As crew change has been a challenging issue for seafarers that arose during the COVID-19 crisis, GAC (Gulf Agency Company) informs that in Oman, crew change is allowed under special circumstances.
Specifically, in a similar move to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Oman is allowing crew changes in special circumstances ship agents GAC reported.
The special circumstances are that:
- the crew has served his/her maximum time on board and no further extension of the employment contract is granted by the flag State;
- compassionate grounds e.g. death of family member;
- the crew is no longer medically fit to work onboard the ship.
In addition, GAC said that vessel owners should be able to provide to their crew flights out of Oman, to make sure that the departing crew will be able to fly out of the country immediately. Keeping in mind that normal flights are still not available in Oman, the vessel owner would be responsible in arranging special flights.
It is highlighted that
In cases where crew do not fly out immediately, they will be kept under quarantine in accordance with Ministry of Health regulations and procedures until they fly out of the country. All relevant expenses shall be borne by the company or ship agent.
To learn more about crew changes and where they are allowed, click here.
