Odfjell has made steady progress in addressing the crew change challenges, but we continue to meet obstacles. Apart from frequently changing port restrictions, one of the challenges with successful crew changes is seafarers testing positive with Covid-19 right before embarkation. This has happened to Odfjell several times already, with one incident resulting in an entire batch of 12 seafarers sent back home because one of them tested positive upon arrival at the airport.
To solve this, Odfjell now takes part in the quarantine arrangement organized by the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) and coordinated by its subsidiary, the Norwegian Training Center (NTC).
The quarantine arrangement is an initiative of NSA through NTC, aiming to address challenges in crew changes, particularly on-signers testing positive right before embarkation despite being cleared prior to leaving Manila. Designed by medical experts from both Norway and the Philippines, the program is expected to lower seafarers’ risk of contracting the virus to an absolute minimum.
The program consists of a ten-day quarantine at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, Manila, some 500 meters away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The facility was formally opened on October 1. The company has committed to the initiative and has pre-booked 200 room nights. Two floors will be occupied by Odfjell and seven other Norwegian companies.
"It is essential to fellow seafarers’ safety and for the international authorities to ease up for crew change around the world. We need systems like this to help seafarers outbound and inbound, and to safely provide the ships with healthy crew"
NTC Managing Director Atty. Erlend Grimstad
As this is first and foremost a quarantine facility, the seafarers are confined to their own rooms. The rooms are furnished with the premium amenities that come in a five-star hotel, with strong internet connection.
While in quarantine, the seafarers have access to various NTC training courses to remain productive during the stay. They also receive a daily isolation pay amounting to 45% of their basic wage, provided they are able to successfully join a ship afterward.
Within the ten-day quarantine period, two Covid-19 tests will be administered: the first on day three, the second two days prior departure. Atty. Grimstad shares that the ten-day isolation and double test are designed by medical experts to lower the risk of contracting the virus to an absolute minimum.
The first Odfjell seafarers have checked in and are well underway in the ten-day quarantine.
“This is ok for our safety. It is a quality hotel, the hotel personnel are easily contacted if we have concerns, and there are daily temperature checks. I highly recommend this hotel for quarantine stay.”
Pumpman Ermingaudio Madrona Jr, onsigner for Bow Chain
His fellow Bow Chain joiner Able Seaman Joseph Steve Perez appreciates having scheduled activities:
“The courses and workshops gave structure to our days and helped with fighting off the boredom.”
Ordinary Seaman Gildred Zoie Loon, who is heading out to Bow Excellence, shares:
"This place is very comfortable, and knowing that the company has placed us in a five-star hotel is really a morale booster."
By securing 200 room nights at the facility for Odfjell seafarers, the intention is to have all joining crew sent to the center and complete the ten-day quarantine.
“We are sure that this facility will reduce the risk of having Covid-19 cases on board which certainly is the prime goal. We also know that this facility is better than most alternative arrangements when it comes to safety, comfort and security”
Interim VP Maritime Personnel Svend Foyn-Bruun.
Admission into the facility is coordinated between the vessel handler and a dedicated NTC helpdesk.
At the end of the program, both the seafarer and the company are issued a certificate from NTC documenting the entire process, including the test results. The certificate will be presented to port authorities worldwide during the seafarer’s embarkation.
"The aim is to, by introducing this certificate, get the port authorities around the world to ease the restrictions currently imposed on crew change. It is good for the seafarers’ health, and it will enable seafarers to get home and sign on more easily. Together we can bring positive change for the world seafarers in these unprecedented times of challenges," said Atty. Grimstad.
“We look forward to having this effort place a ‘clean branding’ to joining crew from the Philippines, and to having the certificate recognized by major ports worldwide. Hopefully, the initiative will pave the way for a sort of green lane for NSA-quarantined crew in the near future. More importantly, we hope this will provide some comfort to our colleagues on board: that they can finally come home, and those who will replace them will not bring the virus on board”
Agnes Enesio, VP – Head of Crewing.
When asked about tips for colleagues who will check in during the coming weeks, Chief Cook Ronald Anadilla, onsigner for Bow Chain, and Ordinary Seaman Aaron Joseph Velasquez who is lined up for Bow Excellence, have the following advice:
“You need to exercise and make sure to pass the time by being active.”
“Stock up on food that you want. Especially since you will spend time watching movies, sometimes we need snacks for that. Supplies also may be limited, if you would like to bring personal stuff like shampoo.”
And we can all sign off on Ronald’s final comment: “I hope this pandemic ends for all of us.”
