The Maritime Industry Round Up Philippine government opens first ‘green lane’ for seafarers in Asia
The Philippines opened the first “green lane” for seafarers in Asia to allow the free movement of seafarers and personnel across borders. The Joint Circular, which took effect on July 2, was created by the Philippine government to ensure that seafarers are accorded speedy and safe travel, subject to health protocols mandated by the Philippine government, including safe and swift disembarkation and crew change during the COVID-19 pandemic. This also intends to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for both Filipino and foreign seafarers whether inbound, outbound or transiting during crew change or repatriation. Furthermore, the Joint Circular will facilitate the creation of controlled travel corridors to open the Philippines for people-to-people and economic exchange and stimulate the country’s economy amidst its ongoing bout against the pandemic. The Joint Circular covers seafarers, licensed manning agencies, shipping companies, airlines and other entities involved in facilitating the travel of seafarers for purposes of crew change and repatriation during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sets the minimum standards and process flows for each applicable scenario that all stakeholders should follow to facilitate the speedy and safe conduct of crew change or repatriation. It also aims to complement the existing standard health and safety protocols. Source: https://dfa.gov.ph
MARINA Extends Validity of STCW Certificates & Seaman’s Book The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines has extended the validity of STCW certificates and Seafarers’ Identification and Record Book (SIRB) to one year to help seafarers who are dealing with difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic. According to MARINA, all STCW certificates expiring between September 1 and December 31, 2020 will be extended for a period of one year from the date of expiry without the need for filing for a renewal application. All Filipino seafarers, who are on board or ashore at the time of expiry of their certificates and are compliant with the provisions concerned, are eligible. MARINA also granted a one-year extension for expiring Seafarer’s Record Books (SRBs) and Seafarers Identification and Record Books (SIRBs). All SRBs and SIRBs of seafarers currently serving on board ships and ashore, which are expiring between March 13 to December 31, 2020, shall be extended for one year from the date of expiry without having to file for an application at the MARINA. However, the MARINA strongly encourages seafarers who are not currently onboard to renew their SIRBs/SRBs six months prior to the document’s expiration in order to avoid the expected influx of SIRB/SRB renewals next year. Seafarers may set an appointment for the expedited processing of their SIRB/SRB by logging on to https://sidsrb.marina.gov.ph or https://marinaoas.pisopay.com.ph. These extensions are in support of MARINA Board Resolution No. 2020-04-04 which states the country’s full support of the recognition of Filipino seafarers as “key workers” to ensure that ship crew changes can take place safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As key workers, MARINA recommends the smooth processing of the Filipino seafarers’ documentation, repatriation, and receipt of necessary assistance from the Philippine government during this crucial period. Source: marina.gov.ph
