Bunker Fuels
Safe, reliable and swift delivery of quality marine fuels at competitive prices
Launch Services
Round-the-clock ship supply services
Contract Logistics
Specialised solutions to improve supply chain efficiency
GAC Mobile Directory App
Measures introduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have brought widespread disruption to normal crew change operations, with many seafarers prevented from disembarking or joining their vessels. The GAC Philippines team is no stranger to crew change operations, with the country estimated to produce one-third of the world’s mariners and seafarers.
GAC Philippines’ Commercial Manager for Shipping, Ronald de Leon, presents his guide to the current status of crew changes in the country including: where they may be conducted; what restrictions are in place; what requirements must be met; and how many changes GAC Philippines has handled to date.
What challenges and restrictions do shipowners/operators face when arranging crew changes in the Philippines, and how have your local contacts helped to ease the situation?
Generally, there are more restrictions for crew changes involving foreign nationals. Foreign crew are still not allowed to join their vessel in the Philippines. Foreign nationals may only disembark, and even then, there are stringent protocols such including the need for them to take flights within four hours of leaving their vessel. Further, the vessel cannot leave port until the crew has successfully boarded their flight. Only then will the authorities clear the vessel out without prejudice.
Exceptions to these protocols are made on a case-to-case basis, with qualifying circumstances including medical emergencies (but not personal emergencies such as a death in the family). Each case is strictly assessed and evaluated by the authorities before being approved or declined.
How many crew change operations have you successfully executed since COVID-19 lockdowns started?
We have performed over 30 crew changes since the lockdown, which now is in its “Modified” form where public transport is barred and very limited movement by private individuals is allowed.
Are there any specific crew change examples you wish to highlight?
Outside of Manila, we have had crew change operations approved and carried out by GAC at locations such as Cebu. We must note that this was done on a conditional basis, highly regulated by the authorities. The crew change was completed swiftly, in coordination with the local government (the approving and clearing authority) – an example of the efficiency and good coordination GAC demonstrates on the ground.
There is great uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic; how long it will last, and what its impact will be. How are you managing this from a crew change and lay-ups perspective? What are your expectations for the coming months?
The Philippines is the world’s No.1 supplier of seafarers, and Manila is the country’s main port used for crew changes. It’s no surprise then that we have had a great surge in the number of crew changes in Manila and our operations staff have attended to a significant concentration of crew changes since the lockdown was eased at the beginning of June. We believe this trend of many crew change opportunities in Manila will continue as long as COVID-19 restrictions on international travel remain in force.
Is there anything else you wish to add?
Beyond crew changes, we are now also offering cargo and vessel cleaning and disinfection services, which vessels calling at port may avail themselves of to ensure their crew’s health and safety. This is all done mindful of the vessel’s limited time in port, in parallel to signing-on- and -off of crew members and attending to their needs. For more information about our vessel cleaning and disinfection service, email [email protected].
For the latest updates about COVID-19 status/measures and the impact on shipping, including crew changes, in countries around the world, go to www.gac.com/coronavirus.