COVID-19 Coronavirus |
Updated May 2022 PDF Version |
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This page includes links and articles of general interest and will be updated when relevant information is available.
Links to Steamship Mutual alphabetical list of country/jurisdiction updates
Please click on letter to link to country/jurisdiction section below:
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Film release: Marine Media Enterprises in association with Steamship Mutual present "Coronavirus: COVID-19 - The Vaccine Perspective"
Film release: Marine Media Enterprises in association with Steamship Mutual present "Coronavirus: COVID-19 Update 2021"
Film release: Marine Media Enterprises in association with Steamship Mutual present "Coronavirus - Crew Change"
Film release: Marine Media Enterprises in association with Steamship Mutual present "Coronavirus - Stay Safe On Board"
Film release: Marine Media Enterprises in association with Steamship Mutual present "Coronavirus – Mental Resilience On Board"
Film release: Marine Media Enterprises in association with Steamship Mutual present "Coronavirus – Protection on Board"
COVID-19 FAQ
Links to industry sites and articles
UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency: Understanding the long term impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on seafarer wellbeing. March 2021
World Health Organisation page with Situation Reports, Technical Guidance, Travel Advice and How to Protect Yourself
IMO Recommendations for Port and Coastal States on Medical Care 1 July 2020
ISWAN video for seafarers focusing on mental health and Covid-19 Mental health and Covid 19
ISWAN guides on mental health sponsored by Steamship Mutual
Free BIMCO posters to help protect seafarers and visitors on board ships
Nautical Institute Coronavirus webpage including various links and guidance for seafarers.
Lloyd’s Register list of instructions and information from Flag Administrations and Port State Control Organisation
ILO Information note on Maritime Labour issues and COVID-19 – 3 February 2021 plus resolution re MLC April 2021
EU Healthy Gateways COVID-19 webpage
JNG / ITF Joint Press Statement 27 April 2020 Respect seafarers right to emergency medical treatment ashore
Cruise Ship Operators Framework documents produced by UK Chamber of Shipping 1 October 2020
Multilingual COVID-19 Resources on the FDA website. This may be of interest to employees/seafarers who wish to receive additional information about vaccinations, etc.
ICS Legal, Liability and Insurance Issues arising from Vaccination of Seafarers International Chamber of Shipping (in association with IGP&I, ITF and Intertanko) Second edition, December 2021
ICS Vaccination for Seafarers and Shipping Companies: A Practical Guide, Second Edition September 2021
ICS video “Practical Information on COVID-19 Vaccinations for Seafarers” March 2021
INDIA FOSMA, MASSA and National Union of Seafarers of India – Joint drive of pilot project for seafarer vaccinations from 10 June 2021
NETHERLANDS Launch of seafarer vaccination programme from mid-June 2021, for seafarers working on Dutch flag or managed vessels. 12 May 2021
PHILIPPINES Registration for Vaccination of Filipino Seafarers scheduled for deployment in next 90 days
Marina Advisory 28 of 2021 dated 25 May 2021. Maritime Industry Authority of Philippines Government (MARINA) ask all registered shipping companies and licensed manning agency to prepare and submit their Filipino seafarer’s deployment plan for next 90 days (Period covering from July to September 2021) to MARINA in the prescribed template by close of business 26 May 2021. The list in the prescribed template shall be submitted to the following email address: miss@marina.gov.ph with copy to odap@marina.gov.ph
The notification also lists all the designated primary vaccination centres for the qualified seafarer due for inoculation.
USA NAMMA Vaccine information list with list of states/ports and contact details for vaccinations
USA Report by correspondents Hudson Tactix on vaccines in the USA 14 May 2021
Article by Tony Nicholson “Crew Change Crisis – Green Shoots?”
Philippines: Article “Sickness Wages – When do they apply” (with reference to Covid-19 and how wages / sickwages are calculated under the POEA SEC generally, following illness or injury) by Pandiman 15 January 2021
Article by Rohan Bray, CEO Steamship Hong Kong - COVID-19: Guide For Members on Contractual Issues
Article by Jeff Cox “Law under Lockdown” looking at how the English legal and arbitration system is adapting to lockdown.
Article by club correspondents MC Law Services “Virtual Court Proceedings in Bangladesh” 1 June 2021
Christophe Nicolas memo on new regulations in France extending procedural deadlines and time bar 11 June 2020
Correspondents Vaudo Paggini Covid-19 Procedural Rules and Time Bar in Italy 23 June 2020
BIMCO Covid-19 webpage
Consumer Goods Forum letter to UN for recognition of seafarers as key workers 24 September 2020
IMO Secretary General – Crew change crisis still a challenge 19 March 2021
USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletin 04-21 Crew Change Issues 17 March 2021
STAR-FUND CrewSafe Facilities – An international initiative to promote safe crew change in various countries, including India, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. October 2021
SINGAPORE Enhancements To Crew Change For Cargo Ships In The Port Of Singapore And Application For Vaccination (Port Marine Circulars 039 Of 2021) October 2021
IG press release 19 October 2020 drawing attention to the vital role seafarers play in global trade and encouraging governments to work with and support the ICS’s Protocols for Ensuring Safe Ship Crew Changes and Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Crew Changes summit Joint Statement 9 July 2020 by the governments of the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States of America
UN agencies (including IMO) joint statement on crew changes 10 September 2020
JNG / ITF Joint Statement 13 May 2020 references the IMO Crew change and travel safety protocols 5 May 2020.
Joint Release by MPA, SSA, SMOU, SOS, ITF, IMEC and ICS: SG-STAR FUND: First Global Tripartite Initiative to Support Countries for Crew Change 17 September 2020
IMEC/ITF - Enhanced Quarantine and Testing Facilities - Manila
Consumer Goods Forum letter to UN for recognition of seafarers as key workers 24 September 2020
Correspondents Inchcape/ISS Port/Country implications including section for crew change information
International Maritime Pilots Association Pilotage protocols and guidelines
IATA Interactive Covid-19 Travel Regulations Map with COVID-19 related restrictions
Steamship Mutual alphabetical list of country/jurisdiction updates
The information in this list is from correspondents and/or service providers and is updated regularly.
Information from correspondents TCI Africa/Eltvedt O’Sullivan 4 May 2020 re crew change possibility in Cameroon; Congo; Gabon; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea Bissau; Ivory Coast; Kenya; Liberia; Mauritania; Nigeria; Senegal; Tanzania.
ARGENTINA
Correspondent Pandi Liquidadores has provided the following guidance for ships (5 October 2021) if there is Covid on board:
Ships arriving in Argentina need to comply with the pre-arrival sanitary information (72 hours pre arrival) declaring the background of the cases on board. It would be advisable to enter into ship's books the relevant dates, tests and results to be presented together with its supporting documents.
As a matter of principle, Argentina's Authorities would require a quarantine of 10 to 14 days as of the date when the last positive case was detected. If the ship arrives with more than 14 days since the last positive case on board, we would expect for the Sanitary Authorities to require testing the crew prior to granting free pratique.
If the vessel arrives with less than 14 days since the last positive case or departure whichever later, it is likely for the ship to be quarantined until the 14th day and then the crew tested.
AUSTRALIA
Maritime Industry Australia Border Closures timetable January 2021
Correspondent Wallmans FAQ 10 September 2020 re South Australia
Western Australia Exposed on-board worker directions. 2 July 2021. Provided by correspondents Bayside who comment regarding Clause 30 “Effectively, anyone working on board a vessel in Western Australia including surveyors, fumigators, lawyers and P&I Correspondents cannot be on board for longer than 12 hours without having to quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days afterwards
Western Australia Government document 18 May 2021 “Infection prevention and control management of international maritime crew medical transfers”
Western Australia Maritime crew member directions 2 June 2021
Correspondents Cocks McNish Maximum period of shipboard service for seafarers 29 June 2020
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) directions and COVID-19 updates
Chittagong Port Authority Notice of 23.6.21 re “No Mask, No Service” policy
Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association/Chittagong Port Authority Notice 28.6.21 Continuation of work during lockdown period
Bangladesh Cabinet Division Circular 30.6.21 Restrictions on Movement
Article by club correspondents MC Law Services “Virtual Court Proceedings in Bangladesh” 1 June 2021
“No Mask No Service” Chittagong (Chattogram) Port Authority regulations regarding wearing of masks/gloves etc dated 23 March 2021
BELGIUM
BRAZIL
Correspondents Proinde Anvisa updates/health measures for ports and vessels 5 May 2021
Correspondents Proinde Practical Guidance for Brazil 9 July 2020 guidance on crew changes, quarantine, testing etc.
Correspondents Proinde report that acceptance of seafarers ILO C-108 document has been extended until 1 May 2022
Correspondents Proinde report that Brazil closes its air border to flights from India + general update on shore leave and crew change etc
The Brazilian government issued Ordinance no. 658 on 5 October 2021 (translation provided by Correspondents Brazmar along with summary) which revokes the previous temporary ban on flights from South Africa, India, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. And also establishes the basis for the cruise season in Brazil to commence on 1 November subject to additional regulation.
BULGARIA
CAMEROON
CAPE VERDE
Advice received from Correspondent Silvio Duarte, International Shipping & Engineering Services - 6 October 2021:
CARIBBEAN
CHILE
CHINA
Correspondents Huatai Quarantine requirements imposed for Haikou 14 October 2021
Correspondents Huatai Quarantine requirements imposed for Dongfang 14 October 2021
Chinese Ports Epidemic Prevention Measures Circular PNI (2021) 08 dated 28 May 2021 available in English and Chinese
Some Chinese ports have upgraded their epidemic prevention measures. Correspondent Huatai’s circular covers: Dalian and nearby ports; Tianjin and nearby ports; Qingdao and nearby ports; Shanghai and nearby ports; Ningbo and nearby ports; Guangzhou and nearby ports; Xiamen and nearby portsOasis Circular 2105 dated 4 June 2021 Update on handling of Covid-19 positive crew cases at Chinese ports
Reporting Abnormal Health Condition of the Crewmember When Calling Chinese Ports. Circular from correspondents Huatai dated 18 February 2021 in English and Chinese
Correspondents Shanghai P&I comments on vaccine requirements at major Chinese ports 11 March 2021
Oasis P&I Circular 8 February 2021 Crew change policy at major Chinese ports for both Chinese and non-Chinese crew: Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin, Ningbo, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Haikou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou
Correspondents Huatai Circular 15 January 2021 Stricter Epidemic Control on Boarding Personnel at Ports of Guangzhou
Correspondents Huatai Circular 30 October 2020 Update on foreign crew change and disembarkation (English version)
Correspondents Huatai Circular 30 October 2020 Update on foreign crew change and disembarkation (Chinese version)
Correspondents Huatai Circular 30 September 2020: Test institutions designated or recognised by overseas Chinese embassies or consulates
New regulations for ship’s crew - for all international trading ships to Chinese ports
Crew changes conducted at last port of call and within 14 days before the ships arrive in Chinese ports, all signing on crew members are required to hold NAT negative proof taken 3 days before boarding the ships by medical institutions as designated by the Chinese embassies and consulates.
Ships, their shipping companies or agents are required to submit copies of NAT negative proof of signing on crew members at last port and signing on crew members boarding 14 days before the ships arrive in the first port of China. Read more in the International Chamber of Shipping (China) Liaison Office 24 September 2020
Oasis P&I Circular 25 September 2020 Epidemic control of crew members
Correspondents Huatai Circular 25 September 2020 – Announcement of Ministry of Transport 78/2020 - New Prevention and control measures for ships entering China.
Free translation of Notice re: Dual Tests of Covid-19 nucleic acid and serum antibody for the crew from Indonesia to China on international sailing vessels (in both English and Chinese)
Chinese Government Guidance on the prevention and control of Covid-19 on board (version 4.0) 11 September 2020
Correspondents Huatai Circular 7 September 2020: Chinese Ports - Special Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures on Vessels Having Changed Crew Overseas within 14 Days
COLOMBIA
CONGO
CROATIA
CYPRUS
As of 1st February 2022 the government of Denmark has decided to lift up all COVID-19 related restrictions, based on the recommendation of the Epidemic Commission, who does not consider COVID-19 as a national epidemic any longer. Seafarers entering Denmark for work onboard a vessel or an off-shore base are now exempted from self-isolation. Attached is a summary from Nordic P&I 1 February 2022
Vaccination for Seafarers from w/c 13th September 2021; updated 22 September 2021
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Update provided by correspondents E&M Consulting along with Resolution No. 000048 and Decree 622-21 – 12 October 2021
Crew change requirements 1 July 2020
ESTONIA
FRANCE
Correspondent Budd update re Le Havre/Rouen/Channel and Atlantic ports including information on crew changes, medical assistance, surveys etc 6 May 2021
Christophe Nicolas memo on new regulations in France extending procedural deadlines and time bar. 11 June 2020
GIBRALTAR
GREECE
HONG KONG
Testing and isolation requirements for seafarers from 20 February 2021
Correspondents Crowe Boda update including port operations; courts; crew movements 5 May 2021
GAC update for various Indian ports 2 July 2021 including information on crew change, force majeure, port operations etc
DGS Circular 9 of 2021 Vaccination of seafarers 23 April 2021
DGS Circular – COVID-19 – Arrangement for vaccination of seafarers – 15th May 2021
FOSMA, MASSA and National Union of Seafarers of India – Joint drive of pilot project for seafarer vaccinations from 10 June 2021
Directorate General of Shipping circular 13 of 2021 – sign off of seafarers during second wave of Covid – revised circular dated 12 May 2021
’e-pass’ for Indian and foreign seafarers signing on and off vessels in Indian ports to allow travel within India during the lockdown. Director General of Shipping order 15 of 2021 dated 28 April 2021
FAQ for Crew Changes in India 15 May 2020
Order 12 of 22 April 2020 Standard Operating Procedure for crew change of Indian seafarers plus circulars from Kolkata, Mundra, Paradip, Sikka, Cochin, Goa
Order 21 of 20 July 2020 Standard Operating Procedure for repatriation of foreign seafarers from Indian ports
Directorate General of Shipping Orders 04 of 2021 Extension of validity of ship’s statutory surveys and audits (dated 22 January 2021) and 16 of 2021 Extension of Certificate of Competency/Proficiency (dated 28 April 2021)
Trade Circular from Andaman & Nicobar Administration re Crew change of Foreign nationals at Port Blair. 2 December 2020
INDIAN OCEAN
Crew change documents for REUNION (in French, English documents not available) dated 18 April 2020 - Débarquement / Embarquement Équipage De Navire (En Situation De Pandémie) and Procedure Releve Équipage.
INDONESIA
Correspondent SPICA South East Asia Port Implications 21 April 2020
ITALY
Correspondents Mauro Consultants Legal & Maritime Recommendations (including vessel restrictions) 26 March 2020
IVORY COAST
15 January 2021: A State of Emergency exists in 11 out of 47 prefectures. Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe (Hyogo pref.) and Yokohama (Kanagawa pref.) are included in these 11 prefectures where it is requested but not ordered, 1) to shorten open hours for restaurants and bars, 2) to reduce the number of workers at offices by 70%, 3) to avoid outings in the evening and 4) restrict events. This State of Emergency will run till 7 February 2021 but could be extended depending on the situation.
Japan stopped new entry of non-resident foreigners in 2020 with the exception of business travelers visiting from Vietnam, Mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. This exception is temporarily suspended from 14 January 2021 and new arrivals form these 11 countries/regions too are refused. However, again, there are special exceptions. Entry is allowed to persons who have re-entry permit, spouse/child of Japanese/permanent resident person and others who met the Japanese government’s conditions - further detail here.
JORDAN
Crew Change Guidelines July 2020 provided by Nisomar, Kenya
KOREA
Quarantine restriction report from correspondents Korea Universal Marine 18 May 2021
Update from Mutual Service Korea 7 May 2021
LEBANON
LIBYA
Precautionary and Preventative measures manual for ships from Correspondents Mediterranean Coast Consultants 7 April 2021
LITHUANIA
Crew change possibilities in Malaysia – update from GAC 3 August 2020
Correspondent SPICA South East Asia Port Implications 21 April 2020
MALTA
Correspondents H Vassallo protocol for crew changes August 2020
MEXICO
General Guidelines and Update 1 May 2020 from correspondents P&I Services (Mexico)
MOROCCO
Update from correspondents Maclaims maritime Morocco 20 May 2020 (plus 4 May, 22 April, 18 and 20 March)
MOZAMBIQUE
MYANMAR
Correspondent SPICA South East Asia Port Implications 21 April 2020
NIGERIA
NORWAY
Update re crew changes and surveyor attendance etc from AIV Private Ltd of Karachi 22/10/20
PANAMA
Update from correspondents Fernie 23 December 2020 + Panama canal update
Panama Canal Advisory 15 April suspension of the second reduction in the max allowed drafts for the Neo Panamax locks
PHILIPPINES
Pandiman Philippines Crew repatriation and travel restrictions update 3 June 2021
Registration for Vaccination of Filipino Seafarers scheduled for deployment in next 90 days
Marina Advisory 28 of 2021 dated 25 May 2021. Maritime Industry Authority of Philippines Government (MARINA) ask all registered shipping companies and licensed manning agency to prepare and submit their Filipino seafarer’s deployment plan for next 90 days (Period covering from July to September 2021) to MARINA in the prescribed template by close of business 26 May 2021. The list in the prescribed template shall be submitted to the following email address: miss@marina.gov.ph with copy to odap@marina.gov.ph
The notification also lists all the designated primary vaccination centres for the qualified seafarer due for inoculation.
Correspondents Del Rosario report that parts of the Philippines, incl. Metro Manila, back in lock down, 4 August 2020
Guidelines for the Establishment of the Philippine Green Lane to Facilitate the Speedy and Safe Travel of Seafarers, Including their Safe and Swift Disembarkation, and Crew Change During the COVID-19 Pandemic 2 July 2020
POEA Resolution 13 - Interim Guidelines for Deployment and Provisions for Repatriation of Filipino Seafarers 8 September 2020.
This outlines an employers’ obligations in various circumstances where a seafarer’s deployment and/or repatriation may be impacted by COVID-19.
POLAND
PORTUGAL
Correspondents Pinto Basto update 17 May 2021 – with updated information on border controls; flights; test requirements; quarantine; cruise vessels etc
RUSSIA
South Russia review from Correspondents Antarica 3 April 2020
New Procedures for Entry of Travelers into Saudi Arabia from 20 May 2021
Saudi Ports Authority Circular 43 of 2020 Covid-19 regulations
SENEGAL
SINGAPORE
MPA CIRCULARS
1. ATTENDANCE ON BOARD
2. CREW CHANGE
Singapore Crew Change Guidebook v7 – COVID-19 Protocol on Crew Change and Repatriation of Seafarers - 7 May 2021
3. OTHER GUIDANCE
SOMALIA
SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AFRICA
Control measures applicable at all South African ports. Correspondents Shepstone & Wylie SUMMARY plus Chief Harbour Master NOTICE 6 May 2021
SPAIN
Correspondents Grupo Stier advise that all persons entering Spain (Canary Islands included) require a negative PCR/COVID test result 72hrs prior to entry. 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. Spanish Official Bulletin 298 of 12 November 2020 (in Spanish)
Update of 26 March 2020 from Correspondents Hispania P&I
Law firm AIYON – Circular on COVID-19 and Port and Legal system in Spain
SRI LANKA
SUDAN
Correspondents Mutual Marine Services & Transport al-Mushtaraka Ltd. Advise on 12 May 2020 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 the vessel will have to wait at the anchorage until the 14 day period is reached. This 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. All ships on arrival will be boarded by the Port Health to check the crew as necessary.
SWEDEN
Correspondents Taiwan Maritime crew change update 18 August 2020
THAILAND
Correspondent SPICA South East Asia Port Implications 21 April 2020
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
TURKEY
Correspondents Ersoy Bilgehan Crew Changes in Turkey 8 December 2020
Fujairah: Crew changes during Covid: Port of Fujairah Notice to Agents 4 August 2020 and Port of Fujairah Notice to Mariners of 5 August 2020
UAE Federal Transport Authority Circular 12-20 of 2 August 2020 resuming maritime activities and crew changes plus UAE Return to work safely protocol dated 2 August 2020 covering crew changes, ferries, passenger ships, yachts, shore pass procedure etc
UKRAINE
Update on crew changes from correspondents DIAS 11 November 2020
UNITED KINGDOM
UK Department of Transport: Domestic Cruise Ship Travel Guidance updated 8 July 2021
UK Chamber of Shipping - Seafarers, irrespective of nationality, will be exempted from Red List (Acute List in Scotland - i.e. Quarantine) 16 March 2021
Van Ameyde McAuslands Covid safe crew changes leaflet re PCR tests for crew in or visiting the UK November 2020
UK Government Passenger Charter 4 June 2021
URUGUAY
Correspondent Chadwick Weir has provided the following guidance for ships (5 October 2021) if there is Covid onboard:
USA
Correspondents Globalpandi Circular 5 September 2020 re crew changes and repatriations
Correspondents Pandi Venezuela 25 March 2021 update on Covid situation in Venezuela
Correspondents Globalpandi Circular 6 May 2020 regulations for STS operations in Venezuelan waters
VIETNAM
12 May 2020. Correspondents GAC report that the Yemeni Ministry of Health has declared the port city of Aden as a contagious city with the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Besides other epidemics such as Chikungunya, Dengue fever and malaria, Covid-19 virus is claiming the lives of dozens of citizens on a daily basis in front of a complete collapse of the health system and the absence of state authorities. The port of Aden in the meantime remains open and operational.
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