Philippines puts an end to crew change temporary ban

The Philippine Government puts an end to the temporary ban on crew changes, allowing both Filipino and foreign seafarers to disembark in any of the established crew changes hubs.

To remind, Philippines set a temporary ban on the conduct of crew change activities in the country, banning seafarers from vessels which had called approximately 35 countries.

Therefore, returning Filipino seafarers who have passed through these countries, had to return to Manila only and stay for 14 days at a quarantine facility, even if they have tested negative for Covid-19.

However, according to shipping agency GAC, from the 1st February 2021, both Filipino and foreign seafarers are allowed to disembark in any of the established crew changes hubs, notwithstanding the recorded port of calls of their ships, subject to the existing protocols of the One Stop Shop (OSS) for Seafarers.

[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]

For the record, Philippines has crew change hubs in Port Capinpin in Orion, Bataan, Manila South Harbour, Port of Sasa in Davao and Port of Batangas.

In light of the situation, all disembarking crew must take into consideration the region’s health and safety protocols, which are the following:

1. While abroad, seafarers can register online thru https://ecif.firstaide.ph/#/ and secure their QR Code.
2. The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) will collect the accomplished health declaration form from all passengers. BOQ medical officer and staffs evaluate arriving OFWs/ROFs for any signs of COVID-19 infection through thermal scanning, Health Declaration Checklist (HDC) review and physical examination.
3. Complete a briefing on health and safety protocols upon arrival at NAIA by Philippine Coast Guard. Secure and filling-out of the OWWA Project Care Form.
4. Proceed to the Bureau of Immigration for clearance before retrieval of luggage(s).
5. Proceed to the MARINA Help Desk submit the Project Care Form.
6. For sea-based OFWs, your Local Manning Agency (LMA) will arrange for your hotel accommodation/quarantine facility. Note that your date of arrival is Day 1.
7. Board designated OWWA buses to your assigned quarantine facilities/hotels and observe strict quarantine procedures while there.
8. On Day 6, Philippine Coast Guard will conduct the RT-PCR swab test at the hotel/quarantine facility. Continue observing strict quarantine procedures while waiting for results.
9. After obtaining a negative RT-PCR test result online, a Bureau of Quarantine Health Certificate indicating the actual number of days on quarantine will be provided.
10. Wait for advice and prepare to leave the hotel using your LMA arranged transportation to PITX or NAIA Terminal 2.
11. For :
    1. Luzon-bound passengers, proceed to PITX in Paranaque for processing.
    2. Visayas and Mindanao-bound, including Palawan, proceed to NAIA PAL Terminal 2 for processing.
12. Fill-out the necessary forms and follow further instructions until the boarding announcement.
13. Upon arrival at the airport of destination, report to RTF/PTF/OWWA Station or LGU for accounting and instructions.
14. RTF/PTF or LGU will provide free transportation to LGU of final destination.
15. Complete the remainder of your quarantine (total of 14 days) at the city/municipal/barangay quarantine facility or at home if permitted by your LGU.
16. Once released from quarantine by LGU, continue to observe minimum health standards like wearing of face mask, maintaining physical distance, and washing of hands. Also, always keep your immune system high by having enough sleep, eating the correct food, and doing regular physical exercise.

As GAC further explained, seafarers and their Licensed Manning Agencies (LMA) must maintain close coordination with the One Stop Shop (OSS) until the end of their quarantine period at the OWWA-designated facility.

“After which, seafarers who yield a negative result from their COVID-19 test shall be endorsed to their local government units of destination. Filipino seafarers returning to their provinces shall be strictly monitored for the remainder of their fourteen-day quarantine through their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Team”.

…GAC noted.

Concluding, other provisions under the Green Lane Program for Seafarers of the national government are expected to be into effect.