In line with current crew change safety measures with isolation protocols in place, seafarers who are due to sign-off and depart from Singapore will be housed at the Seacare Hotel and the POSH Bawean accommodation vessel for up to 48 hours. The entire process will continue to involve segregation from the general community to prevent any potential transmission of the virus.

“SMOU, together with our tripartite partners, have been collaborating to overcome the crew change challenges of seafarers since the beginning of the pandemic. With the new initiative of a dedicated crew facilitation centre which will involve segregating crew in the floating accommodation, we will be able to enhance Singapore’s crew change protocol in a safer manner for seafarers and a more sustainable solution for shipping companies. This is the result of a committed tripartite effort in the maritime industry which will assist more seafarers to be reunited with their families back home and at the same time, allow fresh crew to sign on safely so as to provide for their families,” said Ms Mary Liew, General Secretary of SMOU and President of NTUC.