QLD Maritime Safety Queensland Update 183 24 January 2022

Thursday, January 27, 2022

SOURCE: QLD TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

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Updates to Queensland Health Officer public health directive can be found here 
Banner with an image of Andrew Mahon and the words A message from the General Manager (Maritime Safety Queensland)
24 January 2022 | Update 183

Dear maritime colleagues,

MSQ's current directions, vessel reporting statistics, as well as the last five daily updates, can be found on the MSQ website.

For the most up to date information on COVID-19 Hotspots and Exposure Venues please visit the Queensland Health website. 

 
 

Updated Queensland Maritime Protocol – Changes to international arrival restrictions

The Queensland Chief Health Officer has released a revised Protocol for Maritime Crew, that reflects the changes to the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction. The Protocol for Maritime Crew can be found at Protocol for maritime crew members joining or signing off a vessel in Queensland | Queensland Health

Effective immediately, shipping agents can cease providing MSQ with Crew Changeover Checklists for fully vaccinated maritime crew. Fully vaccinated maritime crew may enter Queensland without quarantine, subject to a negative COVID test (PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) in the first 24 hours of arrival.

A Crew Change Checklist is required for all unvaccinated seafarers arriving in Queensland either by air or signing off a vessel. A new Crew Change Checklist has been developed and will be released for use as soon as possible.

In summary:

  • Fully vaccinated seafarers do not have to quarantine on entering Queensland in line with other International Arrivals, subject to a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen Test in the first 24 hours of arrival. A Crew Change Checklist is NOT required;

  • Unvaccinated seafarers must quarantine at government nominated accommodation on entering Queensland for up to 14 days depending on circumstances. Crew must maintain a COVID-safe corridor using endorsed transport providers. A Crew Change Checklist is still required, and must be endorsed by the Regional Harbour Master;

  • Days at sea count as time for quarantine purposes, so in the event a seafarer has spent the prerequisite time at sea, there may be no requirement for quarantine when coming ashore;

  • Quarantine periods that are required can be taken onboard the vessel; and

  • Shore leave is permissible under the same circumstances as for seafarers signing off a vessel (i.e. fully vaccinated maritime crew with a negative COVID test);

  • In most circumstances a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test will be required at some point in the processes.

Fully vaccinated means a person who is 16 years of age or older who has received at least the prescribed number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it has been 7 days since the final dose. COVID-19 vaccine means a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or endorsed by WHO-COVAX and the vaccine was obtained overseas. The list of Australian recognised COVID-19 vaccines can be found at International COVID-19 vaccines recognised by Australia | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). An unvaccinated maritime crew member includes any person who is not fully vaccinated.

Agents are responsible for ensuring the vaccination status of maritime crew. For fully vaccinated crew, evidence of vaccination must be produced if requested by an Emergency Officer (Public Health). Strict compliance with the Maritime Protocol must continue. Failure to comply with the Maritime Protocol is an offence, for which penalties apply.
 

International small craft arrivals – Easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated persons

Following changes to the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 20), the quarantine requirements for persons arriving by boat (e.g. private vessels, superyachts, small commercial vessels, etc.). The changes do not apply to cruise ships.

Fully vaccinated arrivals by boat (including superyacht) are not required to quarantine. They must have a negative COVID test (PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) in the first 24 hours of arrival.

Unvaccinated arrivals by boat (including superyacht):

  • Must quarantine for 14 days, however:

    • May have time at sea since last international port counted towards a person's quarantine period (providing there is no illness or suspected COVID-19 cases on the boat); and

    • May quarantine for any remaining balance of 14 days on board the boat.

There are no longer any Queensland Government restrictions on ports of entry. International arrivals will still need to check with Australian Border Force regarding ports of entry: Ports of entry (abf.gov.au)

All Federal Government requirements must continue to be complied with. To enter Australia, you need to get the appropriate approvals from the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs
 

Management of COVID-19 on board - ILLAWARRA FORTUNE

Five crew members aboard the bulk carrier ILLAWARRA FORTUNE have returned positive Rapid Antigen Test results. 3 crew are symptomatic, while 2 are asymptomatic. All 20 crew on board are fully vaccinated.

The positive crew are currently isolating on board the vessel. The vessel's next port is Gladstone, where Maritime Safety Queensland and Queensland Health will monitor and manage the vessel and crew.

The health of all the crew members and protection of the Queensland community remain of the utmost importance.
 
 

Keep up to date for COVID-19 maritime information and updates on MSQ's website.

To receive the daily MSQ COVID-19 updates, click here to subscribe.

Keep safe,

Andrew Mahon
A/General Manager (Maritime Safety Queensland)
Department of Transport and Main Roads