Offshore supply vessels arriving with joiners from other countries

31 Aug 2020 / Ras Laffan, Qatar

Vessels arriving from other countries with the passengers to be signed as crew members on OSVs need to be quarantined at the anchorage for seven days.

Once this period is completed, the respective vessel’s crew members and passengers shall be SWAB tested. If all the crew members and passengers test negative, port team will sign and stamp the report.

Immigration authorities will process the entry formalities and permit crew changes once they receive the certified SWAB test results.

The current protocols as promulgated by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health must be complied with in case any of the crew or passengers will be tested either positive or reactive. Persons with inconclusive SWAB test results shall undergo retesting.

GATE PASS APPLICATION ENDORSEMENT

a) The crew shall otherwise comply with all immigration and GDIS rules and regulations.

b) Issuance of pass does not waive any of the provisions of above listed protocols.

c) The crew shall still join within 72 hours of receiving a negative result.

d) The responsibility to comply with this provision rests with the agents. Thus, while applying for the passes in advance, agents must make a representation that the crew will undergo a swab testing before boarding and will join the vessel with 72 hours of receiving a negative result.

e) Crew shall continue to safeguard themselves and exercise good measures to avert any COVID 19 exposure.

Ex positive cases crew members gate pass application endorsement requirement.

f) Completed total 21 days quarantine, and asymptomatic

g) Latest medical certificate (report from any private clinic) (Latest medical certificate not applicable for ex-reactive cases)

h) JVOC confirmation that respective personnel are exempted from swab test

i) Ehteraz application (screen shot showing green)

j) Completed/filled up form (excel sheet as attached file) – one form for all if same quarantine period.

JOIN THE VESSEL WITH 72 HOURS OF RECEIVING A NEGATIVE RESULT

a) Personnel needing to board offshore support vessel at cargo berths shall also comply with these protocols. They must visit the Laffan Offshore Terminal access control centre placed prior to New Service berth 12 and get registered.

b) No crew changes shall be performed at the cargo berths

c) It is the agent’s responsibility that all visitors are mindful and comply with these requirements.

d) No pass application shall be submitted to port unless the agents ensure with the compliance.

e) Vessels at OSBs shall also comply with a. and b. above.

QP SWAB TEST CENTERS
Ras Laffan Port Medical Centre (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday)
Al Madina Clinic, Ras Laffan City (Saturday, Monday, Wednesday)
Doha Heliport Clinic (7 days per week)

Since 1 August, non-Qataris may enter Qatar. Those arriving from countries deemed low-risk by the government are subject to a coronavirus test upon arrival at the airport and must pledge to quarantine at home for one week. Alternative options for testing before arrival may be available depending on accredited COVID-19 testing centres available in the low-risk country. Individuals arriving from countries not deemed low-risk are required to obtain a test from an accredited testing centre less than 48 hours before traveling. One week of home quarantine is required after arrival. If no accredited testing centres are available, the individual may arrive in Qatar but is required to quarantine in a hotel at their own expense, booking the hotel through the Discover Qatar website. A COVID-19 test is required at the end of that week of quarantine. If it is negative, the individual may then quarantine at home for an additional week.

Shore leave application will be accepted for only emergency medical cases (crew transfer from port to hospital in ambulance).

The EHTERAZ app is mandatory for business visa, Government visa & RP holders to access port & boarding any vessels inside Ras Laffan port or anchorage.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Qatar, contact GAC Qatar at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.