Seafarers exempt from travel restrictions

28 May 2020 / United Kingdom

The UK Government has updated the information on the new travel restrictions and most importantly on exemptions. It is confirmed that seafarers have been exempted, as detailed at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules

GAC UK has requested some clarification from Border Force on the below:

  • Does the exemption extend to vessel crew working on windfarms (specifically those within the 12NM limit)?

  • How will this affect personnel like technicians who fly in from a foreign airport who need to make repairs/modifications to vessels while they are in port? For the exemption for Specialist Technicians, will a proof letter be required from the vessel owners stating the Technician is critical to the operation of the vessel?

  • If crew members are flying home from another country via the UK, there is an exemption for airside transit passengers. If that transit runs into the next day for next leg of flight home how will this work? Will crew have to remain, even if for a prolonged overnight period?

  • Will the form that needs to be completed for the passage of crew into the UK be completed upon arrival in the UK or prior to travelling? Where can this form be found?

GAC UK will provide updated information as the above questions and other points are clarified.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the UK, contact GAC UK at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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