The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore issued a circular concerning updates on crew change operations, specifically in regards to crew sign off from ocean going cargo ships that require COVID-19 pre-departure testing in Singapore.
It is highlighted that this circular is an update on the No.05 circular of 2021.
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Negative COVID-19 tests for sign-off
Specifically, for crew change applications where the sign-off crew requires PDT before departing Singapore, in addition to the existing requirement of crew not having gone ashore for 21 days, all crew on board shall produce a negative test result from a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken at the vessel’s last port of call before calling at Singapore.
The test results shall be submitted to MPA as soon as they are available and before the vessel arrives Singapore.
Keep in mind that the new requirement shall apply to all sign-off applications submitted from 15 February 2021.
This update follows some countries requirements, which oblige travellers to take a COVID-19 predeparture test (PDT) and present a valid negative test result before they are allowed to transit through or enter. Similar requirements are also imposed by some airlines before allowing travellers to board their flights.
