BIMCO offers detailed overview of Covid-19 implementations
Overview
BIMCO continues to utilise publicly available sources to provide the shipping industry with a complete and updated overview of the impact from Covid-19.
There is little doubt the major topic making headlines during the current phase of the pandemic is the challenges related to crew change. For several months, seafarers have been marooned on board ships due to border closures, lock-downs and other preventive measures imposed by port states and governments.
Since 13 March, BIMCO has provided an overview of the challenges related to crew changes. Initially the overview was divided into three sections depending on how the restrictions were applied:
- Depending on travel history
- Depending on nationalities on board
- Full prohibition or closure of borders
While observing a general trend with authorities easing restrictions, BIMCO has added a new section with a list of confirmed countries that allows disembarkation for the purpose of crew change. Currently, this positive list numbers more than 30 countries. It is not unusual for port states to refer to applicable International Maritime Organization items, such as circ. 4204/add. 6 which outlines the importance of undertaking a pragmatic approach to facilitation of maritime trade.
Considering the reports of successful industry initiatives to facilitate crew change on some occasions, the primary obstacle appears to be the absence of commercial flights. However, facilitating crew change is much more than chartering flights. Visa restrictions have proven another major obstacle as well as the different protocols and approaches to testing procedures for airlines and national governments.
All incoming information is carefully assessed and BIMCO spends a considerable amount of time locating the relevant official circulars to provide every detail possible to our members. In this way BIMCO is playing an active role in the informal exchange between industry stakeholders.
Please see the following BIMCO content pages:
- Crew challenges, for a fast overview of the current restriction regimes to crew change
- Crew extensions, for an overview of regulations to seafarers certificates and employment contracts
- Implementations, for a detailed picture of national and international measures
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
22 May 2020
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related event
15+15 webinar: The future of agents – where are they heading?
- 11 December, 2024
Port agency is an ever-changing space, with recent consolidation across the industry, what does the future hold, and what is driving this change? This sessio...
Related publication
COVID-19 posters for ships
BIMCO-made posters to protect seafarers and visitors onboard ships against Coronavirus (COVID-19). Black-and-white posters that can be easily printed and use...
ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
