Sri Lanka updates its crew change procedures

by The Editorial Team

June 23, 2021

It is known that Sri Lanka permits crew changes operations via land-based isolation centers (ICs).

However, air-passengers who have been to India, Vietnam, South American countries and South Africa within 14 days (including transit) are restricted to arrive at Sri Lanka until further notice.

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Namely, crew disembarking from a vessel are required to directly proceed to the IC, where a PCR test will be conducted, and they will remain until the results are available.

Once a negative PCR result is received, off-signers will be transferred directly to the airport for repatriation as per charter flight schedule.

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If any crew receives a positive PCR test result, provision for treatment should be made in the designated Intermediate Care Facility approved by the Ministry of Health.

For embarking crew, a PCR test must be done within 72 hours prior boarding their flight and made available to respective Port Health Officer prior to their landing in Sri Lanka.

On-signers who arrive by charter flight at MRIA will be directly transferred to the IC from the airport. Another PCR test will be conducted at the IC, where the crew will remain until results are available. Once the negative PCR result is received, on-signers will be transferred directly to the designated port for embarking as per vessel’s ETA.

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All seafarers need to wear adequate PPE during the transfers. Crew changes are done under the supervision of Sri Lanka Navy and they should escort the crew transport vehicle. Crew changes can take place in Colombo/Galle ports at berth/ anchorage or OPL.

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Concluding, request for Trincomalee/Hambantota/Norochcholai Seaport crew changes will be handled case by case.