MPA Singapore implements sea launch transfer for crew change

The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) has implemented sea launch transfer for enhanced crew change procedures, with effect from 11 January 2021.

Seafarers | 11/01/21

According to information by BIMCO, the following enhanced crew change procedure is effective immediately:

• All agents/owners shall charter the entire launch boat when performing crew change. There shall be no other personnel taking the same launch boat with the sign on/sign off crew.

• Crew shall remain in the vehicle/transport until the launch boat(s) is/are ready for boarding. Crew shall not be loitering at the pier for the launch boat.

Non compliance of the above will trigger punitive measures, MPA Singapore said.

This follows an advisory by Singapore Shipping Association last week, urging the industry to comply with COVID-19 Protocols.

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With effect from 3rd January, MPA has also banned all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to South Africa within the last 14 days, including crew.

See also: MPA Singapore: Framework for granting crew shore leave

By November 2020, Singapore had facilitated crew change for more than 60,000 crew of different nationalities from more than 3,500 ships, according to data by Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Mr. Chee Hong Tat.