Nautilus International and the UK Chamber of Shipping have jointly produced a special 'guidance letter' for seafarers arriving into the UK supporting their exemption from the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the UK.
The letter certifies that Seaman and Masters, Maritime Pilots and Inspectors and Surveyors of ships are exempted from mandatory quarantine measures.
The exemption from the requirement to self-isolate applies regardless of whether the individual is arriving in the UK for the purposes of crew change, shore leave or returning home on leave.
It is designed to be shown to UK Border Force when a seafarer arrives in the UK and is based on guidance published by the UK government on 8 June.
The letter can be used alongside evidence of employment such as:
• A Seafarers Identification Document (SID)
• Joining papers
• Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA)
• Seafarers discharge book
• Basic training certificate
• Declaration from the registered owners of a vessel confirming the individual as a crew member
The letter was created following feedback from members arriving in the UK that Border Force had requested mandatory quarantine.
In March the UK designated seafarers as key workers and granted exemptions from travel restrictions so they can join and leave their ships and return home without impediment, while complying with infection control.
• download the guidance letter from our Resources Covid-19 section
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