Strict isolation conditions for visiting seafarers

With the departure of the last cruise ship to visit Geraldton Port on March 1, other visiting ships’ crews now have to comply with strict requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus. Mid West Ports chief executive Rochelle Macdonald said international vessel crew were not allowed on shore until they had met their 14-day isolation period at sea and showed no COVID-19 symptoms. “If a grain export ship arrives at Geraldton Port, no crew will be allowed to disembark until they have self-isolated at sea for 14 days,” she said. “This in in line with strict protocols set down by the Commonwealth Government and followed by all states and territories.” Dr Macdonald said two crew members came ashore on Tuesday, March 31, following completion of 14-day isolation at sea. “Prior to this, the last time crew came ashore at Mid West Ports was on Wednesday, March 18, almost two weeks ago,” she said. “Crews that have exceeded the 14-day isolation period are regularly opting not to come onshore on instruction from the ship’s master due to perceived health and safety risks to crew.” Dr Macdonald said vessels which had arrived from inter-state ports were assessed on a case by case basis depending on the crew and vessel’s travel to foreign ports prior to arriving in Australia. “Crew are only permitted ashore if they have been in Western Australian waters for 14 days,” she said. “Again, please note that crew are choosing not to take up their shore leave due to the perceived risk to crew.” While non-Australian citizens and residents were not allowed to enter Australia, a Border Force statement detailed some exceptions for crew members. “In practice, if a vessel has travelled for 10 days since last being in a foreign port, the period of self-isolation for its crew members would be the remaining four days,” the statement says. Crew members complying with these conditions are also allowed to transit and depart Australia via a flight or to join another vessel. Dr Macdonald said she expected no further cruise ships at Geraldton in coming months.