Updated COVID-19 measures, management of seafarers & maritime related personnel

18 Mar 2022 / Gibraltar

From 00.01 on 18 March 2022 there will be no longer a requirement for seafarers and maritime personnel to test either on arrival or at disembarkation.

From 00.01 on Friday 25 March, even unvaccinated close contacts of COVID-19 positive cases will no longer be required to self-isolate. This will also be applicable to seafarers and maritime related personnel.

TESTING OF SEAFARERS AND MARITIME RELATED PERSONNEL

  • In the case that there is a requirement to test a seafarer or maritime personnel due to conditions imposed by shipping companies or owners, this needs to be carried out by one of the approved local service providers.
  • When booking the test, it is important that shipping agents provides the local service provider with details of the vessel, location where the crew are staying, together with the contact number of the agent.

SYMPTOMS REPORTING

  • Ship agents are responsible for the care of crew whilst in Gibraltar. It is the duty of the shipping agent to report soonest any seafarer or maritime related personnel complaining of symptoms that could arise from COVID-19 and ensure that they are tested quickly after developing symptoms.
    Further Public Health Advice can be found here: Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 – Public Health Gibraltar (healthygibraltar.org)
    Headache
    Blocked nose
    Weakness or severe fatigue
    Muscle ache
    Runny nose/eyes
    Loss of taste/smell and/or appetite
    Sore throat
    Fever
    Tummy upset including diarrhoea
    Persistent cough
    Burning eyes
  • The most important symptoms are listed in priority order. Anyone with one of these symptoms will need to be screened for possible Covid infection and the agent should ring 111, where the crewman will be assessed and until given the all clear, they will be suspected to have a COVID-related infection and will need to isolate.
  • Further information can be found here: https://healthygibraltar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Covid-Leaflet.-Slow-the-Spread.-7.4.20.pdf

POSITIVE CASES

  • Positive cases are to remain in isolation and not allowed to mix with the remaining crew/passengers while in BGTW.
  • Positive cases would only be allowed to disembark on advice from DPH and in medical emergencies.
  • If the positive case is allowed to remain in Gibraltar, the isolation period will be for 10 days, unless lateral flow tests are negative on both day 6 & 7.
    Pilots / Gibraltar based personnel going on-board the vessel are to comply with the following:
    - Use of FFP2 masks.
    - Social distancing (operations allowing).
    - Ensure good ventilation (operations allowing).
    - Make use of the deck area to maximise ventilation (operations allowing).

(For information about operations in Gibraltar, contact GAC Gibraltar at [email protected])

Source: Gibraltar Port Authority Port Circular 7 of 2022 dated 17 March 2022

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