember on the ship is showing symptoms of COVID 19.

All Notice of Arrivals must be submitted within 96 hours of the vessel’s arrival whether arrival is confirmed or not. Notice of Arrivals can be updated and/or cancelled. Notice of Arrivals should be modified to add any known medical ailments on board prior to arrival, no matter what the medical ailments may be.

Upon arrival dockside, a member of the vessel medical staff should be available on the gangway to provide/update on any and/or no medical illnesses on board.
Effective 14 March, the Cruise Line International Association has announced its cruise lines will be voluntarily and temporarily suspending cruise ship operations from U.S. ports of call, including the State of Hawaii, for 30 days.

Port state control continues.

In general, agents continue to have unrestricted vessel access. Some owners have prohibited agents from boarding.

CBP will accommodate those requests, however, agents must coordinate with CBP on arranging an alternate inspection area.

It is at the discretion of CBP officers whether or not to board a vessel (most are declining).

The US District Court for the District of Hawaii has restricted/ limited entry to the courthouse. All civil and criminal trials scheduled to commence between March 17, 2020 and May 3, 2020 have been continued. All civil hearings will either be conducted telephonically or will be taken off the courts calendar. Filings will continue to be processed via the CM-ECF electronic system and by mail.

Hawaii State Courts have restricted/limited access to courthouses. All trials are re-scheduled to dates after April 30, 2020. All civil hearings have been postponed and re-scheduled unless they can be held through telephonic or video conferencing and electronically recorded.

Effective 1201h HST on 26 March, all individuals, (residents and visitors) arriving or returning to the State of Hawaii are subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.

Use of masks and exercising social distancing remains in place.

Shore leave is generally still discouraged.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers should still be allowed to leave the vessel for non-Covid medical treatment although telemedicine treatment would probably be encouraged and guards may be required if the crewmember does come ashore. For any crewmembers who do come down with Covid, the situation remains the same as it has evolved into over the last 18 months.  Basically only crewmembers with significant life threatening symptoms would be allowed to depart the vessel for treatment.  Otherwise, the crew would be treated by telemedicine and the vessel would be isolated until 10 days after the last symptomatic case had developed, and after those 10 days the vessel could resume normal operations.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

Vaccines are now widely available and there are no restrictions on administering them to foreign crews.  The Johnson and Johnson one dose vaccine has generally been used, as it is hard to schedule the two dose vaccines with vessel schedules

See also USA – Federal

Requests for crew sign-offs (D-2) which include an overnight stay will now be considered if, the crewmember is not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, the crewmember has valid travel documents, and there is no other restriction on the crewmember’s travel

See also USA – Federal

All crew are permitted shore leave while meeting CBP visa requirements

No significant impact on legal proceedings, particularly in Federal Court where most maritime suits end up.  Courts continue to make use of a hybrid-approach, requiring appearances in both remote and in-person settings, as appropriate.  No substantial delays in Federal Court observed to date.

Medical Assistance

Seafarers are able to receive medical treatment for both COVID and non-COVID issues

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

No specific requirements

Maine and New Hampshire: Johnson & Johnson (“J&J”)shots can be administered via Seafarer Mission on board as long as time/vaccine availability permits.

Massachusetts: Vaccines are available for any crew requesting.  Most Pharmacies/Clinics will allow walk in visits for the shot if crew has a valid US Visa.  J&J shots can be arranged through the Seafarers Mission as well, on board.

Rhode Island: Vaccines are available for any crew requesting.  Most Pharmacies/Clinics will allow walk in visits for the shot if crew has a valid US Visa.  J&J shots can be arranged through the Seafarers Mission as well, on board.

Connecticut: Vaccines are available for any crew requesting.  Most Pharmacies/Clinics will allow walk in visits for the shot.  Nurse can be arranged to board vessels to administer shots if at least 10 crew request the vaccine with at least 24 hours notice.

See also USA – Federal

However, recently promulgated State Dept. regulations are requiring air travelers flying to the U.S. from abroad to show airlines proof of a negative Covid test result taken within one day of departure before being allowed to board. This includes any vaccinated travelers.  See https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Unvaccinated foreign crew can still travel to the U.S., so long as they are a mariner traveling under a C-1 or D non-immigrant visa, adhere to all industry standard protocols for the prevention of COVID-19, and have an official letter (paper or digital) from their employer indicating that their entry to or transit through the United States is required for the purpose of operating a vessel.

See also USA – Federal

Chalos & Co

Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP

CBP is requiring a guard presence to deter the absconding of detained crewmembers prior to inspection by our officers on the 15th day from their last port call in the affected countries listed above.  Every vessel that arrives into the Port of New York/ Newark that fits the criteria listed above will be contacted by CBP to ensure a proper security plan is in place prior to the vessel’s arrival.

CBP recognizes the hardship this may place on crewmembers however, this protocol is necessary to address the health concerns in our ports…  …For any questions or concerns please contact a Supervisory CBP Officer, Maritime Admissibility Unit, Port of New York/Newark at 201-436-2850 or e-mail MAU-NY-NWK@cbp.dhs.gov

17 April: In the Southern District of New York, activity in federal courthouses has been dramatically curtailed. Jury trials have been suspended until June 31, and courthouses are generally closed for all but essential matters. In the New York state court system, the filing of new cases and the use of the electronic filing system for existing cases remains prohibited until further notice. All Courts are continuing to allow for the filing of emergency applications. Starting April 13, 2020, Court proceedings for pending non-essential matters in New York State Courts will be heard virtually, with all interactions taking place by video (utilizing Skype and Zoom) or telephone. The Society of Maritime Arbitrators of New York has published a message concerning coronavirus and maritime arbitration proceedings. The message can be found at http://www.smany.org/Update01-April16_2020.html

24 April: The Port of New York and New Jersey continues to operate. The port reports that it “continues to receive regular container vessel calls, and all truck gates are fully operational during regularly scheduled hours, with minor modifications for interacting with vessel crew and truckers.  There has been no impact to our intermodal rail capabilities, and none is expected at this time.  Our drayage truck partners are operating at full strength and not experiencing any driver shortages.” Read more at https://www.mmwr.com/alert-resource/vessel-and-port-operations-in-the-us-and-the-port-of-new-york-and-new-jersey-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

The ports of Wilmington and Morehead City and Charlotte Inland Port – continue to operate on a normal schedule and we do not anticipate any changes to operations at this time.  When a case of COVID arises, it is being handled on a case-by-case basis.

Medical Assistance

Regarding mariners leaving vessels for medical treatment, US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) review crew members for entry into the county just like they would on arrival from an international flight. Notify the agent of any medical issue and the agent will notify CBP if he needs medical treatment. If the crewmember has a valid US visa, disembarkation and treatment are easier, but there is a process for waiver of that requirement (“Parole”).

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

See USA – Federal (All States) for further information.

Eastham Watson Dale & Forney LLP

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and USCG personnel are conducting in-person boarding activities and many agents personally attend vessels at this time. Strict adherence to COVID-19 precautionary measures is generally required, and many vessels and terminal facilities have mandatory temperature checks. Vessels still need to advise CBP and USCG boarding teams of any crew illnesses prior to embarkation.

Vessels are also required to notify the Coast Guard Captain of the Port of any crewmember showing COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 testing kits are readily available. Recent reports have advised that rapid tests (results in ~20 minutes) cost ~$400-500 apiece, and PCR standard tests (results in ~48 hours) cost ~$350 per test. Due to an uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases beginning in August 2021, testing may be slower due to laboratory capacity.

Courts are open and continuing their work. Conferences and proceedings by remote means and video-conferencing remain common, but in-person court proceedings and in-person depositions are increasing daily. Courts are returning to their previous procedures regarding their docket management and continuances are not as freely given as they were at the beginning of the Pandemic.

Given the recent increases in infections, some businesses have reimposed mask requirements, and various government offices have restricted their in-person availability and/or adopted appointment-based meetings in order to limit group sizes. Local government authorities have also stepped up efforts to increase access to testing and vaccination sites. Nearly 94% of the Texas population aged 65 and over has had at least one vaccine dose, and nearly 84% of those aged 65+ have received at least two vaccine doses.

Local US Coast Guard authorities have reported human resource shortages, which have resulted in delays.

Medical Assistance

Corpus Christi: port is allowing medical treatment for foreign-nationals for non-COVID-19 treatment, as well as repatriation of these individuals. ships may experience delays and quarantine requirements imposed by the United States Coast Guard Captain of the Port prior to entering port.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements and information

North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) has information on vaccine status and availability in US ports. See https://namma.org/vaccines/

Royston Law advise: “Houston International Seafarer’s Center is working with Workplace Safety Screenings to provide onboard Johnson & Johnson vaccinations (the Johnson & Johnson single-dose protocol has been found to be the most suitable for seafarers). It has been noted that supplies are limited. Vaccines are only available on a first come, first serve basis, and they cannot be reserved. The vaccination team charges $150 per hour (with a 3-hour minimum charge) to vaccinate the vessel’s crew. Vaccine cards are issued upon completion. After the vaccinations are registered with the State of Texas, a certificate is also issued. Upon receipt of all crewmembers’ certificates, the certificates are typically emailed to the agent. The vaccine card and certificate should be kept together, as this will assist in showing proof of vaccination internationally.

The Corpus Christi International Seamen’s Center, the International Seafarer Center in Brownsville, the Texas Port Ministry in Freeport, and the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center have also been engaged in crew vaccination efforts.” See https://houstonseafarers.com/.

The Ports of Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Freeport, Galveston, Houston, and Port Arthur/Beaumont continue to permit crew changes/repatriation requests on a case-by-case basis.

Crew changes for foreign-nationals who are not otherwise ill or seeking medical treatment, D2 visas are being allowed, but there are restrictions being imposed by CBP. Vessel Operators should check with their local agents for the latest information.

Travel arrangements for departing crewmembers continues to create difficulties. Recognizing these problems, CBP has eased some of its prior restrictions. For instance, in certain situations CBP is no longer requiring departing crewmembers to leave the U.S. via direct, non-stop flights, allowing one U.S. stop to connect with an international departing flight.

USCG-Houston is experiencing some COC inspection delays due to human resource shortages, causing delays in excess of ten days for some vessels. At this time, USCG-Houston is not granting COC deferments and/or remote exams. USCG-Houston will only attend a berthed vessel. Thus, it is best to make COC requests as far in advance as possible

At this time, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Houston are not permitting off-signers to stay in hotels to wait for their flights home. Off-signers must proceed directly from the vessel to the airport for flights. A valid C1-D USA visa is required for all off-signers, with exceptions being made on very rare occasions. CBP is generally requiring the following items in relation to a crewmember’s repatriation requests: (1) passport bio page; (2) C1/D visa; (3) I-95 landing permit; and (4) e-tickets with direct flights departing the U.S. airport.

A Negative COVID-19 test is now being required for all air passengers seeking to enter the United States. See https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0112-negative-covid-19-air-passengers.html

Vandeventer Black LLP

Furthermore, applicable U.S. regulations require the master of a ship destined for a U.S. port of entry to immediately report any death or illness among the ship’s passengers or crew during the 15 days prior to arrival at the U.S. port. 42 C.F.R. § 71.21. Such reports shall be made to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via the appropriate CDC Quarantine Station. CDC Quarantine Station Washington D.C. is the appropriate reporting point for all ports within: Washington D.C.; Maryland; Virginia; and, West Virginia, which encompasses the greater Hampton Roads area. For additional information relating to CDC reporting in the Washington D.C. Quarantine Station, please see Washington D.C. Quarantine Station | Quarantine | CDC. If a reporting party cannot reach the appropriate CDC Quarantine Station within their jurisdiction, they should contact the CDC Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 770-488-7100, the EOC will then contact the appropriate CDC Quarantine Station.

Masks are required for all persons onboard all vessels and in all transportation hubs. To mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19, pursuant to Presidential Executive Order 13998, the CDC requires masks must be worn by all persons travelling on all commercial vessels and at all transportation hubs. See https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Mask-Order-CDC_GMTF_01-29-21-p.pdf. Pursuant to the CDC guidance, a conveyance operator operating a conveyance arriving at or departing from a U.S. port of entry must require all persons on board to wear masks for the duration of travel as a condition of controlled free practique. Controlled free practique affords “permission for a carrier to enter a U.S. port, disembark, and begin operation under certain stipulated conditions.” 42 C.F.R. § 71.1. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is charged with enforcing CDC quarantine orders and pursuant to applicable statutory authority, the USCG may issue civil or criminal penalties for violations of applicable orders. 42 U.S.C. § 268.

As a condition of receiving controlled free practique under 42 C.F.R. § 71.31(b) to enter a U.S. port and begin operations at any U.S. port of entry, vessels must require persons to wear masks while boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel. Additionally, vessel operators must also require masks for all persons while boarding and for the duration of their travel onboard vessels departing from the U.S. until the vessel arrives at the foreign destination, if at any time any of the persons onboard will return to the U.S. while the applicable CDC guidelines are in effect – i.e. the mask requirements will remain in effect until further notice. As of June 10, 2021, however, the CDC has limited the mask requirement and will no longer require persons to wear masks in outdoor areas only. Such is applicable only to persons located within preexisting outdoor areas both at transportation hubs and onboard vessels. (An outdoor area on a vessel is a space that is permanently open to the weather on one or more sides and, if covered by a deck or canopy, any spot on the overhead is less than 15 feet from the nearest opening.  USCG MSIB 02-21 CH-2, June 11, 2021)

Currently, by order of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Virginia’s courts are under a declaration of Judicial Emergency in response to COVID-19 emergency. The order is applicable to all circuit courts and district courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia and shall be in effect through September 1, 2021 pursuant to the latest order dated August 4, 2021. Chief judges may exercise their discretion in determining how best to safely operate their respective courts, including how to safely conduct jury trials, incorporating physical distancing, capacity restrictions, and requiring masks. To the extent recommended by the Virginia Department of Health, all courts may continue to screen individuals entering the facilities for any COVID related symptoms. Additionally, speedy trial act deadlines continue to be tolled by the order during the ongoing Period of Judicial Emergency. For the most current information please see http://www.courts.state.va.us/.

Medical Assistance

Medical treatment may be available to mariners in the area. Whether a seafarer may receive medical treatment may depend on availability of medical services, the nature of the medical condition, and others. For inquiry specific information, seafarers should contact their local agent for further information and contact information of potential medical providers.

COVID-19 Vaccination requirements

Seafarers calling port in the Hampton Roads area may seek to take advantage of the locally offered vaccination programs. For further information on vaccination programs offered throughout the U.S. and Canada, please see  COVID-19 Vaccines for Seafarers (namma.org) or contact your local agent.

Virginia – Portsmouth;

Portsmouth Seafarers’ Center can transport seafarers to a local pharmacy.

Contact: Portsmouth Seafarers’ Center

Phone: 757-418-4676

Email: halbren@verizon.net

Virginia – Norfolk;

Transportation to pharmacy

Vaccine: Johnson & Johnson

Contact: Norfolk Seamen’s Friend Society

Phone: 757-342-7574

Email: seamansfriend@icloud.com

www.seamensfriend.com

Virginia – Portsmouth, Norfolk, Hampton Roads;

Details: Seafarers should follow this link for possible COVID-19 vaccination missions to ships calling on the Port of Virginia. A minimum of 48 hours notice is required. Availability may vary based on many factors including staffing and vaccine supplies, vaccination availability is not guaranteed by completing the intake survey form on the link. Vaccinations are administered by Virginia National Guard and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers. Clinics are scheduled Monday thru Friday from 1000 to 1530.