Singapore is working to launch a protocol aiming to vaccinate international seafarers against Covid-19.
Singapore has vaccinated front line workers in the maritime and port industries, including foreign national seafarers who serve on vessels that operate in Singapore.
Talking on an ICS webinar, Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, noted that vaccination would increase protection for seafarers and allow ports to remain open.
However, the vaccines could differ from those approved for use in Singapore by the local authorities, which are the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Moreover, Singapore has not approved the use of the Johnson & Johnson single shot vaccine.
What is more, it is expected that the vaccination of international seafarers in Singapore could be done along with the country’s crew change protocol.
Apart from Singapore, the US and some European countries are vaccinating international seafarers, something that is seen as crucial by the industry. On the other hand, no Asian country have started to provide seafarer vaccinations.
I had Astrozeneca vaccine Covishield two doses. Is it approved/complied with in Singapore as fully vaccinated?
It is very utmost important the vaccination of all seafarers must be done (Ffizer, Moderna). In order to achieve total protection on both sides sea & shore personnel, to cobtinue the exchange if goods globally so that every nations in this world continuesly working. I do strongly believe that at the end if the tunnel their will be light to shine upon us.