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China Ports Crew Change Updates - For Filipino Seafarers [Crew Replacement Guide]

China Ports Crew Change Updates - For Filipino Seafarers [Crew Replacement Guide]

Updates as of 27 January 2023

IMEC CIRCULAR (23)04 RE NOTICE ON CREW CHANGE OF INTERNATIONAL SHIPS


The International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) issued Circular (23)04 regarding the joint notice issued by the Chinese authorities and international organizations on the relaxation of entry requirements for international ships’ crews.

Said notice shall be implemented from January 8, 2023. The previous requirements on crew change of international vessels, remote prevention and control shall prevail if they are inconsistent with the said notice.


The official document can be found here with an unofficial English translation provided here.


Background


On December 8th, 2022 the Ministry of Transport of P.R.C issued Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Ports and Their Frontline Personnel (the 12th edition). According to the 12th Guidelines, nucleic test requirements in some cases are lifted and restrictions on the entry of personnel into port areas are reduced to some extent. 

On December 26th, 2022, the National Health Commission of the P.R.C. issued the Overall Plan. According to the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, isolation of infected cases, tracking of their close contacts and classification of at-risk areas will be scrapped. According to the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the PRC, disease control measures targeting inbound travelers and imported cargoes are lifted. 

In January 2023, the Ministry of Transport, jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Health Commission, General Administration of Customs, National Immigration Administration and National Administration of Disease PreventionandControl, issued the Notice on Effectively Conducting Crew change for International Vessels after Management of the COVID-19 Disease Downgraded to Class B, in which the approval procedure for crew change on international vessels are lifted.


Contents of the Circular (23)04 issued by the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC)


The Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Health Commission, the General Administration of Customs, the National Immigration Administration, National Bureau for Disease Control and Prevention jointly released the following notice Notice on crew change of international ships after the “Category B" control of new coronavirus infection.

In order to thoroughly implement the decision and deployment of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, and to fully implement the "State Council Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism for New Coronavirus Infection", the "State Council Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism for New Coronavirus Infection", the "Foreign Affairs Group on the Interim Measures for Chinese and Foreign Personnel Interim measures between the notice" requirements, and effectively do a good job of the new coronavirus infection "Category B”control after the international shipping crew change. Now on related matters are as follows.


Policy Adjustment on Crew Change for International Ships 


The above Notice has come into effect on January 8th, 2023. According to the Notice, inbound crews are no longer subject to ship-wide nucleic tests or isolation in designated facilities. And crew change does not require approval anymore. 

1. Cancellation of crew change approval


All places no longer on the international voyage ship crew in the domestic port shift (including landing) to implement the approval system, only to perform crew entry and exit inspection and temporary entry permit audit and issuance procedures.

2. Facilitating crew change entry


  • (A) No longer implement full nucleic acid testing and centralized isolation for crew members changing shifts inbound. Crew members of international vessels who intend to come to China and conduct crew changes in domestic ports should be tested for nucleic acid 48 hours before the ship leaves the last port outside China, and those who test positive should be treated nearby in time.
  • (B) For the crew members who really cannot declare the results of nucleic acid testing 48 hours before entry due to the trip, the declaration of antigenic results can be accepted
  • (C) Health declaration is normal and no abnormal customs port routine quarantine, can be released. Health declaration of abnormal or fever and other symptoms, the Customs will be implemented according to the implementation of classification and disposal of the exclusion.


This notice shall be implemented from January 8, 2023, and the previous requirements on crew change of international vessels, remote prevention and control shall prevail if they are inconsistent with this notice. All provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Transportation Department (bureau, commission) to report matters related to this notice to the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government to deal with the new coronavirus infection joint prevention and control mechanism, and coordination to do a good job of implementation, to facilitate the entry and exit of the crew




Updates as of 09 January 2023

China Ports Are Now Open for Crew Change


China already opened for foreigners on 08th January 2023. But for a crew change, different ports have different crew change procedures, below is the possible current situation:

  1. Check with your local crew handling agent if they can arrange visa on arrival for on-signers at SHANGHAI airport. If your crew are joining at other Chinese port, they must arrive SHANGHAI PVG airport first, then go to other ports after the local agent secured the Chinese visa.
  2. Some ports are opened for crew change: QINHUANGDAO, TIANJIN, RIZHAO, LIANYUNGANG, NANJING, NANTONG, ZHANGJIAGANG, NINGBO, XIAMEN.
  3. Other ports are still preparing to open soon.


Source:
FUYUAN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AGENCY CO.,LTD 
Add: Room 302,Unit 3,Building No. 4, Huiboyuan, No. 116 Ningxia Road, Shinan district, Qingdao,Shandong province, China.
Tel: +86-532-5878 0796-802 | Fax:+86-532-5878 0796-804
E-mail:  ops@fuyuanmarine.com | agency@vip.163.com




Updates as of 28 March 2022


ZHOUSHAN AND SHANGHAI UPDATES


Reference to the latest update [Notice Zhoushan on further strengthening Epidemic measures] and [Zhoushan Covid-19 Policy for SR Application  updated Mar 12th 2022] for Zhoushan port and in particular for shipyards located within this major area :

 

1. HIGH RISK AREAS: Korea, Vietnam (total 2)


In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 90 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date.

 

2. MEDIUM & HIGH RISK AREAS: Russia, India , Philippines, Indonesia (total 4)


In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 56 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date.

 

3. MEDIUM RISK AREAS: Brazil, Japan, Turkey (total 3)


In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 42 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date.

 

Should any crew changes are performed at any other countries except the above 9, then a 28 days quarantine period to apply,

Should vessels call at any other countries except the above 9 (without crew changes), then a 14 days quarantine period to apply, no matter PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan) can be provided.

Should any crew changes are performed at MEDIUM /HIGH RISK AREAS and then vessel calls LOW RISK AREAS, then restrictions as per 2 & 3 points to apply.

Additionally to above , Zhoushan authorities have issued attached notice on 14/03/22 by which all crew members serving on foreign flag vessels calling at Zhoushan for ship repairs/ dd, MUST hold PCR test at first Chinese port (in case there will be more than one) prior calling at S/Y. Otherwise, vessels will not be accepted.

Moreover, we would like to inform you that as from yesterday evening, Shanghai government has announced new lockdown and all all enterprises - except for public service such as water, electricity, fuel, gas - will be closed and population will remain isolated at home as from today 28th/Mar till 5th/Apr. in order to run PCR tests for all Shanghai citizen (about 24 million).

If any positive case found then the building or company or district, where the positive case is located by test, will be shut down for more days.

In this respect, cargo calls are still allowed to public terminals belonging to Shanghai ports group (Shanghai port authority), but they are much reduced as there is great lack of stevedores and terminal storage yard

All repair jobs at shipyards are prohibited during quarantine period.

 

Source:
World Marine Corp.
2, Artemidos Str. 166 74, Glyfada,
Athens - Greece
Office: +30-210-8986334
Fax:     +30-210-8986338
Mob: +30 6951098600
Email:  athens@worldmarine.gr




Updates as of 03 December 2021

UPDATED RESTRICTIONS FOR VESSELS CALLING AT CHINESE SHIPYARDS


Due to Omicron mutation appearing all over the world, Zhoushan authorities have included more countries into their list, which is now modified as follows:

 

Just to remind that revision refers to Zhoushan s/y ONLY and not in various terminals located within this major area which do not apply these restrictions.

 

1. HIGH RISK AREAS: 

South Africa, Keswatini, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Angola,Turkey, India (total 12)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 90 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date.

 

2. MEDIUM & HIGH RISK AREAS: 

UK, Holland, Germany, Vietnam, Russia, (total 5)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above-mentioned countries, then a 56 days quarantine period to apply, starts to count as from the next day of sailing date or crew change date.

 

3. MEDIUM RISK AREAS: 

Thailand, USA, Ukraine, Brazil (total 4)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above-mentioned countries, then a 42 days quarantine period to apply, starts to count as from the next day of the sailing date or crew change date.

 

Should any crew changes are performed at any other countries except the above 21, then a 28 days quarantine period to apply,

Should vessels call at any other countries except the above 21 (without crew changes), then a 14 days quarantine period to apply, no matter PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan) can be provided

Should any crew changes are performed at MEDIUM /HIGH RISK AREAS and then vessel calls LOW RISK AREAS, then restrictions as per 2 & 3 points to apply.


Moreover, please see attached updates for S/Y located in Southern Chinese ports, namely Guangzhou, Fujian, Shenzhen and Qinzhou, DALIAN COSCO SY (North China) and NANTONG COSCO SY (Yangtze river s/y - Central China):


FUJIAN: please see attached updated policy.

GUANGZHOU: All vessels calling at ports and/or conducting crew changes at high risk areas within 21days, should inform the local port authorities in advance for risk evaluation.

All vessels calling at ports and/or conducting crew changes at low risk areas, will meet a quarantine period of 14days, counting as from ship's sailing date from departure from the last overseas port.

SHENZHEN: Ships can enter shipyard after having elapsed 14 days from the last non- Chinese port. In case crew changes have been effected, the quarantine period will be 21 days, counting as from the crew joining date.

QINZHOU: There is no fixed local quarantine regulations for vessels calling at shipyard in Qingzhou for the time being. It depends on shipyard's prevention policy.

DALIAN: if ships have called/berthed in south of Africa, then a 30 days quarantine period to apply, counting as from next day of ships' sailing from these ports. Quarantine period may vary from 14 - 28 days if vessel has called other medium or high risk areas. Exact restrictions need to be checked on a case by cases basis.

NANTONG: we append abstract of relevant updated COVID - 19 policy in Nantong COSCO Shipyard which is in Chinese and English language (free translation):

 

63. The assessment of international navigation ships to be repaired is divided into high-risk and low-risk ships. "14+7" management shall be implemented for low-risk ships. 14 refers to the fact 14 days must have been elapsed from the last overseas port to the shipyard anchorage (it must be more than 28 days if there is crew change within one month before entering the port), and 7 refers to the negative nucleic acid test of crew members of ships - 2 times in 7 days at the shipyard anchorage with an interval of more than 2 days (if the actual arrival time exceeds the permitted arrival time for 4 days or more due to force majeure, the nucleic acid detection method can be adjusted to 3 days and 3 times in different time periods); the "28+3" is implemented for high-risk ships Management, 28 refers to 28 days that must have been elapsed from the last overseas port to the shipyard anchorage, 3 refers to the negative nucleic acid test of the crew - 3 times 3 days at the shipyard anchorage in different time periods. After the nucleic acid test is negative and disinfection is fully implemented, the repair operation is then allowed.

  

70. The crew of international ships in shipyard repairs shall carry out nucleic acid detection on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 21st and 28th day respectively. On the 14th day, two samples shall be collected and two different reagents shall be used for nucleic acid detection. For all nucleic acid tests, nasal swabs and pharyngeal swabs should be collected for testing. Crew members are strictly prohibited to leave the accommodation/ living area. Boarding operators shall avoid contact with crew members and entering this area.

 

We wish to stress out that most of the s/y are applying a tight policy of frequent PCR tests for vessels calling, irrespective to the port they have arrived from or the implemented quarantine period. An estimated cost could be around USD 1000 - 1500 per time with requested PCR tests to reach the number of 7 to 10 (within a month period stay in s/y).


Source:

World Marine Corp.

2, Artemidos Str. 166 74, Glyfada,

Athens - Greece

Office: +30-210-8986334

Fax:     +30-210-8986338

Mob: +30 6951098600

Email:  athens@worldmarine.gr

www.worldmarine.gr        




Updates as of 01 November 2021


REVISED RESTRICTIONS FOR VESSELS CALLING AT ZHOUSHAN DD


There was a fresh amendment in previous Zhoushan policy implemented on 28/10/21 which announced by local authorities today.

 

Specifically, there is no decrease in quarantine waiting time in case vessel has called any Chinese port and obtain PCR tests prior calling to any Zhoushan s/y.

 

Thus the latest policy circulated on 29/10/21 is now modified as per below (amendments in red color). Once again to mention that revision refers to Zhoushan s/y ONLY and not in various terminals located withing this major area.

 

1. HIGH RISK AREAS: Turkey, India (total 2)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 90 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date.

 

2. MEDIUM & HIGH RISK AREAS: UK, Brazil, Russia, (total 3)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 56 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date. In case vessels can provide PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan), this period reduced to 28 days;

 

3. MEDIUM RISK AREAS: Thailand, Philippines, USA, Ukraine (total 4)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 42 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date. In case vessels can provide PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan), this period reduced to 28 days;

 

Should any crew changes are performed at any other countries except the above 9, then a 28 days quarantine period to apply, unless PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan) can be provided in which case, period is reduced to 14 days

Should vessels call at any other countries except the above 9 (without crew changes), then a 14 days quarantine period to apply, no matter PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan) can be provided

Should any crew changes are performed at MEDIUM /HIGH RISK AREAS and then vessel calls LOW RISK AREAS, then restrictions as per 2 & 3 points to apply.




Updates as of 19 October 2021

REVISED RESTRICTIONS FOR VESSELS CALLING AT ZHOUSHAN Drydock


Below are the revised restrictions for Zhoushan implemented as from 12 October 2021

Revision refers to Zhoushan s/y ONLY and not in various terminals located withing the major area.


1. HIGH RISK AREAS: Turkey, India (total 2)


In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 90 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date.


2. MEDIUM & HIGH RISK AREAS: UK, Brazil, Russia, USA, Philippines, Malaysia (total 6)


In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 56 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date. In case vessels can provide PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan), this period reduced to 28 days;


3. MEDIUM RISK AREAS: Thailand, Iran, Vietnam, Indonesia (total 4)


In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above mentioned countries, then a 42 days quarantine period to apply, start to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date. In case vessels can provide PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan), this period reduced to 28 days;


Should any crew changes are performed at any other countries except the above 12, then a 28 days quarantine period to apply, unless PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan) can be provided in which case, period is reduced to 14 days


Should vessels call at any other countries except the above 12 (without crew changes), then a 14 days quarantine period to apply, no matter PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan) can be provided


Should any crew changes are performed at MEDIUM /HIGH RISK AREAS and then vessel calls LOW RISK AREAS, then restrictions as per 2 & 3 points to apply.


Herewith is the relevant policy in both English and Chinese language.


Zhoushan Covid-19 POLICY for Ship Repair Application






Updates as of 01 October 2021


As of Friday 01/10/2021, a new policy has been implemented by Zhoushan authorities for all the vessels calling at the shipyards of this area, putting new standards on quarantine restrictions due to COVID - 19

 

Specifically, countries and quarantine periods are re-framed as following:

 

1. HIGH-RISK AREAS: Brazil, India, Philippines, Malaysia (total 4)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above-mentioned countries, then a 90 days quarantine period to apply, starts to counting as from the next day of sailing date or crew change date.

 

2. MEDIUM & HIGH-RISK AREAS: UK, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Vietnam, Indonesia (total 6)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above-mentioned countries, then a 56 days quarantine period to apply, starts to counting as from next day of sailing date or crew change date. In case vessels can provide PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan), this period reduced to 28 days;

 

3. MEDIUM RISK AREAS: Thailand, Japan, USA (total 3)

In case vessels call or conduct crew changes at any of the above-mentioned countries, then a 42 days quarantine period to apply, starts to counting as from the next day of sailing date or crew change date. In case vessels can provide PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan), this period reduced to 28 days;

 

Should any crew changes are performed at any other countries except the above 13, then a 28 days quarantine period to apply, unless PCR report from other Chinese port (not Zhoushan) can be provided in which case, the period is reduced to 14 days


Should vessels call at any other countries except the above 13 (without crew changes), then a 14 days quarantine period to apply, no matter PCR report from other Chinese ports (not Zhoushan) can be provided


Should any crew changes are performed at MEDIUM /HIGH RISK AREAS and then vessel calls LOW RISK AREAS, then restrictions as per 2 & 3 points to apply.

 

Attached please also find relevant policy in both English and Chinese language. It has immediate effect as from 01/10/21

 

The situation with COVID-19 restrictions is constantly changing all over Chinese ports and s/y and thus restrictions may change in short time without advance notice.

 

Indicatively, we quote applicable limitations for Nantong, Jiangyin, Qingdao (BEIHAI SY), Dalian, Guangzou and Shanghai as for now:

 

NANTONG:

In case vessels arrive ex high risk areas, like India, Laos, Cambodia,Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Kingdom of Bhutan, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, Philippines, Brunei,Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the quarantine period remains 28 days , counting as from the next date vessel sails from last overseas port


Otherwise, the quarantine period is reduced to 21 days

 

JIANGYIN:

The quarantine period remains 28 days unless the shipyard can arrange special workers shift for the vessel, in which case the quarantine period can be reduced to 21 days. 

 

QINGDAO (BEIHAI S/Y):

The quarantine period is 14 days, counting as from next date the vessel sails from the last overseas port. After this period, the vessel may proceed to s/y basis prevailing regulation. Once at berth, the shipyard will conduct PCR test on all crew members on board, and upon all results show negative, repair works may commence.

 

SHANGHAI:

Shipyards in this port do not accept vessels if they have sailed from India or been called to India during the last one month.


Regarding the quarantine policy, we need to check with shipyards on a case-by-case basis.

 

For example, COSCO SHANGHAI CHANGXING s/y may allow vessels to berth directly without any quarantine, in case the vessel has not called at Indian port or having performed crew changes of Indian nationality within the last 28 days. PCR tests will be conducted on all crew after berthing.


In other cases, if ships have sailed from a previous overseas port in less than 14 days, shipyards may only commence deck job after 1st PCR test passed.


On the 14th day, 2nd PCR test will be arranged and yard can commence the job in E/R, living area and bridge after 2nd PCR test passed .

 

GUANGZHOU:

COSCO shipyard: 21 days quarantine at anchorage is required counting as from ship's sailing date from last port . (foreign and Chinese ports)

WENCHONG shipyard: 14 days quarantine at anchorage counting as from ship's sailing date from last port .(foreign and Chinese ports).

 

DALIAN:

There are no quarantine restrictions for the vessels arriving from overseas ports. Ships can enter shipyard upon its confirmed schedule. PCR tests will be conducted to all crew on board and once all results show negative, repair works will commence.


Source:

----------------------------------------

World Marine Corp.

2, Artemidos Str. 166 74, Glyfada,

Athens - Greece

Office: +30-210-8986334

Fax:     +30-210-8986338

Mob: +30 6951098600

Email:  athens@worldmarine.gr

www.worldmarine.gr        

----------------------------------------



__________________
Updates as of 23 July 2021

Additional new requirement for crew traveling to China


This is to update on the new requirement for crew traveling to China effective on and after 27 July 2021 (Tuesday)

 

Below are the extracts of the additional requirement.

 

  1. Unvaccinated people (includes those who only got 1 dose of any vaccine)
  • Negative PCR test to be completed within 48 hours before departure with verifiable QR code
  • Negative IgM serology test to be completed within 48 hours before departure with verifiable QR code

 

  1. Vaccinated people with non-inactivated vaccines like Pfizer/Moderna
  • Negative PCR test to be completed within 48 hours before departure with verifiable QR code
  • Negative N protein serology test to be completed within 48 hours before departure with verifiable QR code
  • For those not vaccinated in China or Singapore, provide verifiable vaccinated certificates as per requirements set out in the official websites of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in the place of vaccination
  • For those vaccinated in Singapore, upload vaccine certificate from Health Hub

 

  1. Vaccinated people with inactivated vaccines like Sinovac/Sinopharm
  • Negative PCR test to be completed within 48 hours before departure with verifiable QR code
  • Negative IgM serology test to be completed within 48 hours before departure with verifiable QR code
  • For those vaccinated in China or other countries, upload vaccination certificate with name of person, vaccine brand and place of vaccination
  • For those vaccinated in Singapore, upload vaccine certificate from Health Hub
  • Upload the Letter of Commitment on COVID-19 Vaccination

 

You may find out from the following link: http://www.chinaembassy.org.sg/eng/gdxw/t1893114.htm



_____________
Updates as of 05 July 2021

New policy applying to vessels intending to call at Zhoushan shipyards for scheduled dry docking/repairs.

 
1. All vessels with trajectory and crew changes at high-risk areas (Indian, Indonesia, Brazil, Argentina), need retroactive period of 56 days, but if vessel can provide PCR report from other Chinese ports, the retroactive period could be reduced to 28 days;

2. All vessels with trajectory and crew changes at medium risk areas (Iran, Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan), need retroactive period of 42 days, but if vessel can provide PCR report from other Chinese port, the retroactive period could be reduced to 14 days;

3. All vessels with crew changes within other area except for the above mentioned countries, need retroactive period of 28 days, unless vessel could provide PCR report from other Chinese ports in which case the retroactive period could be reduced to 14 days;

Kindly also note that PCR test in Zhoushan is not acceptable by Zhoushan government . It is required the PCR test conducted in other Chinese port.


Source:
World Marine Corp.
2, Artemidos Str. 166 74, Glyfada,
Athens - Greece
Office: +30-210-8986334
Fax:     +30-210-8986338
Mob: +30 6951098600
Email:  athens@worldmarine.gr
www.worldmarine.gr     


____________________
Updates as of 19 March 2021

Is China Embassy in Manila now open to accept visa applications for seafarers?


As of now all visa applications / appointments are still on hold until further notice.


Source:
Consular Office 
Chinese Embassy 
2nd Floor, the World Center, 
330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, 
Makati City, Metro Manila 

For Inquiry & Appointment:  
chinaembassy.ph@gmail.com (For Chinese citizen) 
phchinaembassy@hotmail.com (For foreigners) 



__________

UPDATES AS OF 08 FEBRUARY 2021

Updated local policy for crew change in China

As a result of a spike of new COVID19 cases this January, China is taking stricter epidemic prevention and control measures amid higher risks of the epidemic before the Spring Festival Holidays which will commence on Feb 11, 2021. Following our earlier circular No. 2013 dated Nov 10, 2020 “Foreign Crew Change Procedures at Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian and Shanghai”, we have checked the current crew change policy at the major ports and hereby update as below for your reference:

Dalian

Foreign crew change
Foreign crew members are not allowed to sign on or off the vessel.

Chinese crew change
Chinese crew members with a negative NAT report issued within three days are allowed to sign on.

No sign-off of Chinese crew members is allowed unless for an emergency.

Qingdao

Foreign crew change
Foreign crew members who meet the requirement can disembark, but it is difficult to arrange for them to sign on.

Chinese crew change
Chinese crew members with a negative NAT report issued within three days are allowed to sign on.

Shanghai

Foreign crew change
All foreign crew have to wait for the results of the NAT test before they can be disembarked, so for container ships, usually there is not enough time to arrange the disembarkation without delaying the ship’s schedule; for bulk ships, their longer stay at port will make it relatively easier.

Chinese crew change

Chinese crew members with a negative NAT report issued within three days are allowed to sign on.

Chinese crew members on container ships can be disembarked without having to wait for the results of the NAT test, while those of bulk carriers still have to wait for the results of the NAT before they can be disembarked.


Tianjin

Foreign crew change
A ship can only sail after the departure of the crewmember who has been disembarked, so the crewmember's international flight should take off before the ship’s scheduled departure, otherwise the ship’s schedule would be affected. In addition, the voyage of the ship from the last foreign port to Tianjin should not be less than 21 days. Otherwise, an application should be submitted to the authority for special consideration.

The sign-on foreign crew member should have a valid negative nucleic acid report and enter China directly at Tianjin with quarantine for 21 days upon arrival.

Chinese crew change
The crew change of Chinese crew members are allowed in Tianjin.

Ningbo

Foreign crew change
No foreign crew change would be permitted unless for special reason which would be assessed and determined by the local authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Chinese crew change
The Chinese crew change in Ningbo is normal now. A negative NAT test result should be in place before they disembark the vessel and after disembarkation, they should be quarantined in the hotel for 14 days.

Xiamen, Fuzhou and Haikou

Foreign crew change
No foreign crew change is permitted unless for special reason which would be assessed and determined by the local authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Chinese crew change
The Chinese crew change is suspended during/around the Chinese New Year Festival holiday.

Shenzhen and Guangzhou

Foreign crew change
The sign-off of foreign crew can be arranged on the condition that:
a. the outbound international air ticket is available;
b. the crewmember has been in China for more than 14 days;
c. negative results from multiple nucleic acid tests during the 14 days;
d. the crew will be sent to the airport directly on basis of closed-loop control without local stay after disembarkation;
e. the approval of the application from the local authorities including the MSA, immigration office, Customs, port authority and etc. have been obtained.

The sign-on of foreign crew is unfeasible and no successful case has been heard of recently.

Chinese crew change
The Chinese crew change is normal in both of the ports now.


As a whole, crew change policies are now becoming stricter in all Chinese ports. For foreign sign-on crew members, it depends on whether they can get an invitation letter from the Foreign Affairs Office and as far as we know, there are very few successful cases of foreign crew signing on ships in Chinese ports recently.

As the epidemic situation in China develops and changes constantly, the crew change policy at each port may be adjusted accordingly. Owners who plan to change crew in China is strongly suggested to contact with their local agent in advance to learn the update policy and discuss the crew change issue.


Source:
Oasis P&I Services Company Limited - OASIS CIRCULAR 2102
E-MAIL: oasis@oasispandi.com


______________________

UPDATES AS OF 3 FEBRUARY 2021

Below is the fresh information for the below mentioned ports where quarantine limitations are being applied:
 
1. Zhoushan -- request 14 + 7 + 7 days quarantine period / attendance allowed only when vessels in shipyard

2. Shanghai -- request 14 days quarantine period

3. Jiangyin -- request 14 + 14 days quarantine period / attendance allowed only when vessels in shipyard

4. Nantong -- request 14 days quarantine period / attendance allowed only when vessels in shipyard

5. Ningbo - Beilun -- request 14 + 7 + 7 days quarantine period / cannot attend vsl at Ningbo-Beilun port

6. Zhanjiangang -- request 14 + 7 + 7 days quarantine period

7. Taicang -- request 14 + 14 days quarantine period

8. Tianjin --14+7 days (14days at entrance place+7days at Tianjin )

9. Qingdao --14+7 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+7days at Qingdao )

10. Rizhao -- 14+7 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+7days at Rizhao )

11. Bayuquan -- 14+14 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+14days at Bayuquan)

12. Caofedian -- 21+7 days quarantine period(21days at entrance place+7days at Caofeidian)

13. Dalian --14+7+7 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+7days at Dalian+7days community health monitoring )

14. Lianyungang --14+14 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+14days at Lianyungang).

15. Putian -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period

16. Fangcheng -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period

17. Xianmen -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period

18. Zhenjiang -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period

19. Guangzhou -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period

20. Nansha -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period

21. Hong Kong -- request 14 days quarantine period. According to latest regulation implemented in HKG as from 20.01.21, any person having stayed in Brazil, UK, Ireland or South Africa for more than 2hours within last 21 days, won't be allowed to join flight to HKG.

 

REMARKS

1. such policies are constantly changing, strongly suggest to re-check what is the prevailing current situation with you local agent.

2.Terminals located within same the port may also apply DIFFERENT restrictions.


----------------------------------------

Source:

World Marine Corp.

2, Artemidos Str. 166 74, Glyfada,

Athens - Greece

Office: +30-210-8986334

Fax:    +30-210-8986338

Mob:    +30 6951098600

Email:  athens@worldmarine.gr

www.worldmarine.gr   


__________________


UPDATE AS OF 28 JANUARY 2021

Further to last update on 04.01.21 regarding to new policy implemented by local authorities in Zhejiang province as far as it concerns foreign Supt attendance in the ports of Zhoushan, Ningbo and Wenzhou, more Chinese ports have nowdays adopted such policy in an effort to constraint the COVID-19.

 

Here are below some of the ports where such limitations applying for your perusal:


1. Zhoushan -- request 14 + 7 + 7 days quarantine period / attendance allowed only when vessels in shipyard


2. Shanghai -- request 14 days quarantine period


3. Jiangyin -- request 14 + 14 days quarantine period / attendance allowed only when vessels in shipyard


4. Nantong -- request 14 days quarantine period / attendance allowed only when vessels in shipyard


5. Ningbo - Beilun -- request 14 + 7 + 7 days quarantine period / cannot attend vsl at Ningbo-Beilun port


6. Zhanjiangang -- request 14 + 7 + 7 days quarantine period


7. Taicang -- request 14 + 14 days quarantine period


8. Tianjin --14+7 days (14days at entrance place+7days at Tianjin )


9. Qingdao --14+7 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+7days at Qingdao )


10. Rizhao -- 14+7 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+7days at Rizhao )


11. Bayuquan -- 14+14 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+14days at Bayuquan)


12. Caofedian -- 21+7 days quarantine period(21days at entrance place+7days at Caofeidian)


13. Dalian --14+7+7 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+7days at Dalian+7days community health monitoring )


14. Lianyungang --14+14 days quarantine period (14days at entrance place+14days at Lianyungang).


15. Putian -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period


16. Fangcheng -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period


17. Xianmen -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period


18. Zhenjiang -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period


19. Guangzhou -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period


20. Nansha -- request 14 + 7 days quarantine period


21. Hong Kong -- request 14 days quarantine period. According to latest regulation implemented in HKG as from 20.01.21, any person having stayed in Brazil, UK, Ireland or South Africa for more than 2hours within last 21 days, won't be allowed to join flight to HKG.


At this point, please note that such policies are constantly changing, so you will also need to check on the spot what is the prevailing situation.


On the other hand, terminals located within same port do not applying same restrictions. It is strongly suggest to check locally prior proceeding with any arrangements.


I shall try to keep you updated with any news so bookmarked this page.


Source:

World Marine Corp.

2, Artemidos Str. 166 74, Glyfada,

Athens - Greece

Office: +30-210-8986334

Fax:     +30-210-8986338

Mob: +30 6951098600

Email:  athens@worldmarine.gr

www.worldmarine.gr        


_________________

UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 8, 2021:

More ports have implemented the new policy for foreign Supts , recently got in force at Zhoushan.


Specifically, Qingdao and Shenzhen ports have been added into this list since yesterday - January 7, 2021.


QINGDAO -  14+2+5 days quarantine requirement.: after the usual 14 days quarantine hotel stay upon entering China, passengers traveling to QINGDAO have to stay at the isolation inspection point for 2 days and another 5 days stay at a quarantine hotel in Qingdao


SHENZHEN -  14+7 days quarantine requirement:  after the usual 14 days quarantine hotel stay upon entering China, passengers traveling to SHENZHEN have to remain isolated in a quarantine hotel at SHENZHEN for another 7 days.


More than 100 infected cases were found in HUANGHUA ,JINGTANG , CAOFEIDIAN , all located within Hebei province and above policy is likely to be followed by them too.


Information Source:

W O R L D   M A R I N E   C O R P.

Comprehensive Ship Agency & Representation Services

Suez Canal, Egyptian Ports, PR China and S.A.R Hong Kong

Date : 07/01/2021 - Time: 17:25:25 


_________________

UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 05, 2021:

FOREIGN SUPTS ATTENDANCE IN ZHOUSHAN


New policy has been implemented by local authorities in Zhejiang province, covering Zhoushan, Ningbo and Wenzhou ports, related to foreign Supt attendance who are arriving at China in order to attend vessels at Zhoushan for dd/repairs.


Specifically, due to a case of passenger COVID-19 result turned positive again after the usual 14 days hotel quarantine, Zhoushan government has decided today to put an additional quarantine period of 7 days + 7 days quarantine regulation . That means that after 14 days isolation at the quarantine hotel located in the city ones arrives/enters China, another 7 days quarantine at a Zhoushan hotel is needed (if person is headed to Zhoushan), and then again a period of 7 days health monitoring/reporting (on daily basis). During this last week , person(s) can attend vessel.


In other words, the quarantine period has been extended to 3 weeks now for those persons need to attend vessels at Zhoushan.


Such measures , though decided/ implemented in Beijing too, have not yet been put in force in other provinces and cities


Source: 

W O R L D   M A R I N E   C O R P.

Comprehensive Ship Agency & Representation Services

Suez Canal, Egyptian Ports, PR China and S.A.R Hong Kong


____________________

Despite the fact that central Chinese government has issued instructions to 10 ports (Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian, Xiamen, Tianjin, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Haikou) to open their gates to foreign crew changes as from  9th October , very small steps forward have been made so far .

 

Seems that sufficient clarifications have not yet given to local authorities and any tries for crew changes made by local agents are in vane

 

For the time being there were a couple of cases in Shanghai, Qingdao (only off signers), one case in Guangzhou Cosco s/y (2 off signers) and one case in Ningbo s/y (2 on signers) 

 

Specifically for Ningbo, there were only two cases for crew signing on new building, however the formalities were very complicated .

 

This case refers to specific NINGBO S/Y and not to any cargo terminals located in this port where no foreign crew changes are still feasible.

 

In other ports like , Fuzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen , Haikou, Dalian, Tianjin there were no successful cases.

 

 

Some key points from the regulation:

  

1) vessel should left last foreign port for more than 14 days, and there should be no crew change within the last 14 days.

 

2) the plan for crew change should be submitted to local port authorities for approval on case by case basis.

 

3) the off signer should pass the nucleic acid test (N.A.T) by Customs officer before disembarkation. Test may be asked to be made even up to 3 times which of course takes time

 

4) the off signer should be sent directly from vessel to airport to take the repatriation flight, no stay at local hotel is allowed.

 

5) Vessel cannot sail from port unless off signer has departed

 

6) The LOI for on signer should be issued by local government foreign affairs dept subject to their approval.

 

7) After on signer passes the quarantine at local airport, he could be transported to vessel point-to-point.

 

8) Direct flights abroad - no intermediate flights in other Chinese airports are allowed.

 

  


----------------------------------------

Source:

World Marine Corp.

2, Artemidos Str. 166 74, Glyfada,

Athens - Greece

Office: +30-210-8986334

Fax:     +30-210-8986338

Mob: +30 6951098600

Email:  athens@worldmarine.gr

www.worldmarine.gr        


RELATED DOCUMENT


Announcement on strengthening the prevention and control of spread of Covid-19 epidemic for seafarers on international sea-going vessels

Jointly issued by the Ministry of Transport, the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs


From: International Chamber of Shipping (China) Liaison Office

Hong Kong




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