MPA requires shore-based personnel to take COVID-19 test before boarding

The test may be shown on either paper or any certified electronic means.

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore is now requiring any shore-based personnel to produce a valid negative test result from a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken as part of the rostered routine testing (RRT) programme within the last seven days before boarding the vessel.

Shore-based personnels are individuals who are providing goods or services aboard a vessel but are not part of the crew.

According to the new requirements, shore-based personnel who are not on a RRT programme are still required to show a valid negative test result from a COVID-19 PCR test or Antigen Rapid Test within 72 hours prior to boarding the vessel.

The test may be shown on either paper or any certified electronic means like the HealthHub SG app and SGWorkPass app.

All owners, occupiers and managers of any waterfront facility are tasked to ensure that all shore-based personnel going on board a vessel in the port have produced proof of the required test, before allowing them to go on board. 

They are also required to ensure that boarding personnel wear appropriate levels of personal protection equipment as well as make sure that they adhere to social distancing measures.

Failure to comply with the requirements may result in a breach of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations or the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.