General Advice
General advice/information on the Australian Government response to COVID-19 can be found here: https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/case-numbers-and-statistics
Across Australia, Australian Border Force “ABF” require that all vessels from ports overseas, be at sea for at least 14 days before arriving at Australia. Any vessels which arrive in Australian ports before that 14 day period has been completed will be ordered to wait at anchorage. Pilotage may be delayed until completion of the 14 day period.
In addition to ABF’s 14 day limitation; individual port and maritime safety authorities have extra regulations in place to protect port infrastructure & personnel. Although these regulations may vary in each port, generally the following applies throughout the coutnry:
- Vessels should ensure pre-arrival reporting to port authorities is undertaken at least 12 hours before arrival, in order to allow for Coronavirus risk assessment to take place.
- Stevedores, Bio-Security Personnel and other parties may wear protective gear and minimize physical contact with crew.
- Crew may not be permitted to disembark the vessel
We urge all vessels arriving from overseas to be extra vigilant and if in doubt, consult with local agents at the earliest opportunity for guidance on regulations in place in each port.
Crew Changes
Crew Changes in Australia are permissible, although may be subject to changing government health rules in each state. Please contact us for the latest updates.
Medical Assistance
Australia continues to provide medical assistance to seafarers in medical distress, and will medevac seafarers if possible, so long as vessel is in Australian territorial waters.
As there are fewer private helicopter/launch operators running at this time, vessels with a medical emergency are advised to contact Australia’s Joint Rescue Coordination Committee “JRCC” by calling +61 2 6230 6811 and requesting a medevac. If JRCC can dispatch a medevac to the vessel, the seafarer in distress will be taken to the nearest emergency medical centre for treatment.