NOTICE TO MARINERS:
ALL PORT USERS INCLUDING SHIP AGENTS, SHIP OWNERS, SHIP OPERATORS, SHIP MANAGERS AND SHIP MASTERS
Vessel Crew Changes Mechanisms and Requirements during COVID-19 Pandemic
In accordance with FTA UAE Circular No. 12/2020 “Adopting the Protocol of resuming UAE Maritime activities with safety measures and crew changes in UAE Ports and Waters”, the port authority has put in place a framework for the resumption of safe crew changes for seafarers with or without UAE resident visa, and their travel during COVID-19 pandemic.
The following procedure and requirements set by the port authority apply:
General Notes:
- Agents are required to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure the quick processing of crew transfers to and from ships and the airports.
- Agents are required to ensure safe and swift disembarkation and crew change while seeking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for seafarers whether inbound, outbound, or transiting during crew change or repatriation.
- Agents are required to undergo the required medical examinations in compliance with the preventive procedures and guidelines for the COVID 19 virus to preserve the health and safety of both the ship's crew and relevant personnel.
- As this decision comes largely in the interests of seafarers and relevant personnel, it is imperative that they comply with the COVID-19 guidelines and health protocols mandated by the UAE health authorities.
Crew Changes:
- Agents are required to notify the relevant RAK Ports Tower 72 hours prior to vessel arrival and submit all relevant documentation.
- Agent is required to contact RAK Ports 24 hours before and submit the following: a. The list of crew who will be changed. b. Travel information sheet including flight details. c. Undertaking letter (see attached form) addressed to RAK Ports Harbour Master in taking all the responsibilities of the crew changes from / to the vessel within UAE.
- If applicable, the RAK Ports H&S Dept will contact the medical service provider to arrange for COVID-19 PCR test in addition to the thermal screening required for crew changes.
- Following compliance with the above RAK Ports will provide NOC to the Agent, addressed to immigration office.
- To complete crew changes clearance formalities, Agent is required to provide Immigration office with: a. Undertaking letter. b. Crew list and signing on/off crewmember’s details including flight information c. NOC issued by Port Authority. d. Copy of the vessel Maritime Declaration of Health.
Crew-Members: Shore Pass Procedures
- 24 hours shore passes may be permitted (to visit the city), for seafarers onboard yachts, recreational boats and ships which have been in the country for a period of more than 14 days, provided that they comply with the mandated health requirements in the UAE.
- The agent should provide the seafarers with all Covid-19 pandemic relevant laws and precautionary measures to be followed when in the UAE and the importance of adhering to them.
- In addition, agent should provide them with the information related to the penalties imposed in case of violation, and he should document their acknowledgment of receiving this information from him.
Notes
- PCR test is required only for seafarers arriving and departing UAE across the border – Airports, Land and Seaports. This also applies to vessels that have been in the country for a period of less than 14 days.
- Implementation of this direction shall take place with immediate effect.
- Any queries relating to this direction should be directed to the Marine Department.
- Maybe, we could arrange for IT to create one single Email address and have one single point of contact at Saqr for all RAK Ports?
- Dry Docks and Ship Repairs Facilities should ensure compliance with the requirements in section 2 of “UAE Maritime Activities Return to Work Safely protocol”
(For information about operations in the UAE, contact GAC at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected])
Source: RAK Ports Notice to Mariners No. 22 - 05th August 2020.
