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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOTr opens new crew change hubs for seafarers

DOTr opens new crew change hubs for seafarers

Published Apr 25, 2022 05:32 pm

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has opened three more crew change hubs in the country in a move to improve the operational capability of local and international seafarers.

With the opening of the crew change hubs in the ports of Zamboanga, Iloilo and in Puerto Princesa in Palawan, the Philippines has now nine active hubs. Others are at the Manila South Harbor, the Port Capinpin in Orion in Bataan, the Sasa Wharf in Davao, and the Port of Batangas, the Port of Sunic and the Port of Cebu.

Crew change hubs are aimed at processing the documents needed to facilitate the movement of both on-signers and off-signers amid the global pandemic. They are encouraged to prevent fatigue of seafarers and protect their health and safety.

"The establishment of crew change hubs across the country is part of the measures adopted to keep maritime operations ongoing despite the strict health protocols being enforced amid the Covid-19 pandemic," the DOTR statement read.

The crew change hubs are staffed by personnel from the DOTr and its attached agencies that include the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Overseas Workers Welfare Organization (OWWA), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and by the various provincial and local government units.

Transportation Secretary Art Tugade welcomed the activation of the new crew change hubs, saying it is part of the country's commitment to make crew changes as efficient as possible while upholding the health and safety of seafarers, especially Filipino mariners.

"It takes a whole maritime approach to make crew changes possible in the country. The various government agencies and the stakeholders that are involved remain firm in their strong and active participation to ensure the continuous operation of these crew change hubs, for our maritime industry champions: our Filipino seafarers,” Tugade said.

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