January 04th 2021
Covid-19 in Argentina
Tugboat service: Tug boats are under a mandatory truce period imposed by the Ministry of Labor since December 21st. According to a new interpretation the “truce” period is extended until coming Monday January 10th. At Necochea and Bahia Blanca service is rendered for 12 hours periods, each day, counting as from the first service of the day. Other ports are working normally while the truce lasts.
Grain exports from Argentina 2021: Measured on a value basis the total grain exports from Argentina amounted to USD 32.8 billions. The three principal products in proportion of the total were soya meal 14 per cent, maize 11 per cent and soya oil 7 per cent.
Covid-19 in Argentina: Today’s reported Covid contagion rate is 81,210 persons, a record since March 2020. At the moment there are no expectations that the Government will be implementing nationwide restrictions. Local and provincial governments are implementing restrictions on public gatherings. The sudden and strong increase is blamed on gatherings during Christmas and New Year. There is no breakdown of which are Delta and which Omicron.
Flag waiver Arg-Brazil: As from February 05th 2022 maritime traffic between Argentina and Brazil will not be restricted to Argentine or Brazilian carriers. Meaning by this that “flag waivers” issued by these participants will no longer be required. The expectation is that traffic between both countries will increase as restrictions are lifted.
Crew changes in Argentina: Restrictions have placed on all persons travelling who originate or transit via Africa due to the detection of the “Omicron” variety of Covid-19.
This is still an ongoing and developing situation.
Incoming crew are now allowed to join vessels provided the proper Visa and Sanitary arrangements are made at origin principally as per below:
*Visas are issued prior entry at the corresponding Argentine Consulate for nationalities required.
The list of nationalities that require visas is available at: this link
*Full vaccination performed at least 14 days prior entry to Argentina
*Negative PCR test performed 72 hours prior first boarding
*Antigen test performed upon arrival at “safe entry corridor” point (for example Buenos Aires Airport Ezeiza)
If, in case the boarding crew member does not have full vaccination (minimum 2 doses) before boarding then the person must be kept in quarantine for 7 days and may only leave this quarantine once a negative PCR test is performed.
Crew are allowed to leave vessels on Sanitary grounds. This is understood to be with a medical certificate, issued in Argentina, that certifies the crew member is “unfit for duty onboard”. One reason considered to be “unfit for duty onboard” is in case that due to “severe distress” the crew member cannot perform his duties. Another reason is in case the crew member has an expired work contract and can prove to Sanitary Authority that he cannot wait for the vessel’s next port of call.
PLEASE CONSULT US PRIOR COMMENCING PROCEDURES.
Crew changes made at foreign port/s 14 days prior arrival at Argentine ports: Besides many other documents and certificates, these below are of special concern:
-Owner’s Crew changes protocol at foreign countries].
-Owner’s note (with signature and stamp of the Captain and Owners company) clarifying that the crew change was carried out taking all due precautions, etc.
-Medical certificate issued by certified professional in the country where the crew joined, not the country of origin.
-Covid test, PCR, for on-signers at port of boarding (not country of origin).
Lacking any of above (besides all usual documents) pilots will not be allowed to board until a 14 day period is counted starting from the moment the last crew-member has boarded.
Will keep you posted.
Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.
For more information