Crew changes in Sri Lanka: What to know

Namely, GAC issued details of the procedures for both vaccinated and unvaccinated/partly vaccinated seafarers/sea-marshals entering Sri Lanka.

ON-SIGNERS:

VACCINATED SEAFARERS/SEA-MARSHALS

• Once the seafarers /sea-marshals arrive at the Colombo airport (BIA), they need to report to the health counter of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and produce their vaccination cards and PCR test results (obtained 72 hrs. prior boarding the flight).
• After verifying the details by the medical staff at the health counter, a ‘Blue Stamp’ will be issued to the respective seafarers/ sea-marshals clearing them from the checks.
• Thereafter, the seafarers/sea-marshals will be taken through immigration formalities by the agent’s representative attending same.
• It is mandatory that the seafarers / sea-marshals carry the ‘BLUE Stamp’ until they join the vessel
• An additional PCR (48 hrs.) prior joining the vessel, will be carried out at the hotel.
• Transport will be arranged by the agent for transferring seafarers/sea-marshals from airport to hotel to designated seaport.

UNVACCINATED OR PARTIALLY VACCINATED SEAFARERS/SEA-MARSHALS

• Once the seafarers / sea-marshals arrive at the Colombo airport (BIA), they need to report to the Health Counter of MOH and produce their vaccination cards and PCR test results (obtained 72hrs. prior boarding the flight).
• After verifying details by the medical staff at the health counter, a ‘RED Stamp’ will be issued to the seafarers / sea-marshals clearing them from the checks.
• Thereafter, the seafarers /sea-marshals will be taken through immigration formalities by the agent’s representative attending same.
• It is mandatory that the seafarers / sea-marshals should undergo 7 days quarantine at a level 1 hotel and obtain a quarantine certificate prior embarking the vessel.
• An additional PCR (48 hrs.) prior joining the vessel, will be carried out at the specific level 1 hotel.
• Transport will be arranged by the agents for transferring seafarers/sea-marshals from airport to level 1 hotel to seaport.

OFF-SIGNERS:

VACCINATED SEAFARERS/SEA-MARSHALS

• The agent to submit the related documents including vaccination certificates and obtain prior approval for disembarking.
• The submitted documents will be verified by the port health office once disembarked.
• PCR to be carried out upon disembarkation at the seaport.
• Agent’s representative to attend the immigration and related formalities.
• Transportation to hotel/ Isolation Center.
• Additional PCR tests to be carried out, based on varied requirements of airlines.
• Upon receipt of negative PCR test results, transporting to the airport via agent’s arrangements.

UNVACCINATED OR PARTIALLY VACCINATED SEAFARERS/SEA-MARSHALS

• The agent to submit the related documents including vaccination certificates and obtain prior approval for disembarking. It is mandatory that unvaccinated seafarers /sea-marshals should undergo 7 days quarantine at a level 1 hotel and obtain the quarantine certificate prior to checking out from the specific hotel.
• PCR to be carried out upon disembarkation at the seaport.
• Agent’s representative to attend immigration and other formalities.
• Transportation to a level 1 hotel.
• Additional PCR tests to be carried out if required by respective airlines.
• Upon receipt of negative PCR test results along with the quarantine certificate, transporting to the airport via agent’s arrangements for repatriation.

IMPORTANT:

1. Vaccination certificates and PCR test results should be made available in English.
2. Last minute changes to the existing procedure could be expected, which will be advised accordingly.
3. In the event any seafarer/sea-marshal is tested positive from the PCR tests, they will be transferred to an approved treatment center as per MOH guidelines.
4. The above process will be applicable for Surveyors, Superintendents, Technicians and Owner’s Representatives holding a valid seamen book and if not to apply for business visa prior to their arrival.
5. Sea-farers / sea-marshals who are not fully vaccinated should be transported to/from Isolation Centers under the escort of security forces, in MOH approved vehicles for which additional charges would be appliable.