Skip to content

SINGAPORE: MPA to permit crew change for cargo ships under ‘special circumstances’

  • Published
  • by Admin
MPA outlines conditions with which it would allow crew to disembark or board a vessel; applications and supporting documents will need to be submitted for consideration.
Singapore MPA Singapore flag

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (27 March) issued a marine circular granting crew change operation at Singapore port on the back of COVID-19 under certain conditions:

CREW CHANGE FOR CARGO SHIPS UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE PORT OF SINGAPORE, TO MINIMISE RISK OF COMMUNITY SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) IN SINGAPORE 

The Port of Singapore remains open for cargo operations and marine services, including bunkering, ship supplies and shipyard repairs, in order to maintain commerce by sea and not disrupt global supply chains.

Since the onset of COVID-19, Singapore has and remains committed to ensuring the smooth operations of our port. We have ensured that operations can run smoothly and efficiently, while adopting many precautionary measures including thermal screening, disinfection of ships and safe distancing. To protect seafarers, we have also put in place procedures to quarantine ships, and treat suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

With a recent heightened risk of imported cases, Singapore introduced a slate of measures on short term visitors entering or transiting in Singapore. We will need to suspend crew change for the time being.

MPA recognises that seafarers play a critical role in global seaborne trade. We have worked closely with international organisations, shipping associations and unions over the years to address the needs and welfare of both local and foreign seafarers. We also hear the feedback from our unions and the industry. We understand that there would be special circumstances where crew will need to disembark or embark the ship, such as: 

  1. the crew has served his/her maximum time on board and no further extension of the employment contract is granted by the flag State; or 
  2. compassionate grounds e.g. death of family member; or 
  3. the crew is no longer medically fit to work onboard the ship. 

Under such special circumstances, cargo ships may submit their requests to MPA for consideration: 

  1. Supporting documentary evidence, e.g. crew’s articles of agreement, doctor’s certification that crew is no longer able to serve on board the ship;
  2. Travel itinerary;
  3. Fit-to-travel certificate; and 
  4. Assurance that the signing on and/or the signing off crew must be well for the last fourteen (14) days before joining or leaving the ship and has not been in contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19 in those 14 days. 

Shipowners/agents are advised to plan and apply to MPA at [email protected] and [email protected]. 

The full circular from the MPA is available here.


Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 30 March, 2020

Related Posts