The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) issued an announcement concerning the improvement of the prevention and control of spread of Covid-19 epidemic for seafarers on international sea-going vessels in China.
In accordance with the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the People’s Republic of China, Emergency Response Law of the People’s Republic of China, Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China and other relevant regulations, ICS announces the following relevant matters:
Concerning vessels which the change of seafarers that has been conducted at the previous port or place, or the change of seafarers has been conducted within 14 days before the vessels come to China:
The signing-on seafarers shall conduct nucleic acid amplification technique (NAT) tests for Covid-19 showing negative results within 3 days
before boarding the vessels. The NAT test should be conducted in an institution designated or approved by the Chinese embassies or consulates overseas.
Concerning those vessels which are entering the first visiting port in China for arranging the entry formalities:
The copies of the Covid-19 NAT test certificates showing negative results shall be presented, through the vessels or their ship-owning companies or their ship agencies, if the change of seafarers has been conducted at the previous port or place, or the change of seafarers has been conducted within 14 days before the vessels come to China.
It is highlighted that if vessels violate the requirements expressed above and other provisions of relevant laws and regulations of China, the vessels may be banned from departing or operating at the ports of China.
For severe violations, the responsible persons may be liable to the administrative actions.
The seafarers who signed on board the vessels at the previous port or place or within 14 days before the vessel coming to China without negative COVID-19 NAT test certificates or in possession of false negative COVID-19 NAT test certificates, and further causing or to be in danger of causing the spread of COVID-19 epidemic within the territory of China, may be criminally liable according to the relevant laws and regulations.
