Hot Port News from GAC
19-Mar-2020
ENTRY RESTRICTIONS FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS
Australia
PROCESSING OF MARITIME CREW VISAS
Australia
COVID-19 PORT CONDITIONS
Azores Islands
AIRPORT CLOSED TO NON-NATIONALS
Trinidad & Tobago
SAFEGUARDING DETAINED CREWMEMBERS
New York & Newark, United States
AIR TRAVEL TO LUANDA SUSPENDED
Angola
RESTRICTED ENTRY
Nigeria
MINIMUM REQUIRED MEASURES
Mombasa, Kenya
PORT CLOSED TO PASSENGER VESSELS
Dakar, Senegal
RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRY AND EXIT
Benin
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AT REFINERY
Aghioi Theodoroi, Greece
NEW MEASURES AT HELLENIC PETROLEUM INSTALLATIONS
Aspropyrgos, Eleusis & Pachi, Greece
COVID-19 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Kolkata, India
CREW CHANGES AND SHORE LEAVE
Tranmere & Stanlow, United Kingdom
SHIP SHORE COMMUNICATIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Eastham, United Kingdom
UPDATED LIST OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RISK COUNTRIES
Novorossiysk, Russia
ENTRY BY AIR BANNED, CREW CHANGES CANCELLED
Mauritius
MEASURES TO PREVENT SPREAD OF COVID-19
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE
Subic, Philippines
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FURTHER EXTENDED
Singapore
ADDITIONAL PILOT EMBARKATION PROCEDURES
Montrose, United Kingdom
STATE OF PUBLIC EMERGENCY DECLARED
Bahamas
SHORTAGE OF STEVEDORES
Peru
SHORTAGE OF STEVEDORES
Peru
OFFSHORE ATTENDANCE SUSPENDED
Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates
Entry restrictions for commercial vessels
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Australia
The Australian Government has announced that all persons entering Australia must undertake a precautionary self-isolation period for 14 days upon entry to the country. This applies to any person entering Australia, including Australian citizens and permanent residents. Persons who are entering Australia for less than 14 days must self-isolate for the entire duration of their stay.
These measures apply to all people entering Australia including via aircraft and vessels. The travel restrictions for mainland China, Iran, the Republic of Korea and Italy remain in place for all travellers including maritime crew.
For all commercial vessels arriving from any port outside Australia:
All vessel masters must answer health screening questions as part of their entry reporting.
ABF and Biosecurity officers remain responsible for border clearance processes. Vessels that report ill persons with relevant symptoms will undergo a human health inspection by a Biosecurity Officer on arrival in Australia, and before the vessel is granted pratique.
Crew members on a vessel:
All crew must remain on-board while the vessel is berthed in Australia.
Crew are able to disembark to conduct vessel functions and crew must wear personal protective equipment while performing these functions.
Crew must also use personal protective equipment in public spaces on board the vessel whilst non-crew members are on board.
These restrictions apply until 14 days has elapsed since the vessel departed the last port before Australia, unless crew are unwell or there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on-board.
The period maritime crew spend at sea prior to their arrival in Australia counts towards the 14-day period of self-isolation. In practice, if a vessel has travelled for ten days since last being in a foreign port, the period of precautionary self-isolation for its crew members would be the remaining four days.
Once the 14 days has elapsed and provided all crew are well and there is no sign of illness in any crew member, crew are permitted to take shore leave.
Where a crew member is signing off a vessel (within the 14 day period) and remaining in Australia they must self-isolate at their accommodation for the remainder of the 14 day self-isolation period.
Crew members departing Australia may proceed directly to the airport and depart; or they must self-isolate at their accommodation until the time they proceed to the airport.
Crew travelling to Australia (by aircraft) to join a vessel must adhere to the following arrangements:
On arrival in Australia crew may take a domestic flight/s to their final destination to meet their vessel but must self-isolate at their accommodation if they have a layover at any time.
Crew must proceed directly to the vessel or their accommodation.
If not joining the vessel immediately, crew must self-isolate at their accommodation.
Once on the vessel, crew members may leave the vessel to undertake vessel functions and must wear personal protective equipment while performing these functions.
International crew members joining a commercial vessel voyage are subject to a 14 day self-isolation period. Crew are permitted to transit through Australia but must remain in the port or airport, or self-isolate in accommodation for the duration of their transit. Crew must self-isolate at their final destination for the remainder of the 14 days.
(For information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com)
Source: Australian Border Force updated dated 19 March 2020
Processing of Maritime Crew Visas
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Australia
Crew arriving in Australia are being urged to ensure they have a valid visa well ahead of their arrival, as the Department of Home Affairs Maritime Global Processing Centre (MGPC) will close for the Easter holiday from 4pm on Thursday 9 April until start of business on Tuesday 14 April. No Maritime Crew Visas (MCVs) will be processed during this period.
Applications for crew arriving in Australia on a vessel by sea should be lodged at least 14 days prior to departure from a port overseas in order to avoid any issues with delays to processing, crew travelling and/or arriving without visas, or associated punitive action.
This means applications should be lodged no later than Tuesday 24 March for crew intending to arrive in Australia from an overseas port between 9 and 14 April 2020.
The Australian Border Force will remain operational 24/7 basis over the holiday period.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, travel restrictions are in place for all travelers to Australia. For the latest information on these restrictions go to https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus
For information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
COVID-19 port conditions
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Azores Islands
Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, ports of the Azores Islands remain open for the following purpose of calls, to be authorised on a case-by-case basis:
Bunker calls
Receiving spare parts
Medical disembarkations (duly proven)
Repairs
Load/discharge operations
Crew not allowed to come ashore, unless for urgent medical attendance. No crew changes are authorised.
(For information about operations in the Azores Islands, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com)
Source: ABC – AGENCIA NAVEGACAO, LDA – GAC agent
Airport closed to non-nationals
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Trinidad & Tobago
For the next 14 days, Trinidad’s Piarco Airport remains closed to non-nationals. This will affect crew changes as non-nationals will not be permitted to enter the country through the airport or disembark vessels or rigs during this time.
Bunkering, provision of food supplies, ship spare deliveries, berthing/unberthing and loading/discharging of vessels are permitted, upon request.
No shore leave will be granted.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Trinidad & Tobago, contact GAC Trinidad & Tobago at trinidad@gac.com
Safeguarding detained crewmembers
Thursday, March 19, 2020, New York & Newark, United States
The purpose of this document is to provide information concerning operational procedures and guidelines pertaining to the boarding of all foreign arriving vessels entering the Port of New York/Newark from the COVID-19 restricted countries…
…Early detection, prevention, and control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on ships is important to protect and avoid transmission of the virus by arriving crewmembers who could be suspected of having COVID-19…
…All persons employed in any capacity on board any vessel or aircraft arriving in the United States shall be detained on board the vessel or at the airport of arrival by the master or agent of such vessel or aircraft until admitted or otherwise permitted to land by an officer of the Service. The examination of every nonimmigrant alien crewman arriving in the United States shall be in accordance with this part…
…Effective 0000 hours on March 17, 2020, CBP in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard have detained all foreign crew members arriving within 14 days from the following countries: Iran, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), United Kingdom, Ireland and European states within the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
CBP is requiring a guard presence to deter the absconding of detained crewmembers prior to inspection by our officers on the 15th day from their last port call in the affected countries listed above. Every vessel that arrives into the Port of New York/ Newark that fits the criteria listed above will be contacted by CBP to ensure a proper security plan is in place prior to the vessel’s arrival.
CBP recognizes the hardship this may place on crewmembers however, this protocol is necessary to address the health concerns in our ports… …For any questions or concerns please contact a Supervisory CBP Officer, Maritime Admissibility Unit, Port of New York/Newark at 201-436-2850 or e-mail MAU-NY-NWK@cbp.dhs.gov
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at usa@gac.com)
Source: Extracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Port of New York/Newark notice dated 19 March 2020
Air travel to Luanda suspended
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Angola
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, the Government of Angola has decided to suspend all air travel to and from Luanda International Airport for a period of 15 days starting from midnight tomorrow (20 March).
All crew disembarkations from commercial vessels have been suspended. Only emergency medevacs are permitted.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Angola, contact GAC Angola at angola@gac.com
Restricted entry
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Nigeria
The Government of Nigeria is restricting entry into the country for travelers from:
China
Italy
Iran
South Korea
Spain
Japan
France
Germany
United States of America
Norway
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Switzerland.
These are all countries with over 1,000 domestic cases of COVID-19.
The Government is temporarily suspending all visas issued to nationals from these countries. Nigerians arriving from these countries will be subjected to supervised isolation for 14 days. Nigerians are being advised to avoid travel to these countries.
These restrictions will come into effect from Friday 20 March 2020, for 4 weeks, subject to review.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Nigeria, contact GAC Nigeria at nigeria@gac.com
Minimum required measures
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Mombasa, Kenya
The Port of Mombasa has implemented some minimum required measures to safeguard the country from the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in respect of vessel’s calling, berthing and performing operations at the port.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has assured all that no ship will be locked out of the port due to this matter, however, they shall put strict surveillance mechanism in place to ensure that the port is protected from corona virus infections.
All vessels from High, Medium and Low Risk areas to be inspected while alongside the berths and Port Health to deal with any suspected infected crew members.
Kenya Ports Authority pilots to wear protective gear prior boarding any ship.
No close interaction between KPA Pilot and ship crew.
Ship’s lifts must be disinfected prior boarding by KPA Pilot.
A Red Flag to be hosted on ships that have not gone through Free Pratique.
Ships’ Masters to ensure provision of sanitizers along the access gang ways.
KPA considering allocating some rooms for self-quarantine to be used by suspected ships’ crew while ship working in the port.
Seafarers from Non- High Risk areas to be considered for issuance of shore leave passes but to be allowed restricted movements within the port area and the Mission to Seafarers club only.
Ships Masters to ensure that both KPA Staff and Ship Contractors are restricted access to ship’s crew cabins, offices etc.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Kenya, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com
Port closed to passenger vessels
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Dakar, Senegal
The Senegalese Government has decided to temporarily close the port of Dakar to passenger vessels.
As part of the effort to fighting COVID-19, some new measures have been introduced, including the indefinite suspension of the vessel linking Dakar to Goree Island, and only Goree island residents being authorized to shuttle back and forth.
The country has also decided to close air borders to a number of countries including Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Portugal and some other Northern African countries including Tunisia and Algeria.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Senegal, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com
Restrictions on entry and exit
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Benin
The Benin government has decided to restrict entry and exit at its land borders, effective from today (19 March). Only crossing judged necessary will be allowed. Quarantine will be automatically applied to any person attempting to not follow the restrictions.
Visas will be restricted. Government reserved their rights to denied visa to any applicants as from now until further notice.
All travelers arriving in Benin by flight will be conveyed automatically and compulsorily to quarantine zones for 14 days. Quarantine zones are hotels requisitioned by government. Quarantine costs are on foreign travelers’ account
Port calls are still going on. However, vessel berthing and cargo operations will be delayed, with a possible waiting time of up to 4 hours. Berthing is now subjected to Cotonou Port Authorities’ approval based on information provided at least 72 hours prior to arrival (vessel port of call list, Maritime Declaration of Health, crew list mentioning place of embarkation, health declaration for crew members duly filled out).
Cargo operations greenlight will be granted only after proper health authorities inspection carried out. Anticipate a delay up to 6 hours.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Benin, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com
Precautionary measures at refinery
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Aghioi Theodoroi, Greece
To protect both its personnel and the wider public health, Motor Oil Hellas (MOH) refinery at Aghioi Theodoroi has established the following precautionary measures:
All individuals (MOH personnel, pilots, agents, surveyors, suppliers, technicians, tugboat personnel, etc.), who embark vessels for operational reasons must wear all the necessary protective equipment described by the Greek Organization of Public Health’s Recommendation bulletins, such as masks with filters for biological agents-ffp2 type, googles, single-use uniforms, nitrile gloves, etc., whilst on board.
Any involved party wishing to embark a vessel must be provided with all the necessary equipment in advance – https://eody.gov.gr/2019-ncov-odigies-poy-aforoyn-pliromata-ploion-se-periptosi-ypoptoy-kroysmatos-en-plo/.
During the presence of MOH personnel on board, any crew members within a distance of less than 2 meters must wear all the protective equipment.
Crew disembarkation is not allowed during vessel’s birth at the terminal and anchorage area. For operational or emergency reasons, crew members can disembark the vessel, prior to permission granted by Terminal Authorities, only by wearing all the necessary protective equipment.
Embarkation/disembarkation of onsigners/offsigners must be performed only if it is absolutely necessary. If embarkation/disembarkation of onsigners/offsigners via terminal’s area is necessary, it will be performed – prior to permission granted by Terminal Authorities – only by wearing all the necessary protective equipment.
Entrance to marine terminal control area is not allowed, nor is entry of visitors.
As many pre and after loading-discharging documents and arrangements as feasible will be issued and conducted by e-mail, telephone etc. Documentation which cannot be signed and stamped via e-mail will be delivered in sealed envelopes.
Crew changes are allowed only for EU and Schengen nationalities. Third countries crew changes are prohibited up to and including 18 April.
All above until further notice and subject to additional measures and controls.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Greece, contact GAC Greece at greece@gac.com
New measures at Hellenic Petroleum installations
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis & Pachi, Greece
Hellenic Petroleum (HEL.PE) has implemented new measures for vessels at its installations in Aspropyrgos, Eleusis and Pachi installations:
All ships will be berthed at HEL.PE must send 3 days prior to arrival and on daily basis the Maritime Declaration of Health.
All ships will be berthed at HEL.PE must send 3 days prior to arrival and on daily basis the IMO crew list with the date and place of embarkation of the entire crew members.
Crew is prohibited to go ashore.
Provisions/Equipment/Supplies not allowed during ship’s stay alongside installations
Any relocation of crew shall be limited to the minimum necessary during operations.
For routine loading and unloading operations listed, there should be relevant information and approval by ISPS person in charge of HEL.PE.
Visitors will not be allowed to enter installations.
Crew changes are allowed only for EU and Schengen nationalities. Third countries crew changes under prohibition up to and including 18 April.
In case of a suspected case, the Master should report and follow the instructions of the ESA/WHO as well as installations’ instructions.
Prohibition of garbage disposal during ship’s stay alongside installations.
Obtain hygiene measures from all crew members according to WHO instructions.
Traffic/relocation of installation staff will be limited as well as to:
Local cargo surveyors
Ship’s Agents
Authorities (Port Authorities and Customs)
Pilots
All above until further notice and subject to additional measures and controls.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Greece, contact GAC Greece at greece@gac.com
COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Kolkata, India
In view of Corona Virus (COVID-19) being declared pandemic by the World Health Organization following SOP to be followed with effect from 19 March 2020:
All vessels with last port of call from China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain, Germany, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait to be quarantined for a period of 14 days from the last port of call before they can be acceptable at KoPT…
…The above instruction shall be in force till 31 March and will be reviewed subsequently.
Other guidelines as per SOP formulated by Port Health Organization time to time to be adhered to.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Kolkata Port trust Trade Circular dated 18 March 2020
Crew changes and shore leave
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Tranmere & Stanlow, United Kingdom
No crew changes or crew shore leave is permitted at Stanlow or Tranmere. However, visits by Seaman’s Mission may be possible, if pre-arranged.
No agents’ visits may be made to ships, and all communication is to be via email/phone. If a visit is required, it must be authorised by the marine team.
No visitors to ships unless business critical and authorised by the marine team.
Ship stores are allowed ONLY by barge. Small parcels delivered direct to agents can be bought to the terminal and marine will arrange delivery to ship.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com
Ship shore communications during Covid-19 pandemic
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Eastham, United Kingdom
To minimise inter-personal contact during the current pandemic, where possible communication should be via e-mail and telephone rather than face to face.
Prior to a ship’s arrival at QE2 the ship should provide an e-mail address to the ERL control room.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com
Updated list of epidemiological risk countries
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Novorossiysk, Russia
The list of epidemiological risk countries has been updated. If a vessel has crew members or passengers from epidemiological risk countries who boarded within the last 14 days before arrival to Novorossiysk, or if the ship has visited one of the listed epidemiological risk countries within the last 14 days, disinfection of the ship will be required upon arrival.
The current list of epidemiological risk countries is as follows:
A) Disinfection is required and compulsory:
China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain, The Republic of Korea
B) Highly likely disinfection will be required:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, USA.
C) Disinfection can be required:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Butane, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, UAE, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela, Vietnam.
Only Group A countries are currently subject to the compulsory disinfection. Groups B) and C) as a preliminary assumption only. The final decision on the need for disinfection will be taken by the Sanitary Authority for each particular vessel, depending on the actual epidemiological situation at the time of the decision.
After the disinfection on board all crew and passengers are subject to the medical check. Doctor must check crew temperature and general condition of the crew. If everything is good and no risks or sick persons found on board the Sanitary Doctor will confirm possibility to make Inward Clearance and obtain a full free pratique. After inward clearance formalities the vessel is allowed to perform cargo operations.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Russia, contact GAC Russia at russia@gac.com
Entry by air banned, crew changes cancelled
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Mauritius
With effect from 10.00 hours local time today (19 March) and until further notice, no-one may enter Mauritius by air. All crew changes in the country are cancelled.
For information about operations in Mauritius, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com
Measures to prevent spread of COVID-19
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The following measures have been introduced for vessels at Sharjah ports to prevent/control the spread of COVID-19:
Masters of all vessels to provide IMO health declaration duly signed and stamped 72 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival, along with port required pre-arrival information including last 10 port of vessel call details and crew list.
Upon arrival of vessel into port, all crew must undergo health screening at designated facility located in ports.
If any crew indicate any symptoms of Covid 19, authorities will take necessary actions to quarantine and further medical interrogation.
Until completion of health screening and clearance from Port (verbal approval) no crew is permitted to go onshore (except health screening) nor any personnel are permitted to go onboard vessels.
Since 17 March, the issued of all types of visas (tourist, visit visa, mission visa & seaman visa) for embarking/disembarking crew members has been suspended/deleted from the online immigration system.
As an additional precautionary measure, effective from today (19 March), the UAE has suspended entry of residency visa holders who are currently out of the country, for a renewable period of two weeks.
The issuance of all types of labour permits, including for drivers and domestic workers, has also been temporarily suspended until further notice. This decision excludes intra-corporate transfer permits and employment permits for Expo 2020.
Crew embarkation/disembarkation and shore leave passes are strictly restricted.
Operational vessel movements are regular at all ports managed by Sharjah Ports Authority
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Sharjah, contact GAC Sharjah at sharjah@gac.com
Guidelines for implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Subic, Philippines
In light of the implementation of Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon, the Seaport Department will be implementing the following guidelines:
The Seaport Department (on skeletal workforce) shall remain open and will accept applications from the transacting Public. Measures in the prevention of the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) will be strictly implemented.
The processing of documents shall be from Monday to Friday, at 0800H to 1700H business hours only. Receiving of documents shall be until 1500H only:
> Gatepass Management System
> Transshipment Document
> Manual Gatepass
> Vessel Entry/Exit Clearances
> Bring-In Permits
> Allow online submission of Entry/Exit Clearances during Saturdays
Social Distancing (with a minimum of 1 meter apart) shall be strictly implemented.
For transactions at the Seaport Admin Office, limited access and centralized receiving and releasing area for all documents shall be implemented.
Suspension of all Bay Cruise and Diving activities.
For vessel and terminal operations:
– Vessels that made calls from China, Hong Kong and Macau within the last 14 days will be subject to Boarding Formalities at the designated Anchorage area.
– Seaport Boarding Formalities and Pre-Departure Inspection shall be conducted in apron/open areas.
– Suspension of crew disembarkation for all vessels including liberty for foreign military personnel and crew change for all vessels.
– Garbage collection, especially for food waste and animal products, is prohibited.
– Delivery of ship supplies are allowed only for confirmed orders. No solicitation will be allowed on board the vessel.
– Provisions shall be handled through ship’s provision crane only.
– Prohibition of visitors for vessel crew.
– Pull out of Seaport personnel at the One Stop Shop (NCT). One Stop Shop services/processes will be conducted at the Seaport Administration Building during the effectivity of the ECQ.
– Cargo checking services at the NSD Station, Coastal Station and Main Station shall operate from 0800H to 2200H.
– Releasing of cargoes at NSD will be allowed until 2400H.
– Tipo Station and NCT Station shall remain open 24/7…
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the Philippines, contact GAC Philippines at philippines@gac.com)
Source: Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Seaport Department Advisory Number 1 dated 18 March 2020
Precautionary measures further extended
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Singapore
Yesterday evening (18 March), Singapore’s Ministry of Health extended the precautionary measures to minimize the risk of community spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The local authorities will impose the 14 day Stay Home Notice (SHN) against all returnees into Singapore returning from all countries effective from 11.59pm this Friday, 20 March. The 14 day Stay Home Notice was initially implemented on returnees to Singapore from a select number of countries but it will now be expanded to cover every single country.
Due to the latest border restriction, we would recommend vessel owners, operators and manning offices to reconsider their crew change plans in Singapore and best to put them on hold at this point of time till the situation improves not only in Singapore but globally.
Vessels are still permitted to enter Singapore port limits to carry out their intended operations such as cargo operations i.e. terminal loading, discharging, bunkering and storing of provisions/stores.
Vetting inspectors and shore technicians from Singapore are also permitted to attend vessels at Singapore anchorage for inspection, servicing or repair of equipment on board but this is subjected to their own (inspector / shore technician) personal and companies discretion in view of the current global health situation and the fact that vessel is calling Singapore directly from an infected port.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Additional pilot embarkation procedures
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Montrose, United Kingdom
Montrose Port Authority has instigated the following Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure for the embarkation of pilots and subsequent vessel transit. This Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure applies to all vessels as from 0600 hours on 20 March
(a) arriving from ports in a country in respect of which the UK Government has issued a virus alert;
(b) arriving from countries for which there is currently no virus alert, but which has a crew member on board who was in a country subject to a virus alert within 14 days prior to the date of proposed pilot embarkation;
(c) highlighted by the local Port Health Authority, following the submission of a Maritime Declaration of Health (which is mandatory before embarkation of a pilot), as having reported a suspected COVID-19 case on board and/or having taken the precautionary measure of isolating a potentially affected crew member(s).
Responsibility for carrying out the following Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure rests with the vessel’s master assisted by the shipowner and local ship agent as appropriate.
Additional Pilot Embarkation Procedure:
All vessels must have submitted the required Maritime Declaration of Health to Montrose Port Authority.
The embarking pilot will provide a Pilot’s Medical Declaration to the ship agent prior to embarkation.
Where possible, one hour before the pilot embarkation time, non-essential crew should remain clear of the designated route from the pilot embarkation point (either pilot ladder, accommodation ladder etc.) to the wheelhouse, especially where the route is within enclosed spaces.
Immediately prior to pilot embarkation, all surfaces and equipment in the wheelhouse, or on the bridge wings, that the pilot may touch must be cleaned with a suitable cleaning solution.
The wheelhouse, where possible, should remain well ventilated via the opening of external doors or windows.
All crew at the embarkation point must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
The crew member assigned to escort the pilot from the embarkation point to the wheelhouse must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
Where possible, the route from the embarkation point to the wheelhouse should via the open deck, as opposed to within enclosed spaces.
The wheelhouse should be cleared of all crew not essential to the navigation of the vessel, and all crew member’s present must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
Unless necessary for the safety of the pilot (i.e. during the embarkation process), crew or vessel, the pilot and crew should remain at least 2m apart.
Similar precautions must be taken during disembarkation of the pilot either ashore or to the pilot launch.
Vessels not required to follow this Pilot Embarkation Special Procedure may elect to do so; in which case this must be advised at the time of placing the order for a pilot so that the assigned pilot may provide their Pilot’s Medical Declaration.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com)
Source: Montrose Port Authority notice dated 19 March 2020
State of Public Emergency declared
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Bahamas
With effect from 17 March, a state of public emergency exists in The Bahamas and emergency powers are in effect.
The emergency powers cover a range of matters including the imposition of restrictions & requirements, detention/isolation of individuals suspected of being infected with COVID-19, requisition powers, imposed social distancing/isolation, curfew, etc.
(For details and updates, and information about operations in the Bahamas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Elnet Maritime, Bahamas – GAC agent
Shortage of stevedores
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Peru
Some Peruvian ports are experiencing shortages of stevedores due the COVID-19 emergency status declared on 16 March and the 20:00-05:00 curfew put into force on 18 March, until 30 March.
Matarani halted operations today (19 March), probably until the end of March.
ILO (Enapu) stopped operations yesterday evening (18 March), again until the end of the month.
Paita, Salaverry, Chimbote, Callao and Pisco are currently reported to be operating as normal.
(For information about operations in Peru, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Empresa Maritima B&M SAC Peru – GAC agent
Shortage of stevedores
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Peru
Some Peruvian ports are experiencing shortages of stevedores due the COVID-19 emergency status declared on 16 March and the 20:00-05:00 curfew put into force on 18 March, until 30 March.
Matarani halted operations today (19 March), probably until the end of March. ILO (Enapu) stopped operations yesterday evening (18 March), again until the end of the month.
Paita, Salaverry, Chimbote, Callao and Pisco are currently reported to be operating as normal.
(For information about operations in Peru, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Empresa Maritima B&M SAC Peru – GAC agent
Offshore attendance suspended
Thursday, March 19, 2020, Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates
Offshore attendance at Khor Fakkan port has been temporarily suspended until further notice due to COVID-19.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Fujairah, contact GAC Fujairah at fujairah@gac.com
