Covid-19 Crew Travel Safety

Version 9
CDA-00-071
10/06/2021 Covid-19 - On signer Preparations/Travel Advice
Approved by: Agreed by: Issued by:
Page 1 of 11 Director Crewing QMR J. Managing Director
After Sign off

a. Crew are to be encouraged to register for vaccination
*subject to availability and time available for completing both doses before the next assignment.
b. Vaccination certification to be uploaded in the seafarers Oracle file under the entry: Vaccination. -
Covid-19
At least 14 days before departure ******:
c. Crew are to be instructed to remain in self-quarantine, (with the exception of any essential actions for
the issuance/renewal of documents required for joining such as medicals etc.)
d. During this period, they are required to check and record their temperature twice per day via the form
that is issued together with the Oracle Employment Offer
e. It is recommended that crew watch the following video which summarizes all requirements:
https://cutt.ly/Marlow-Covid
f. During the self-quarantine period, random checks should be done via phone / video calls (as
appropriate) to verify compliance.
g. Prior to dispatch, it must be checked with the departing crew if any activities of ‘social events’ during
their quarantine period are posted on their social media accounts. If there is any indication in social
events during the quarantine, crew must be stopped from departing.
*Not more than 48 hours before departure:
a. Visits to your office should be kept only to the essential. If required, crewmember should make an
appointment to ensure that their time spent in your premises is kept to the minimum
b. The crewmember should submit a copy of his ‘Daily temperature check records’ for review
c. The crewmember should undergo a Covid-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test via an approved
clinic***
d. The crewmember should ONLY be dispatched if he in possession of the following:
1. Certificate for International Transport Worker (issued with the Oracle SEA). See Agency
circular CDA-00-069
2. Covid-19 Pre-departure Check. Self-Declaration Statement (issued with the Oracle SEA).
Note: Crew with temperature exceeding 37.2 Celsius shall not be dispatched.
3. Negative PCR Covid test certificate issued by approved clinic ****
4. For Philippines, the embarking crew to be accommodated in Marlow-rented hotels from the
time of passing the PCR test until dispatch. For the dispatch, public transport to be avoided,
but MN PHL to arrange for transfer by car or minibus, in order to avoid last minute infection.
5. Marlow Covid safety travel pack containing:
 At least 5 disposal masks
 At least 5 sets of disposable gloves
 At least 1 bottle of hand sanitizer (under 100ml)
 2 face shields **
 1 FFP2 or N95 mask (crew changes in Germany and Singapore only) *****
6. Seafarer to be provided with
a. annex 1 ‘What Can I do to Keep Myself Safe From Coronavirus During my Travels?’
b. annex 2 ‘Myth Busting and Vaccination FAQ
(extract from the ICS Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of
Seafarers Version 4.0 June 2021)
Version 9 CDA-00-071
NOTES:
* acceptable periods for Covid testing depend on the requirements of the airline / embarkation port. Ideally, the
specimen sample, processing and results should be done not more than 48 hours before departure. A case to case
approach is required. For further clarification please check with the respective Operational Group.
** Applicable only for Filipino crew. As from the 15th of August, wearing a face shield is mandatory when
travelling from / to the Philippines. Ideally, the on signer should be provided with 2 face shields. One for
himself and one for the off signer. If this is not possible, the respective group should be informed in order to
make alternative arrangements.
*** If a crew member tests positive then the criteria for determining if he is recovered and fit to travel should be
as per:
a) national requirements and
b) any applicable requirements of the crew change country
c) decision of a certified medical professional
Such criteria may include, requirements for additional self-isolation, required time frame between tests and
number of tests required to confirm negative status.
**** Covid tests should only be conducted by clinics / laboratories approved and licensed by the respective
national health authorities. These clinics / labs should be entered in the Oracle Connected Parties module along
with their national license / ISO certification (as appropriate). Additionally, please also note that certain airlines
and port authorities will only accept PRC test certificates issued by specific approved / vetted clinics (for
example, Qatar airways and the Chinese and Korean authorities). Please always recheck requirements via the
appropriate Operational Group before proceeding with arrangements.
All crew must be dispatched with the official printed Covid test certificate because some airlines, (Emirates for
example), will not accept SMS or digital certificates.
Vessels engaged in Far East tramp trade:

It is highly recommended that the PCR tests are performed by clinics accredited by both the Chinese and Korean
authorities, even if at the time of performing the crew change there is no confirmation that the vessel will visit
these countries. A list of accredited clinics is normally available via your nearest Chinese / Korean embassy.
Antigen tests:
Some countries perform Antigen tests for joining crew on arrival of crewmembers at the airport. Additionally,
Antigen tests might be required if the vessel calls China within 2 weeks after joining. We had few cases where
joining crew were PCR tested negative prior departure, but positive with the Antigen test in joining port.
For these cases, please arrange an additional Antigen test PRIOR departure of the crew, as PCR and Antigen can
show different results.
This Antigen test prior departure does not substitute the Antigen in the joining port but is an additional measure
our side to avoid having crew refused boarding.
(countries known to have such requirements in place as of May 2021: JORDAN, CURACAO, DENMARK,
HONG KONG, JAPAN, MEXICO, KOREA. If in doubt, please check with the respective Crew
Superintendent).
***** New regulations in Germany, (effective 20.01.21), require that FFP2 masks are worn in in public
transport, stores etc. Joiners should hand carry for off signers where feasible.
Singapore Maritime and Port Authority circular no 05 of 2021: crew are recommend to use N95 masks when
travelling to Singapore to reduce the likely hood that they are categorized as ‘close contacts’ when being on the
same flight as a COVID-19 infected person.
****** Self-quarantine periods may vary based on the requirements of the crew change country. For example,
effective May 2021 the Singapore authorities (MPA) require crew to remain in isolation at home for 21 days
before departure. In case of doubt please check with the Crew Superintendent.
Annex 1 ‘What Can I Do to Keep Myself Safe From Coronavirus During my Travels?’
Wash your hands frequently. This is without a doubt the most crucial thing you can do to minimize your risk
of contracting the coronavirus disease. And not just a quick rinse – wash your hands with soap for at least 20 to
30 seconds any chance you get – especially after being in public or traveling via public transport. If you are
traveling by plane, wash your hands whenever you leave your seat and after leaving the airport. If you do not
have access to soap and water, then rub a hand sanitizer gel with at least 60% alcohol content on your hands and
wrists. But remember that hand sanitizer is not as effective as a thorough wash with soap. See below for further
guidance.
Do not touch your face with unwashed hands. If you have been in a public place, do not touch your face
unless you have thoroughly cleaned your hands. The novel coronavirus can live on surfaces for hours after it has
been touched by an infected person, and can infect yourself if you touch your mouth, nose, and eyes.
Keep your distance. As far as feasible, try to stay at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from other persons. You can
become infected by their airborne respiratory (cough or sneeze) droplets. Where feasible, try to avoid crowds.
Clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe. Where feasible, try to give frequently
touched objects a sweep with a disinfectant yourself. For example, your airplane seat.
Wear a mask and seek medical help if you develop symptoms. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, such as
fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing, wear a mask so that you do not risk infecting other people and seek
medical help immediately. See following pages for further guidance.
Change gloves regularly. Wearing gloves is a convenient way to minimize contamination and keep our hands
clean, but they are only really useful when handwashing is either not possible or insufficient to prevent
contamination. When they are worn, they will need to be changed as often as hands need to be washed.
Steps to putting on a face mask

1. Before putting on the mask, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or rub your
hands together thoroughly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Check for defects in the facemask, such as tears or broken loops.
3. Position the colored side of the mask outward.
4. If present, make sure the metallic strip is at the top of the mask and positioned against the bridge of your
nose.
5. If the mask has:
a. Ear loops: Hold the mask by both ear loops and place one loop over each ear.
b. Ties: Hold the mask by the upper strings. Tie the upper strings in a secure bow near the crown
of your head. Tie the bottom strings securely in a bow near the nape of your neck.
c. Dual elastic bands: Pull the top band over your head and position it against the crown of your
head. Pull the bottom band over your head and position it against the nape of your neck.
2. Mold the bendable metallic upper strip to the shape of your nose by pinching and pressing down on it
with your fingers.
3. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.
4. Be sure the mask fits snugly.
5. Do not touch the mask once in position.
6. If the mask gets soiled or damp, replace it with a new one.
What not to do when wearing a surgical mask

Once the mask is positioned securely, there are certain precautions to keep in mind to ensure you do not transfer
pathogens to your face or hands.
Do not:
1. touch the mask once it’s secured on your face, as it might have pathogens on it
2. dangle the mask from one ear
3. hang the mask around your neck
4. crisscross the ties
5. reuse single-use masks
If you have to touch the facemask while you are wearing it, wash your hands first. Be sure to also wash your
hands afterward, or use hand sanitizer.
How to remove and discard a surgical mask

It is important to remove the facemask correctly to ensure you do not transfer any germs to your hands or face.
You also want to make sure you discard the mask safely.
Steps to taking off a face mask

1. Before you take off the mask, wash your hands well or use hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid touching the mask itself, as it could be contaminated. Hold it by the loops, ties, or bands only.
3. Carefully remove the mask from your face once you:
a. unhook both ear loops, or
b. untie the bottom bow first, followed by the top one, or
c. remove the bottom band first by lifting it over your head, then do the same with the top band
2. Holding the mask loops, ties, or bands, discard the mask by placing it in a covered trash bin.
3. After removing the mask, wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer.
Annex 2: Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers
Source: extract from the ICS Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers Version 4.0 June 2021

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Version 9

After Sign off

At least 14 days before departure ******:

*Not more than 48 hours before departure:

Vessels engaged in Far East tramp trade:

Steps to putting on a face mask

What not to do when wearing a surgical mask

How to remove and discard a surgical mask

Steps to taking off a face mask

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