MPA approved over 4,000 crew change cases since March

It continues to facilitate the disembarkation of seafarers on medical grounds.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has approved more than 4,000 cases of crew sign-on and sign-off for over 300 companies since 27 March, according to an announcement. The cases involved some 500 ships that include tankers, bulk carriers, container ships and offshore vessels.

It has also continued to facilitate the disembarkation of seafarers on medical grounds despite the pandemic, as well as facilitate medical treatment of seafarers who require emergency attention.

The agency said it has been working closely with other government agencies, unions, and the shipping industry to facilitate and support crew change.

An industry taskforce led by the Singapore Shipping Association in partnership with Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union recently published the Singapore Crew Change Guidebook which allows crew change to be carried out in a safe environment to minimise any local public health risk and to the shipping community.

Further, MPA, along with the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, as well as shipping companies, has facilitated a second chartered flight for crew change.

The 54 crew members onboard a flight from Mumbai, India will join six ships at the Port of Singapore, whilst 87 crew members will take the same flight back to Mumbai. Two more chartered flights for crew change are scheduled to take place this week.

MPA said it will continue to review the crew change procedures, taking into account Singapore’s circumstances and the global situation.