COVID-19: Protecting workers in the workplace
ILO welcomes Singapore port’s new measures to help seafarers and ease crew rotations
Singapore has brought in new measures to facilitate the safe rotation of crews at its port, while protecting ships and the local community.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has opened a self-contained Crew Facilitation Centre (CFC), with an onsite medical centre, testing and holding facilities. Crew members will be able to use the CFC up to 48 hours before boarding their ships. It is anticipated this will allow more crew changes to take place in Singapore, while protecting both the ships and the local community.
Crew change procedures are also being streamlined, reducing the period of isolation required for seafarers from low risk countries and regions who are joining ships in Singapore.
Singapore’s new measures are the fruit of tripartite social dialogue between the MPA, unions and industry associations. They are good examples of steps that can be taken to protect seafarers and the public and keep trade moving."
Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General
Globally, up to 300,000 seafarers are estimated to be currently unable to disembark at the end of their assigned voyages because of pandemic containment measures, with an equal number on shore waiting to replace them.
“The situation of seafarers is a matter of growing concern. Many have been, and continue to be, stranded on board for months, some for more than a year. They are stressed and exhausted. Meanwhile, fresh crews are ready to replace them but cannot,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder.
“Singapore’s new measures are the fruit of tripartite social dialogue between the MPA, unions and industry associations. They are good examples of steps that can be taken to protect seafarers and the public and keep trade moving.”