The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore updated the requirements for crew change onboard cargo ships in the port of Singapore.
Accordingly, as Singapore moves on Phase Two of Safe Transition, the Authority now will accord priority for crew change in Singapore to SRS. All SRS will be allowed to carry out crew change in Singapore if they meet all prevailing requirements. SRS may face difficulties in repatriating their crew at foreign ports.
Where possible, MPA, as the flag administration, can help to contact the relevant port authorities and request for assistance to be rendered.
In addition, it is reported that by June 19, MPA will loosen some restrictions on the movements and activities of pleasure craft in the Port of Singapore. Pleasure craft owners and operators are reminded to uphold good personal hygiene and maintain safe distancing to minimise the risk of community spread of COVID-19.
MPA allows, on a case-by-case basis, ship owners and managers of SRS to extend the Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEA) of seafarers who are not able to be repatriated due to travel restrictions imposed at the ports where their ships call. The extension of the seafarers’ SEA must be made in accordance with Regulation 2.1 of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.
The SEA shall be agreed to by the seafarer under conditions which ensure that the seafarer has an opportunity to review and seek advice on the terms and conditions in the agreement and freely accepts them before signing. During the extension period granted by MPA, the ship owner or manager must continue to attempt to repatriate the seafarers at all possible opportunities during each port call.
For crew change applications made from 19 June 2020, MPA has designated two facilities to accommodate crew who are unable to transfer directly to his/her vessel or flight and require a temporary rest area of up to 48 hours. In addition, to facilitate crew signing off in Singapore, technology such as tele-medicine consultations can be used to obtain a fit-to-travel certificate.
To remind, MPA has approved approximately 6,000 crew changes for cargo ships since 27 March 2020.
