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Standard Operation procedures / Protocols (SOP) for controlled crew changes - reg.
Applicable to:
All stakeholders involved in crew changes
Effective Date:
22nd April 2020
Superseded Circulars:
DGS Order No. 04 of 2020, DGS Order No. 05 of 2020, and clarifications dated 24.03.2020
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Controlled Crew Changes
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has prescribed the following SOP for controlled crew changes to ensure the safety and health of seafarers and prevent COVID-19 contamination.
- For Sign-on:
- Seafarer to fill travel and contact history form for the last 28 days and submit it to the ship owner/RPS agency.
- Ship owner/RPS agency to submit the form to a DGS-approved medical examiner for assessment and certification.
- Seafarer to undergo medical examination if required by the medical examiner.
- Ship owner/RPS agency to identify seafarer's travel route, upload details on DGS website for e-pass generation, and ensure the seafarer follows all safety protocols.
- For Sign-off:
- Master to submit Maritime Declaration of Health and provide additional information required by local health authorities.
- Seafarer to wear PPE, clear immigration, and undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival.
- Seafarer to quarantine until test results are received, and follow safety protocols post-testing.
- Ship owner/RPS agency to identify seafarer's travel route, upload details on DGS website for e-pass generation, and ensure the seafarer follows all safety protocols.
II/4 Annexure I: Declaration of Travel History of Seafarer (Past 28 Days)
Important Note
Seafarers identified for joining ship should have travel history declared for the last 28 days, which should be self-declared by the seafarer and verified by the ship owner/RPS agency. This record should be retained by the RPS agency and made available to the medical practitioner. The DGS-approved medical examiner shall utilize this information while certifying the fitness to join the ship.
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