- the BIMCO Maritime Information department informs members on a weekly basis
- the updates are about the COVID-19 in relation to implementation measures imposed by governments for sea transport including crew change
- it also includes updates from the United Nation bodies like the IMO, WHO, and ILO
BIMCO provides the following update for this week ending Friday, 13 August 2021.
IMO Crew Change
National Focal Point for Crew Change and Repatriation of Seafarers
As per our BIMCO news of 12th April, the IMO has discontinued the issue of the IMO circular in series: MSC.7/circ. 1 relating to government states informing the IMO of their national focal point for crew change and repatriation of seafarers. Instead, the IMO’s online Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) will be used to contain such information.
According to GISIS today, the list of countries (45) informing the IMO of their national focal point of contact for crew change and repatriation of seafarers are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Cook Islands, Cyprus, Dominica, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Montenegro, Myanmar, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore (new), Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Vanuatu.
Earlier reference of the MSC.7/circ.1: our implementation page.
Government States
Australia
8 August – Border Restriction (No.11) effective 0100 Sat 8 Aug New Requirements for Specialist Workers
12 August – Western Australia Covid-19 – Shipping Update Requirements, restrictions, rules, and policies affecting the maritime industry at Australian ports
Cyprus
12 August – Circular 32/2021 Vaccines against the COVID-19 virus communicated under IMO Circular Letter No.4251/Add.3
India
11 August 2021 – DSG Circular No. 23 of 2021 Directorate General of Shipping Circular No. 23 of 2021 COVID and mental health helpline for Indian seafarers and their families -Initiatives by Association of Shipping Companies & Seafarers Unions.
Portugal
6 August – The Portuguese Government has decided to maintain the State Calamity. On this basis and as per Ministry Council Resolution no. 7746-B/2021, please be informed of the present restrictions in force to enter/leaving Portugal.
Romania
12 August – IMO Circular Letter No.4234/Add.12 Extending the Validity of Documents for Seafarers on Board Ships
Others
ILO – International Labour Organisation
Reminder – please refer to the ILO publication covering amongst other issues the mental and social well-being of workers – the Guidelines for implementing the occupational safety and health provisions of the MLC, 2006
UK P&I Club
6 August – Crew Changes – A Comprehensive Guide (version 1.21)
BIMCO
BIMCO General COVID-19 Links
BIMCO is continuously monitoring COVID-19 restrictions and their impact on the shipping industry in particular on crew changes. Below are some of the types of information currently being provided by BIMCO :
- Details about implementation measures imposed for sea transport
- Overview of challenges to crew mobility
- Overview of extensions and exceptions to seafarers’ certificates
- COVID-19 seafarers’ mental health
You can also view all information on the COVID-19 landing page
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Source: BIMCO