Circular No. 4204/Add.22/Rev.1 Guide for crew changes in Singapore.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44(0)20 7735 7611 | Facsimile: +44(0)20 587 3210
Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guide for crew changes in Singapore
The Secretary-General distributed, on 11 June 2020, by means of Circular No. 4204/Add.22, the Guide for crew changes in Singapore. This Guide has been revised following recent changes to Singapore’s requirements for conducting crew changes.
The organization of crew changes is one of the major challenges currently facing the shipping sector. It is estimated that from mid-June 2020, 300,000 seafarers per month will need to take international flights to enable crew changes, approximately half of whom will be repatriated by air, while the other half will join ships.
ANNEX: SINGAPORE CREW CHANGE GUIDEBOOK (June 22, 2020)
Process for Sign-on and Sign-off
This manual coordinates crew change efforts in Singapore, led by the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), the SMOU union, IMEC, and WSC.
Figure 1.1: RACI Matrix for crew Sign-on
Updated Requirements
Applications for crew change MUST be made at least 14 days in advance in accordance with PMC circulars 26 and 27 of 2020.
| Phase | Checklist | Mitigating factor |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-on | 14 days of SHN (Stay-Home Notice) in country of origin. Negative PCR test 48h before the flight. Medical certificate of fitness to travel (24h before). | Meet-and-greet services, direct private transport, mandatory masks. |
| Sign-off | Immediate flight availability. Medical certificate of fitness to travel (24h before). | Telemedicine for medical certification. Direct private transport to the airport. |
Documentation required for the process
- Application form (as per MPA website).
- Online declaration, undertaking and consent.
- Planned flight itinerary.
- Crew health declaration (asymptomatic).
- Maritime declaration of health (submitted 12 hours before arrival).
RACI Matrix – Summary of responsibilities
| Category | Activity/Task | Main responsible party |
|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | SHN compliance, COVID-19 test and fitness documents | Manning Agency |
| Singapore Airport | Meet & Greet and immigration control | Shipping agent |
| Transit | Transfer to ship or holding facility | Shipping agent |
