Recommended Pre-Deployment Protocol eyed to lessen Crew Change Disruption

Daily COVID-19 infections in the Philippines have hit an all-time high driven by the more transmissible delta variant which is now the dominant strain in the country. Experts are expecting the numbers to remain high at least in the coming weeks.

“Covid-19's Delta variant is surging and is unfortunately once again increasingly disrupting crewing.” This is why Crossworld is proposing a new pre-deployment quarantine protocol. The aim is to lessen the possibility of crew change disruption after several instances of seafarers testing positive for the virus before departure.

“We are seeing increased possibilities of infected crew testing positive and being barred from deployment, even if they are vaccinated.”

Crossworld is once again recommending to implement a protocol wherein seafarers set to be deployed undergo an RT-PCR test before they check into quarantine facilities for 7 days. On the 6th day of their quarantine, the crew undergo testing again and if tested negative, they then can proceed for departure. 

While 100% covid-free crew is still not guaranteed and the process implying some cost, it remains a proven effective and cost-efficient precautionary measure to reduce risks as a crew testing positive near departure carries more financial burden and complications.

Crossworld also insists on the need for providing Seafarers with sanitized transportation from the testing facility going to the quarantine facility as contamination is still very likely if the crew travel by their own means. Similarly, a sanitized transportation should also bring the crew to the airport for deployment.