1. IMO

The below circulars represent the latest information to-date from the IMO.  

• Addendum no.4/Rev.3 to IMO circular no. 4204, issued on 16 July 2021, providing a further update to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)'s guidance for ship operators relating to the protection of the health of seafarers.
• Addendum no. 35/rev. 7 , issued on 20 May 2021, provides a consolidated list of the IMO members that have so far notified IMO on their designation of seafarers as key workers. The list is shown below:

2. IMO Crew Change - National Focal Point for Crew Change and Repatriation of Seafarers 

As per our BIMCO news of 12th April, the IMO has discontinued the issue of the IMO circular in series: MSC.7/circ. 1 relating to government states informing the IMO of their national focal point for crew change and repatriation of seafarers. Instead, the IMO's online Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) will be used to contain such information. 

According to GISIS today, the list of countries  (45) informing the IMO of their national focal point of contact for crew change and repatriation of seafarers are: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium,  Brazil, Canada, the Cook Islands, Cyprus, Dominica, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Montenegro, Myanmar, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Singapore (new), Slovenia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand , Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Vanuatu.

Earlier reference of the MSC.7/circ.1 : our implementation page.

3. Government States

China

To improve ship-shore interface for all ports and crew changes in China, the Chinese government has revised via an IMO circular letter, their Guidance on the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 on board, releasing their 6th version.  

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

A circular was issued by the Maritime Administration of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the 18th July via an IMO circular letter no. 4248/Add.12 advising of the COVID-19 measures taken for ships and crew with respect to audits, surveys and certification. These temporary measures, in general, give a three months' extension and will take effect from 18 July 2021. Please read the circular for full guidance. 

Vanuatu

Via an IMO circular letter no 4283/Add.4, the Vanuatu government, in relation to COVID-19, has issued revised policies on the 12th July pertaining to the following matters: 

• Seafarers' Employment Agreement (SEA), which may be extended until 31 December 2021
• Seafarers' Documentation, with extension granted (no mention of period of extension) and to 31 December 2021 for STCW medical certificates. 
• ISM/ISPS/MLC Verifications - postponement possible for audits due by 30 June 2021 to a period of not more than 90 days from due date. 
• Acceptable copies of Certificates and Documents in Electronic Format
• Surveys - requests to extend surveys or remote surveys possible.

4. Others

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)

The EMSA issued on the 19 July 2021, a detailed report of the impact of COVID-19 on the Maritime Sector in the EU in particular, its impact on EU traffic and trade, EU fleet, Shipyard and Ship Repair Activity, the Ferry and Cruise Industry, and Safety and Environmental inspections. 

5. BIMCO

BIMCO General COVID-19 Links 

BIMCO is continuously monitoring COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on the shipping industry in particular on crew changes. Below are some of the type of information  currently being provided by BIMCO :

• Details about implementation measures imposed for sea transport
• Overview of challenges to crew mobility
• Overview of extensions and exceptions to seafarers' certificates
• COVID-19 seafarers' mental health

You can also view all information on our COVID-19 landing page.