Despite COVID-19 regulations prohibiting foreign crew changes at South African ports, the country’s Department of Transport said there were cases where seafarers were allowed to repatriate during lockdown.
Despite COVID-19 regulations prohibiting foreign crew changes at South African ports, the country’s Department of Transport said there were cases where seafarers were allowed to repatriate during lockdown.
“We tried to remain flexible during lockdown. There was some disembarkation of foreign seafarers, but there were certain processes that needed to be followed,” said Mthunzi Madiya, chief director of maritime, Department of Transport.
He said that 642 seafarers were disembarked through South African seaports from passenger liners, of which three were nationals of neighbouring countries who were disembarked and immediately repatriated.
In addition, 300 seafarers were disembarked to transit for immediate repatriation to their home countries via chartered flights.
The department is also in negotiations with the maritime sector about disembarking seafarers, provided that there are flights available, especially to repatriate foreign seafarers.
Source: SafetyAtSea (Click for further of the article)
