SINGAPORE has updated its guidelines to prioritise certain crew change applications in the light of the increasing number of applications with which it is having to deal, while also taking into consideration reports of a rising number of coronavirus infections being found among signing-on crew.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore noted that with the port facilitating an average of about 300 crew changes per day in July there was a need to prioritise certain categories.

These will include crew with expiry of contracts which flag states are not extending further, Singapore-registered ships and crew sign-offs, it said.

MPA added that Singapore had seen three cases within one week, where crew members scheduled to sign-on to vessels were found to have tested positive for coronavirs upon arrival and this had hindered the crew change process.

The Singapore authorities had earlier this week warned that it had found cases where pre-arrival tests had been altered or tampered with, and pre-arrival protocols not adhered to.

MPA said it was enhancing safety measures in view of the heightened risks of importing coronavirus cases into Singapore, but would continue to work with the industry to review current policy to adapt to the fast-changing situation relating to the disease.

Extra precautions are also being taken among port operations staff, with all shore personnel coming in contact with ship crew advised to wear face shields or goggles in addition to face masks and gloves when working on the ships. 

Hong Kong, the other major crew change hub in Southeast Asia, has faced pressure to take better control of these procedures after some seafarers were found to be part of a third peak in coronavirus infections.

The two main shipping associations in the city have voluntarily suspended crew changes for three weeks.