Singapore unveils SeaVax 2.0 at COVID-19

Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) worked with the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) and the Fullerton Health Group (FHG) to establish a seafarer vaccination (SeaVax 2.0) centre in Singapore.

The trial programme was only open to sailors who had been in Singapore for more than 30 days or who called in often on vessels that solely worked in the region.

The industry’s tepid response to SeaVax following its debut necessitated an urgent industry engagement to seek input. The strict standards for sailors to be qualified for the programme were the major deterrent for many people from joining up at SeaVax. As a result, SSA initiated discussions with the MPA and the multi-ministerial task force (MTF) on how to upgrade the first pilot programme to SeaVax 2.0.

The following adjustments to the operating flows and terms of eligibility of SeaVax 2.0 have been approved by appropriate government agencies:

1. There have been no modifications to the Tanjong Pagar Terminal (TPT) vaccination centre.
2. Crew Sign-On (open to crew joining vessel same day, or having a stay in dedicated holding facilities and joining vessel later)
3. Crew on vessels docked at PSA or Jurong Port (JP) ports, as well as vessels in shipyards (regardless of no. of days inside shipyards)
4. At anchorages, crews are on board vessels.
5. For points 3 and 4, only crew who intend to be vaccinated will undergo ART tests prior to disembarking from the vessel to travel to the TPT vaccination centre.
6. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will provide a special pass to crew members in order for them to disembark and travel to the TPT vaccination centre.
7. Before disembarking the vessel, the ship owner/manager/agent must confirm that any crew members who require a visa have a valid visa.
8. Current crew changing protocols for safe bubble transit will be followed for personnel travelling by land to the TPT immunisation centre.
9. Process simplification (online application)
10. Crew can obtain vaccination (either the first, second, or third dosage as a booster dose) as long as the interval time between doses is reached, and it is stated on the application form that the crew made this informed decision and that it is indemnified.
11. Through the SEAVAX 2.0 feedback form mentioned below, industry should submit/provide estimates for crew to be vaccinated so that SSA may manage correct resource planning (scheduling to meet crew vaccination timeslots, mobilising vaccination teams, and drawing of vaccinations).

Participation in the vaccine programme is entirely optional. There is no prejudice based on the national risk classification from where the ships arrive. Companies and seafarers must submit applications at least three (3) days prior to the crew’s arrival in Singapore.

Please see the Guidebook on Seafarers Vaccination at the Port of Singapore, which may be found at the bottom of this page, for further details.

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