Crew Change Restrictions Myanmar

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The document outlines crew change restrictions and COVID-19 measures in Myanmar, Singapore, and the Philippines. Crew changes are allowed in all three countries but are subject to quarantine, testing, and documentation requirements.

In Myanmar, crew changes are permitted but crew signing off must undergo 14 days quarantine. Signing on of Myanmar nationals is allowed. Signing off of other nationalities requires embassy approval.

In Singapore, crew changes are permitted for crew whose contracts have expired, additional crew not affecting safe manning, and crew due to sale/purchase of ship. Signing off crew need PCR tests and quarantine arrangements.

Crew Change Restrictions

Source: Wilhelmsen.com

Myanmar

Last reviewed: 12th September 2020

Last updated: 12th September 2020

GENERAL

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
-

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?

2.1 Crew Change permitted?


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.
- Crew sign on/off for Myanmar nationals is allowed
- Crew sign off for other nationalities is permitted but the respective embassies must submit a request to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA will then send an official request to the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of
Immigration and Population who will then process sign off visa and arrange for the necessary quarantine
procedure with the Ministry of Health. Sign off crew will be placed in a designated quarantine hotel by
authorities for quarantine period of 14 days.

2.2 Shore leave permitted?


• No

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?


• All commercial passenger flights have been suspended until 30th September 2020
More info: https://yangonairport.aero/images/latest-news/26_Aug/Eng_Immediate_Notice-
_Further_Extension_of_Temporary_Measures_at_YIA_Up_to_30_September_2020.pdf

• Yangon Regional Government has now imposed a curfew from 12 (00:00) am to 4 am until further notice, trucks are
unable to operate on the road and there may be delays in cargo discharging for direct delivery vessels.

• Mandatory 14 days quarantine for Myanmar crew sign off.

YANGON PORT

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
• For all vessels calling Yangon/Thilawa Port, port health officers will attend onboard vessel on arrival as first party and
they will screen and give the health declaration card to all crew to fill up and sign on arrival.

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?

2.1 Crew Change permitted?:


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.
- Crew sign on/off for Myanmar nationals is allowed
- Crew sign off for other nationalities is permitted but the respective embassies must submit a request to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA will then send an official request to the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of
Immigration and Population who will then process sign off visa and arrange for the necessary quarantine
procedure with the Ministry of Health. Sign off crew will be placed in a designated quarantine hotel by
authorities for quarantine period of 14 days.
2.2 Shore leave permitted?:
• No

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?

• All new arrivals will be quarantined for 14 days at a special care facility centre for COVID 19.

Singapore
Last reviewed: 17th September 2020

Last updated: 17th September 2020

GENERAL

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
• As part of the measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the National Environment Agency’s
(NEA) Port Health requires all arriving vessels to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health Form (refer to Port
Marine Circular 16 of 2020) to the Port Health Unit/ Central Regional Office 12 hours before arrival at
Singapore Port.

a) The Maritime Declaration of Health Form;


b) Crew list / Passenger list;
c) Current copy of Ship Sanitation Certificates; and
d) Last 10 ports of call list
e) List of all passengers & crew members with temperature above 37.5 degree Celsius. The stated documents must be
submitted regardless whether there are any sick passengers or crew on board.
• The master of the ship is to conduct temperature checks for all passengers and crew members no earlier than 2 hours
before arrival and provide the list of passengers/ crew members with temperature measured above 37.5
degree Celsius to Port Health Office, National Environment Agency.

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?

2.1 Crew Change permitted?


"• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.
- With effect from 1st September 2020, MPA will consider the following circumstances for crew change
applications:

1. Crew whose employment contract has expired;


2. Additional crew on board whose sign-off would not affect the safe manning of the ship;
3. Change of crew due to the sale or purchase of ship;
4. Personnel who are not part of the ship’s crew such as superintendents and service engineers;
5. Compassionate grounds e.g. death of family member; or
6. The crew is no longer medically fit to work onboard the ship.

- For sign on crew, the crew and vessel must fulfil the following requirements:
1. Starting from 29th August 2020, crew originating from Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand will not need to undergo
Stay Home Notice (SHN) but must remain in originating country for the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry
to Singapore. Crew originating from Australia (excluding Victoria State), Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan,
Vietnam and Malaysia will need to undergo 7 days SHN in originating country. Crew from all other countries
will need to undergo 14 day SHN in originating country.
(For the period of SHN, the crew should abide by the “Health Advisory for Persons Issued Stay-Home Notice” issued by
the Ministry of Health)
2. The crew must be tested for Covid-19 (PCR-type) with a negative result at his/her home country not more than 48
hours prior to his/her departure flight.
3. The crew must obtain a fit-to-travel medical certificate not more than 24 hours prior to his/her departure flight.
4. The vessel must be in port prior to the crew’s arrival in Singapore (vessel will not be allowed to depart until all
arranged crew signed on vessel). However, if crew members are not allowed to transfer directly, they will be
allowed to make a booking in a designated holding facility. The designated holding facilities will be able to take
crew from 2nd July 2020 as he/she required to have been in quarantine for at least 14 days prior to departing
his/her home country. The stay at the designated holding facility is for up to 48 hours. MPA has established a
Crew Facilitation Centre at Tanjong Pagar Terminal to enhance the capacity of designated holding facilities to
facilitate crew change. The facilities at Tanjong Pagar are for sign-on crew
5. Ships managers/agents must arrange meet-and-greet services for sign on crew arriving at Changi airport, to escort
crew from the moment they disembark the plane to the point where they are handed over to the agent for
the direct transfer to the ship or designated holding facility.
6. In order to expedite the crew’s clearance through immigration and avoid bottlenecks at the ICA checkpoints, please
ensure that the following are carried out:

- Sign-on crew
1. The sign-on crew are required to submit their health declaration to ICA via the SG Arrival Card
[https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard] before arriving in Singapore to facilitate their entry into Singapore.
The “SG Arrival Card” Mobile application can also be downloaded for free from either App Store or Google
Play. The sign-on crew can submit their Electronic Health Declaration (eHDC) 3 days prior to their arrival in
Singapore.
2. The sign-on crew should present MPA’s Final No Objection email to the ICA officer without being asked.

- For sign off crew, the crew and vessel must fulfil the following requirements:
1. The crew must have an available flight for him upon sign-off so that he can go direct to airport once he disembarks
from the vessel.
2. Ship owners/managers/agents can now use tele-medicine to obtain a fit-to-travel arrangement and certification for
crew signing off in Singapore in Singapore.
- Other than appealing to MPA, approval from the National Environment Agency and the Immigration & Checkpoints
Authority (ICA) will also be required. Crew members can only sign off after all 3 Government Agencies have
given the approval. If any one of the three agencies rejects the request, the crew will not be able to sign off.
- Please submit your applications at least 14 days before the planned crew change, especially if application includes
sign-on crew. For foreign-flagged ships, crew change will be considered if the ship meets all prevailing
requirements, and are in Singapore for cargo operations, bunkering and/or other marine services.
3. In order to expedite the crew’s clearance through immigration and avoid bottlenecks at the ICA checkpoints, please
ensure that the following are carried out:
4. For sign-off crew, there are two holding facilities (SeaCare Hotel) and Posh Bawean.
5. For Chinese nationality crew, MPA will arrange for COVID -19 swabs for off-signers to be carried out at Marina South
Pier (MSP). Please contact local port agent for more information

- Sign-off crew
1. All sign-off crew should submit SG Arrival Card (SGAC)/eHDC [https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard] prior to the
date of his arrival at the checkpoint. The “SG Arrival Card” Mobile application can also be downloaded for free
from either App Store or Google Play.
2. The sign-off crew should present MPA’s Final No Objection email to the ICA officer without being asked.

More info: https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-of-singapore/operations/crew-change

2.2 Shore leave permitted?


• No, all arriving vessels will be issued NTL (Not to Land) for all crew members onboard with effect from 23rd Mar 2020
2359hrs, hence shore leave will not be permitted until further notice.

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?


• The owner, agent or master of any vessel arriving in the Port of Singapore to conduct activities such as repairs,
servicing, surveys and inspections which requires shore-based personnel to board the vessel, other than
receiving bunkers and ship supplies, must notify and provide the relevant information, in advance 3 days
before the arrival of the vessel, to the Port Master.

• All crew members / passengers onboard vessel arriving into Singapore port will be issued NTL (Not-to-Land) by
Singapore Immigration Authority. All Crew members/Passengers onboard the vessel are not allowed to
disembark throughout the vessel’s stay at port unless it is an emergency case which will then require
permission from all relevant local Authorities.

•Singapore has ceased port calls for all cruise vessels. For further information on enhanced measures for cruise lines,
please contact MPA Port Operation Control Centre at 62213127/Cruise Division from STB at
[email protected].

JURONG PORT

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
-

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?

2.1 Crew Change permitted?


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.
- With effect from 1st September 2020, MPA will consider the following circumstances for crew change
applications:

1. Crew whose employment contract has expired;


2. Additional crew on board whose sign-off would not affect the safe manning of the ship;
3. Change of crew due to the sale or purchase of ship;
4. Personnel who are not part of the ship’s crew such as superintendents and service engineers;
5. Compassionate grounds e.g. death of family member; or
6. The crew is no longer medically fit to work onboard the ship.

- For sign on crew, the crew and vessel must fulfil the following requirements:
1. Starting from 29th August 2020, crew originating from Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand will not need to undergo
Stay Home Notice (SHN) but must remain in originating country for the last consecutive 14 days prior to entry
to Singapore. Crew originating from Australia (excluding Victoria State), Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan,
Vietnam and Malaysia will need to undergo 7 days SHN in originating country. Crew from all other countries
will need to undergo 14 day SHN in originating country.
(For the period of SHN, the crew should abide by the “Health Advisory for Persons Issued Stay-Home Notice” issued by
the Ministry of Health)
2. The crew must be tested for Covid-19 (PCR-type) with a negative result at his/her home country not more than 48
hours prior to his/her departure flight.
3. The crew must obtain a fit-to-travel medical certificate not more than 24 hours prior to his/her departure flight.
4. The vessel must be in port prior to the crew’s arrival in Singapore (vessel will not be allowed to depart until all
arranged crew signed on vessel). However, if crew members are not allowed to transfer directly, they will be
allowed to make a booking in a designated holding facility. The designated holding facilities will be able to take
crew from 2nd July 2020 as he/she required to have been in quarantine for at least 14 days prior to departing
his/her home country. The stay at the designated holding facility is for up to 48 hours. MPA has established a
Crew Facilitation Centre at Tanjong Pagar Terminal to enhance the capacity of designated holding facilities to
facilitate crew change. The facilities at Tanjong Pagar are for sign-on crew
5. Ships managers/agents must arrange meet-and-greet services for sign on crew arriving at Changi airport, to escort
crew from the moment they disembark the plane to the point where they are handed over to the agent for
the direct transfer to the ship or designated holding facility.
6. In order to expedite the crew’s clearance through immigration and avoid bottlenecks at the ICA checkpoints, please
ensure that the following are carried out:

- Sign-on crew
1. The sign-on crew are required to submit their health declaration to ICA via the SG Arrival Card
[https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard] before arriving in Singapore to facilitate their entry into Singapore.
The “SG Arrival Card” Mobile application can also be downloaded for free from either App Store or Google
Play. The sign-on crew can submit their Electronic Health Declaration (eHDC) 3 days prior to their arrival in
Singapore.
2. The sign-on crew should present MPA’s Final No Objection email to the ICA officer without being asked.

- For sign off crew, the crew and vessel must fulfil the following requirements:
1. The crew must have an available flight for him upon sign-off so that he can go direct to airport once he disembarks
from the vessel.
2. Ship owners/managers/agents can now use tele-medicine to obtain a fit-to-travel arrangement and certification for
crew signing off in Singapore in Singapore.
- Other than appealing to MPA, approval from the National Environment Agency and the Immigration & Checkpoints
Authority (ICA) will also be required. Crew members can only sign off after all 3 Government Agencies have
given the approval. If any one of the three agencies rejects the request, the crew will not be able to sign off.
- Please submit your applications at least 14 days before the planned crew change, especially if application includes
sign-on crew. For foreign-flagged ships, crew change will be considered if the ship meets all prevailing
requirements, and are in Singapore for cargo operations, bunkering and/or other marine services.
3. In order to expedite the crew’s clearance through immigration and avoid bottlenecks at the ICA checkpoints, please
ensure that the following are carried out:
4. For sign-off crew, there are two holding facilities (SeaCare Hotel) and Posh Bawean.
5. For Chinese nationality crew, MPA will arrange for COVID -19 swabs for off-signers to be carried out at Marina South
Pier (MSP). Please contact local port agent for more information

- Sign-off crew
1. All sign-off crew should submit SG Arrival Card (SGAC)/eHDC [https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard] prior to the
date of his arrival at the checkpoint. The “SG Arrival Card” Mobile application can also be downloaded for free
from either App Store or Google Play.
2. The sign-off crew should present MPA’s Final No Objection email to the ICA officer without being asked.

More info: https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-of-singapore/operations/crew-change

2.2 Shore leave permitted?


• No, all arriving vessels will be issued NTL (Not to Land) for all crew members onboard with effect from 23rd Mar 2020
2359hrs, hence shore leave will not be permitted until further notice.

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?


• From 24th January 2020, 1200H, all vessels berthed at Jurong Port will be subjected to a health inspection for all crew
members onboard before they will be allowed to land. Only vessels operating within Singapore port will be
exempted.
• Jurong Port's Workplace Safety and and Health officers will conduct temperature screenings for all crew members
upon arrival of the vessels.
• Agents are required to provide a crew list to Jurong port's berthing department. Masters of vessels will be required to
provide assistance to the WSH officers in conducting temperature screenings of the crew.

South Korea
Last reviewed: 18th September 2020

Last updated: 10th September 2020


GENERAL

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
•Starting from 30th July 2020, if the vessel comes from the following COVID-19 high risk countries, Quarantine
inspection and COVID-19 test for all crews are required on arrival. Cargo operations and passengers boarding
are delayed until COVID-19 test is confirmed
- 7 COVID -19 high risk countries : Russia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and
Kyrgyzstan
• If the vessel has an on signer that came from a COVID-19 high risk country within the past 14 days before calling to
Korea, quarantine inspection is required on arrival
• If the vessel comes from Guangdong and Hunan province in China, quarantine inspection is required on arrival
• Free Pratique will only be granted after passing the Quarantine inspection

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?
"• The government announced to suspend the 90day visa-free entry program for Japanese visitors and to invalidate
already issued visas (effective from 9th March 2020 midnight) against Japan's decision to impose new
restrictions for South Korean visitors over coronavirus fears More info:
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2020/03/120_285727.html

2.1 Crew Change permitted?:


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.
-Starting from 08th September 2020:
1. If the vessel has on-signer in the following COVID-19 high risk countries before vessel call to Korea, the on-signer has
to submit a negative PCR test result issued within 48 hours before departure from 7 high risk countries (7
COVID -19 high risk countries : Russia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and
Kyrgyzstan)
2. PCR test has to be issued from a medical institution designated by Korean Embassy in COVID-19 high risk countries
3. Imprisonment of up to one year or A fine of USD 9,000 or less for both Owner and on-signer if:
a. PCR test result for on-signer is issued in excess of 48 hours before departure from COVID-19 high risk countries
b. PCR test result is not issued by a designated medical institution
c. PCR test result for on-signer is not submitted before arrival
d. On-singer has a forged PCR test result.

In case of the vessel that violates quarantine-related obligations such as submission of a forged PCR test result, Entry
restrictions are applied like entrance permission or prohibited entry into the port

-Enhanced immigration procedures (Korean visa(C-3-11) and a PCR negative test result) for on-signers
1. Starting from 24th July 2020, regardless of nationality, all on-signers need Korean visa(C-3-11) and are not allowed to
enter Korea without a Korean visa. They will have to submit a negative COVID-19 test result to enter South
Korea and will not be allowed to board flights to Korea without proof of the negative test result.
- On signers coming from the following 8 countries, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines,
Uzbekistan, Indonesia and India, will have to produce a PCR test result that is issued from a medical institution
designated by Korean Embassy
- If on-signers come from the following 21 visa free countries, they are exempted: Guam, New Caledonia, Palau, USA,
Mexico, Guyana, Nicaragua, Dominica, Barbados, Venezuela, Saint Vincent, St. Kitts and Nevis, England, Island,
Malta, Monaco, Vatican, San Marino, Andorra, Albania, Slovenian

- All on-signers (regardless of their nationality) will need to undergo a 2-week quarantine upon arrival in the airport at
their own expense.
- Crew may be exempted from the 2-week quarantine if they fulfil the following conditions:
1) If the COVID-19 infection test is negative within 3 days after arrival to Korea
2) If the vessel departure is confirmed within a 2-week quarantine
3) If Crew transportation from the facilities to the port is secured by the agent
- The following documents are to be submitted to the quarantine facilities and need to be approved:
1) Vessel departure report or Documentary evidence for vessel departure
2) Crew list for departure
3)Crew employment contract.
- COVID 19 infection test will be conducted at the government quarantine facilities within 3 days after arrival to Korea
regardless of crew nationality.
- Chinese transit passengers without Korean visas and foreigners from China will not be allowed.
- The following crew/passenger are restricted to enter Korea
1. All Chinese seafarers with passport issued in Hubei province is prohibited to enter Korea
2. All valid Korean visa issued in Hubei province has temporarily lost its effect until further notice.
3. All foreigners that have visited Hubei province in the past 14 days is prohibited to enter Korea.
4. All foreigners transit without visa to Jeju Island in Korea has temporarily lost its effect.

-Starting from 6th July 2020, all off-signers will need to undergo mandatory COVID-19 infection test and Special
Quarantine procedures when disembarking from the vessel and undergo a 14-day quarantine at government
designated facilities (the cost of COVID-19 infection test will be covered by the Korean government).
- If the quarantine facilities are full when off-signers disembark from the vessel, disembarkation may be limited.
Without facilities for quarantine, the disembarkation procedure for off-signers is not allowed and entry to the
facility has to be secured in advance. If off-signers do not comply with quarantine obligation, according to
infectious disease prevention law, they will be immediately evicted and off-signers/owners and agencies
related to crew change may be subject to penalties.
-The vessel departure is delayed until COVID-19 test is confirmed and the result will be released at least 1 ~ 2days after
the test (Depending on the time of COVID-19 infection test)
-Starting from 13th July 2020, the usage of quarantine facilities has to be applied to Port Authority 4 days prior to off-
signers disembarkation
Case 1) If the application is submitted 4 days prior to off-signers disembarkation: KW150,000(USD130) per day/Early
release is allowed during 14-days quarantine
Case 2) If the application is failed to submit 4 days prior to off-signers disembarkation: KW200,000(USD173) per day
/Early release is not allowed and 14-day quarantine is mandatory

-If the COVID-19 test is negative, early release is allowed from the facility during the quarantine as per flight schedule
and the following documents have to be submitted to the facilities and to be approved
1) Flight ticket
2) Passport & Seaman’s book
3) Letter of Guarantee by the agent
- Crew may be exempted from the 14-day quarantine if they fulfil the following conditions:
1) Vessel navigation over 14 days from the previous port
2) All crews on board without shore leave over 14 days before arrival at port
3) No history of COVID-19 symptoms
- The following documents for quarantine exemption to be submitted to Port Authority 24hrs prior to arrival at port for
approval:
1) Quarantine exemption application form
2) Vessel arrival/departure declaration form
3) Crew list
4) A written oath

-Crew will have to report their health conditions through the Self Diagnosis Mobile App once daily and if the application
is not downloaded, the off-signer will not be allowed to disembark the vessel.
-Crew transportation from the vessel to government designated facilities and from the facilities to the airport have to
be secured by the agent (Not allowed to use public transportation)
- During transportation, the movement to highway rest areas and shops/restaurants is strictly prohibited and must be
reported to the quarantine facility upon completion of travel to facilities, airports and ports.
-Korean off-signers will need self-quarantine at home for 14 days and are not allowed to use public transportation from
the vessel to their home. Crew transportation has to be secured by the agent and they will have to download
the self-quarantine safety protection app

2.2 Shore leave permitted?:


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions:
Effective from 6th July 2020:
-Shore leave is permitted only for medical treatment only after the approval from the Quarantine. The crew undergo
mandatory COVID-19 infection test at their expenses and has to be isolated on the vessel
until the test result is confirmed.
- The vessel departure is detained until COVID-19 test is confirmed and it takes at least 1 ~ 2days (depends on the time
of COVID-19 infection test).

- Special Quarantine procedures and Self Diagnosis Mobile App Installation are needed for shore leave and crew
conditions are monitored by the App during shore leave.

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?


• Effective from 1st April 2020 0000LT, all overseas arrivals to South Korea, citizens and foreigners will be subject to a
mandatory two weeks quarantine.
- Those without local residence in South Korea will be quarantined at government-designated facilities at their own
expense.
- In order to effectively prevent entry to the country for unimportant purposes, such as travel, the compulsory
quarantine measure applies to all foreigners coming in for short stays too.
More info: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2020/03/356_286992.html

• The Special Quarantine Procedure will be applied to everyone including Koreans for entry to Korea starting from 19th
March 2020 00:00LT
- Special Quarantine Procedures:
1. The Travel Record Declaration
2. Checking body temperature & Health Questionnaire
3. Self Diagnosis Mobile App Installation Instructions
4. Checking call receipt / then take Immigration formality for entry to Korea
More info : http://www.mohw.go.kr/react/al/sal0301vw.jsp?
PAR_MENU_ID=04&MENU_ID=0403&page=1&CONT_SEQ=353588 (Ministry of Health and Welfare)

• Effective from 9th March 2020: The vessel sailed out from the port in Japan does not have Quarantine inspection
same as before (Radio Pratique Message is acceptable by EDI) but Special Quarantine Procedures is applied to
all crews from vessels that have departed from Japan within the last 14 days

• Cruise vessels are not allowed to call at any port in Korea temporarily. However, if the cruise vessel needs bunkering
and store supplies without disembarking from the vessel, she can call at anchorage only.

Japan
Last reviewed: 18th September 2020

Last updated: 31st August 2020

GENERAL
(Local port and terminal authorities may have additional requirements regarding immigration, please kindly contact our
local agents for more information)

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
• All vessels arriving from foreign port are requested to complete health questionnaire form and submit the same to
quarantine office before ship's arrival on top of usual radio pratique message
2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?

2.1 Crew change permitted?

• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.


- The following Foreigners (non-Japanese) who have Chinese passports issued by Hubei and Zhejiang Province in the
People's Republic of China are not allowed to enter Japan and hence are not allowed to undergo crew change
- On-signing is allowed if the on-signer passes test on arrival at the first arrival airport. Starting from 1st September
2020, they will also need to take COVID-19 test within 72 hours before departure to Japan. Upon arrival in
Japan, they will need to submit the original copy of the inspection certificate to prove that they do not have
COVID. Without this certificate, immigration will not allow the on-signer to enter Japan. On-signer will need to
hand-over the test report to immigration and copies of the inspection certificate will not be accepted
- Starting from 29th July 2020, on-signers receive saliva test instead of PCR test. Results will be released within 2-3
hours.

- Offsigning is permitted but the vessel has to spend at least 14 days at sea after departing the previous foreign port
before its arrival in Japan and there must be flights available from Japan to the end destination. There must be
no sign of infection. If it is within 14 days, please check with the local port officials for the requirements for
each specific port.
- For both on-/off-signers, they will not be allowed to use public transportation while transiting between airport and
port but will only be able to use private cars that the agents have prepared.
- For on signers, crew are not allowed to use public transportation/domestic flight within 14days. For off-signers, crew
are not allowed to use public transportation/domestic flight.
- Crew must maintain a social distance, put on gloves and masks at all times at each port that crew has called within
past 14days before arrival in Japan.
- Restrictions may vary. Please contact our local port agent for more information on the crew change restrictions.

2.2 Shore leave permitted?


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.
- Private terminals have their own regulations, please contact our local port agent for terminal specific
regulations.
- Shore leave is permitted but the vessel has to spend at least 14 days at sea after departing the previous
foreign port before its arrival in Japan and all crew members on board are healthy with no signs of COVID-19
symptoms. Some quarantine offices have set their own restrictions for shore leave of crew members. Please
contact our local port agent for more information

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?


• Foreigners (non-Japanese) who have stayed at the following places within the last 14 days are not allowed to enter
Japan:
- Algeria, Gabon, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambia, Rwanda, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Sao Tome and
Principe, Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Comoros, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Congo, Republic of,
Lesotho, Somalia, Congo, DR of the, Liberia, Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, Libya, South Sudan, Djibouti, Madagascar,
South Africa, Egypt, Malawi, Trinidad and Tobago, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritania, Tunisia, Eswatini, Mauritius,
Zambia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, Maldives, Thailand, China (incl
HK, Macau), Nepal, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, Republic of, Singapore,
Albania, Greece, Norway, Andorra, Hungary, Poland, Armenia, Iceland, Portugal, Austria, Ireland, Romania,
Azerbaijan, Italy, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, San Marino, Belgium, Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Kyrgyz Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Slovenia, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Spain, Cyprus, Lithuania, Sweden,
Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Denmark, Malta, Tajikistan, Estonia, Moldova, Ukraine, Finland,
Monaco, United Kingdom, France, Montenegro, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Netherlands, Vatican, Germany, North
Macedonia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Nicaragua, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Panama, Bahamas,
Ecuador, Paraguay, Barbados, El Salvador, Peru, Belize, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Bolivia, Guatemala,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Chile, Haiti, Uruguay, Colombia, Honduras,
Venezuela, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, Turkey,
Israel, Palestine, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Canada, Unites States, Australia, New Zealand

• State of emergency which has been in force in all regions in Japan was lifted on 25th May 2020.

• From 3rd April 2020 0000 hrs, all visitors including Japanese from any foreign country and region will be quarantined
for 14 days on their arrival in places designated by Quarantine Station Chiefs and are requested to refrain from
using public transportation in Japan

• From 26th March 2020 0000 hrs, all visitors including Japanese from United States of America will be quarantined for
14 days upon their arrival in places designated by Quarantine Station Chiefs and are requested to refrain from
using public transportation in Japan

• Foreigners (non-Japanese) who have Chinese passports issued by Hubei and Zhejiang Province in the People's
Republic of China are not allowed to enter Japan

Hong Kong
Last reviewed: 17th September 2020

Last updated: 17th September 2020

GENERAL

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
• No special quarantine requirement, but in case the crew on board the vessel has fever or any symptoms associated
with Pneumonia, the ships master has to inform quarantine official via agent before vessel arrival.

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?
-

2.1 Crew Change permitted?


"• Yes, but subject to the following conditions:

*With effect from 29 July 2020 until further notice, only goods vessels with cargo operations will be allowed to enter
the Hong Kong waters for crew change and are exempted from compulsory quarantine. This is subject to
conditions.

• For restrictions regarding crew/non-crew of visiting vessels please refer to :


https://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/ocean/pdf/notice_summary_vessels.pdf
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202007/26/P2020072600440.htm?fontSize=1

2.2 Shore leave permitted?


• Please check with local agent for more information

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?


• All incoming sea crew members of goods vessels coming to Hong Kong for cargo operation arriving at the Hong Kong
International Airport (HKIA) must obtain a negative result of nucleic acid test for COVID-19 conducted at a
recognised laboratory within 48 hours prior to boarding. Upon arrival to Hong Kong, they must also submit a
deep throat saliva specimen at the DH’s TSCC and wait at the TSCC or other location designated by DH until
their test results are confirmed negative. Sea crew members who fail to present any of the three required
documentary proof: 1) a negative test report, 2) a letter of certification declared by the shipping
companies/agents (that the crew member concerned has been tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid
conducted at a recognised laboratory with the specimen collected within 48 hours prior to boarding the flight
to Hong Kong, with an emergency local contact phone number for prompt contact with the concerned crew
under emergency situation), and 3) an approval letter from the Marine Department, upon arrival will be
subject to compulsory quarantine or refusal entry rendering them being not able to board the vessels.
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/exempted-persons-faq.html

• Cruise service in Hong Kong is suspended until further Notice.


More info: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/05/P2020020500793.htm
https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2020/02/20200205/20200205_180047_654.html?type=ticker

• Medical Surveillance
1. You should wear surgical mask if you need to go out
2. You must pay attention to your health condition, and take body temperature daily. 3. Agree to be interviewed by
Department of Health regarding your health condition.

Indonesia
Last reviewed: 2nd September 2020

Last updated: 2nd September 2020

GENERAL

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
• All vessels will have to undergo port health clearance twice. First clearance will be conducted by quarantine
authorities at anchorage whereby inspection on each crew member will be done to ensure that they are all in
good health and free of COVID-19. After this, the vessel can move to berth and conduct activities. The second
clearance will be arranged as per normal to grant free pratique after quarantine authorities has given the
greenlight. Operations can be arranged once free pratique is granted.

- Vessels are not allowed to berth directly and vessel will have to drop anchor at Quarantine zone
- No one is allowed to embark on the vessel before quarantine inspection by health quarantine officers.
- Master must report the crew’s health conditions (at least the results of body temperature) within 10days before
arrival to the health quarantine officer.
- Quarantine inspections conducted by health quarantine officers and will complete PPE in the quarantine zone
- If the inspection has resulted finding Covid19 infected crew, vessel will be quarantined and risk factor management
will be done according to SOP.
- After inspection and no risk factors found for transmission and other PHEIC risk factors, vessel will be given a limited
permit (Restricted Pratique) to berth at jetty.

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?
• Indonesian government has suspended visa exemption policy for short stay visit, VKSK, free visa for diplomatic
services for unspecified time limit for all foreign travelers starting from 20th March 2020.
• Immigration will reject all applications for VOA, Visiting visa and Joinship visa and VOA for all People's Republic of
China citizens.
• Immigration will reject all applications for VOA, Visiting visa and Joinship visa to Foreigners who have lived and / or
visited the territory of the People's Republic of China within 14 (fourteen) days before the application is
submitted.

2.1 Crew Change permitted?


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions:
- Crew change can be arranged across Java island, including Jakarta, Cigading, Cilacap, Ciwandan, Merak, Surabaya, and
Gresik. In Kalimantan port including Taboneo, Samarinda and Balikpapan. In Sulawesi island only Makassar is
available and Last is in Batam, including Nipah.
- For sign on, crew must apply B211A join ship visa before arrival. Some embassy may require Telex letter from
immigration Jakarta. Telex can be obtained through application as follows:
1. USD400 per pax
2. 15 days process
3. Copy passport
4. E-ticket & Flight schedule (3-4 weeks before vessel arrival)
-For sign off, crew procedure is as follows:
1. PCR test,
2. Flight e-ticket
2. Self-isolation (depending port) at designated hotel.
once clear, and negative covid19 test off-signer will be arrange to airport to depart at their origin country.
- Indonesian crew is allowed to undergo crew change but limited to ports listed above.

2.2 Shore leave permitted?


• No, however, certain ports may have different restrictions. Please contact our local port agents for more information

3. Other potential restrictions due to Coronavirus

• While passing / Anchorage, husbandry activities are strictly not allowed. Vessel must call the port properly, please
contact the local port agent for more information.

• Medivac: Please be advised that during covid19 no while passing is allowed. Thus, if vessel is calling for crew sick,
please contact the Head of Basarnas, National SAR Agency of Indonesia. Master will need to communicate
with Search and Rescue team (Basarnas) in Republic of Indonesia at the following contact details:
Head of Basarnas, National SAR Agency of Indonesia”
Type: SAR DP, Country: Indonesia
Telephone : 62 21 352 1111
Alternate: 62 21 3483 2901
Email: [email protected]
Telex 73 44025 SARNAS IA

Philippines
Last reviewed: 13th September 2020

Last updated: 13th September 2020

GENERAL

1. Are there any restrictions on vessels whose previous port call was from COVID -19 high risk countries?
• For all vessels coming from China and its SARs and other countries infected by COVID-19 declared by WHO:
-Limit unnecessary movements outside the vessel.
- Daily temperature check c/o master of the vessel (from last port prior arrival to Philippine port)
-Report immediately to ship's agent flu like symptoms, and or pneumonia.
- Direct berthing privilege cancelled for all vessels.
-Maintain proper hygiene etiquette and proper handling of sick crew.
- Advance copy of ship's Port of call, voyage memo must be given to all port authorities.
-All cruise ships with passengers, regardless of nationality, who, within 14 days immediately preceding arrival in the
Philippines, has been to China and its SARs are not allowed to dock at any Philippine Port.
- All vessels calling from China, including Hong Kong and Macau SAR, regardless of the fourteen days incubation period
of the disease, must be boarded at Quarantine anchorage station upon arrival at Philippine port.

2. Are there any restrictions on crew who embarked from COVID -19 high risk countries or specific nationalities?
• Bureau of Immigrations ceased approval of Visas for foreign crew to embark and disembark any ports in the
Philippines.
• Temporary cessation of Visa approvals for foreign nationalities coming in the Philippines.  

2.1 Crew Change permitted?


• Yes, but subject to the following conditions.
- Filipino crew are allowed to embark and disembark foreign/international vessels in Manila, Bataan ports and Subic
Bay only.
1. Immigration approval/clearance is required prior to embarkation and disembarkation
2. All sign on crew are required to present/submit RT-PCR Test prior to embarkation, arranged by Local Manning
Agents.
3. RT-PCR test to be conducted right after crew disembarks from the vessel, arranged by Local Manning Agents.
4. All Sign off crew are required to undergo quarantine/isolation period once crew disembarks from vessel arranged by
Local Manning Agents, once negative test results are released, crew to secure Bureau of Quarantine clearance
so that they may return home

5. Embarkation of Filipino crew will NOT be allowed by Bureau of Immigration if vessel’s next port of call are any of the
following ports:
a. Hubei Province China
b. Wuhan, China
c. Daegu, South Korea
d. Cheongdo, South Korea
e. North Gyeongsang, South Korea
f. Iran
g. Italy
6. On signing crew will need to submit the following documents:
a. Immigration approval with no derogatory records.
b. Passport and Seamans Book Copy (Bio-page)
c. RT-PCR test Negative result
7. Off-signing crew thru their Local Manning Agents will need to submit the following documents:
a. Immigration approval with no derogatory records.
b. Passport and Seamans book copy (Bio-page)
c. Letter request to Bureau of Quarantine
d. Affidavit of Undertaking (Notarized, 5 original copies)
e. Copy of Gov’t ID of authorized signatory of Affidavit of Undertaking
f. Affidavit of Undertaking Individual to be filled up by sign off crew only
g. RT-PCR Swab Test appointment/confirmation once crew disembarked said vessel
h. Hotel booking confirmation/quarantine facility details which should be accredited by OWWA/DOH where the crew
will stay after his RT-PCR Test while waiting for the test result
i. Profile of Filipino repatriates
j. Sign off crew health declaration

- Sign off of foreign crew may or may not be permitted but the following documents must be submitted:
1. DFA Endorsement Letter
2. Confirmed flight for foreign nationals (same day of crew disembarkation from vessel)
3. Bureau of Quarantine Medical Certification
a. Quarantine Officer can only issue Medical Certification upon Entrance formalities, they will require E-tickets/confirm
flight details for the sign-off foreign crew
4. Immigration Approval/Clearance
a. PCR negative test result may be needed for crew flying to specific countries and airlines.

- Crew change is now permitted at Bataan Limay Anchorage (Port Capinpin Orion will be the location for on/off signers’
movements). Both Filipino and Foreign crew are allowed for crew change. Disembarking seafarers will need to
go directly to quarantine facilities and with seaman’s book, travel documents and forms required by
authorities. They will also need to be tested. Embarking seafarers will need to prepare travel documents and
may need to undergo COVID-19 test depending on the port they are embarking from. Please contact our local
port agent for more information.
- Crew change is now permitted for both foreign crew and Filippino crew at Subic Bay anchorage after vessel’s cargo
operations and off-signing crew will need to undergo a PCR test.

2.2 Shore leave permitted?


• No

3. Any other restrictions due to COVID - 19?


• Manila is on general community quarantine starting from 18th August 2020 and is subject to review. Bataan,
Batangas, Sual, Pangasinan, SBMA, Subic, Masinloc, Pagbilao, and Quezon will be undergoing General
Community Quarantine starting from 1st June 2020. Cebu is back to Enhanced Community Quarantine and is
subject to review. Isabel, Leyte, Davao, Misamis Oriental & Occidental, General Santos, Zamboanga, Surigao
are still under General Community Quarantine

• Boarding formalities shall be conducted on vessels only with issued free pratique by the Bureau of Quarantine.
• Domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila shall be suspended beginning 15th March 2020
• Travel ban on entry into the Philippines of any person regardless of nationality, except Filipino citizens and holders of
Permanent Resident Visas issued by the Philippine Government, from any countries.

• Please contact WSBSI team for port or terminal specific restrictions

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