South Africa sets new COVID-19 procedures

by The Editorial Team

July 6, 2021

Following the increase in the amount of COVID-19 cases in South Africa, all crew aboard vessels coming into Durban Port are tested before entering the harbour.

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As explained, in an effort to safeguard South African Ports against the exposure by visiting vessels, it is imperative that all crew aboard vessels coming into Durban Port are tested.

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FOR ALL VESSELS SCHEDULED TO BERTH AT THE DURBAN HARBOUR:

• A launch must go out to the vessel with a doctor/nurse onboard.

• An Antigen test will be conducted on ALL crew. This take approximately 15 minutes per crew member. Test results & Certificates are given immediately.

• If all the crew test negative, the Agent must send the PCR test results to Port Control to arrange the pilot to board the vessel.

• In case of positive case(s) on board the vessel will not be allowed to enter the port and must vessel quarantine at anchorage for 10 days.

• After the 10 days quarantine the vessel crew will have to undergo another Antigen test to confirm their status.

• If all crew test negative, vessel will be allowed to berth.

IF A VESSEL CALLS AT OPL FOR A CREW CHANGE/PROVISION ETC SUPPLY ONLY, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE WILL TAKE PLACE:           

• A launch must go out to the vessel with a doctor/nurse onboard, along with the supplies and crew.

• An Antigen test will be conducted on Offsigning crew only. This take approximately 15 minutes per crew member. Test results & Certificate are given immediately.

• If the crew test negative, the operation can carry on as per normal.

• In case of positive case(s) on board the vessel will not be allowed to carry out the crew change. Vessel will need to quarantine for 10 days.