The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) has directed all fishing vessels, local and foreign, to discontinue crew changes on high seas or at any port visited.
All transfer and change of fishing vessel crewmembers has been suspended until further notice, as part of proactive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, FPCL said in a statement this morning.
Protocols require all fishing vessels to provide crew details to the Harbour Master prior to arrival.
Upon arrival, vessels will be required to undergo inspection as well as screenings by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and other stakeholders including the Fiji Revenue and Customs Services, Department of Immigration and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, before dock approval is given.
Shipping agents and owners are also required to submit to FPCL, the list of fishing vessels, crew details and updated health status. The data will be kept in a database and will be monitored by the Harbour Master’s Office.
FPCL met with local and foreign fishing vessel owners and agents on Monday, 16 March 2020.
