News: Singapore MPA extends its precautionary measures

Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has extended its precautionary measures in the shipping sector as part of its efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore. These are set out in Port Marine Circular no.8 and no.9 of 2020 (both available on the right) which supersede the previous advices and reflect the precautionary measures issued by the Singapore Ministry of Health. These are in effect from 4 March 2020 23:59hrs.

In summary, as set out in Circular No.8, vessels arriving to Singapore Ports which fall within certain categories are required to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office 24 hours before arrival. These include:

• All arriving passenger ships (unless operated by MOA- licensed regionary ferry service operators);
• All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, Iran, northern Italy or the Republic of Korea in the past 14 days; or
• All arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, Iran, northern Italy, or the Republic of Korea in the past 14 days.

Circular No.9 provides general guidance from the MPA, in addition to specific extended precautionary measures for arrivals with travel history within the past 14 days to China, Iran, northern Italy or Republic of Korea.

To assist members we also draw attention to the IMO guidance on “Operational considerations for managing COVID-19 cases/outbreak on board ships” prepared by WHO, available on the right. 

Should members have any concerns in respect of these port restrictions or required documents, we recommend you liaise with agents as far in advance as possible to prevent any issues or delays.

Categories: COVID-19, Loss Prevention