November 16th 2021
Cruise ships and scientific ships
In view of the ongoing developing situation and different communications and instructions being issued by Sanitary Authorities of the Argentine Government we have chosen to send a consolidated daily report at the closing of working hours with an update of the day’s news.
National Holiday: Monday, November 22nd, 2021
River Parana Upriver draft: The last part of the surge is now wearing off. The River Parana will now drop to low levels again. The forecast at the moment is for very low water through the end of December. Firm statistics are not available yet and the expectation for certain relief will be from back-up effects brought on by meteorological conditions on the River Plate.
Cruise ships and scientific ships: The season for cruise ships is now underway. It is a very reduced season. The larger cruise vessels are not calling during the Southern Hemisphere Summer due to the very late lifting of the travel restrictions for flights are vessels which did not allow for timely planning. The scientific vessels calling at Ushuaia for replenishment prior Antarctic survey voyages are arriving also.
Crew changes in Argentina/Plate: The Argentine Government, both the Immigration Department and the Sanitary Border Control Authority have specified that crew changes are now permitted under the following terms: Boarding crew members must have the following Covid-19 related tests performed in order to enter the country and board vessels:
*Full vaccination performed at lest 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.
Departing crew members will have to conform to the same requirements as boarding crew.
i.e. Full vaccination or else the 7 days quarantine plus the negative PCR test prior authorization to leave.
What remains for the moment is for the Sanitary Authorities at each port to designate the “safe corridors” for crew members to access and depart from vessels.
As these areas are designated we will advise.
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.
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