The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, in their recent circulars, has updated the requirements for sign-off crew from ocean-going cargo ships that require COVID-19 pre-departure testing in Singapore.
Updated requirements
- MPA notes that some countries require traveller’s to take a COVID-19 pre-departure test (PDT) and present a valid negative test result before they are allowed to transit through or enter. Similar requirements are also imposed by some airlines before allowing traveller’s to board their flights.
- MPA has been facilitating COVID-19 pre-departure testing for sign-off crew in Singapore on a case-by-case basis.Please be reminded that MPA’s approval shall be sought for signing off crew that requires PDT in Singapore.
- For crew change applications where the sign-off crew requires PDT before departing Singapore,in addition to the existing requirement of crew not having gone ashore for 21 days,all crew on board shall produce a negative test result from a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)test taken at the vessel’s last port of call before calling at Singapore.The test results shall be submitted to MPA as soon as they are available and before the vessel arrives Singapore.
- This new requirement shall apply to all sign-off applications submitted from 15 February 2021.
- This circular supplements Port Marine Circular No. 5 of 2021, and therefore, the requirements for crew change in Port Marine Circular No. 5 of 2021 continue to apply.
- Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to crew_change@mpa.gov.sg.
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Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
