Seafarers protest disembarkation restrictions at the Port of Santos

Seafarers have grown vocal against the rules restricting disembarkation at the Port of Santos. The reason is that several countries have now eased the regulations imposed at the height of the covid-19 pandemic and now allow crew members to get off ships and access the city. The information comes from the São Paulo state union of maritime navigation agencies (Sindamar), which negotiates the demand with the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

Last year, the health authority determined that only seafarers scheduled to return to their countries of origin were allowed to disembark at Brazilian ports. In this case, proof of airline tickets is required, and disembarkation must occur hours before boarding at the airport.

Seafarers in need of medical attention are also allowed to leave ships and head straight to the city hospitals.

According to the maritime workers, similar regulations have been eased in other ports worldwide. “Brazil, for the time being, does not authorize seafarers to get off vessels, unlike other countries, where it is allowed. Maritime agents are always asked why Brazil has not authorized this yet,” explained the executive director of Sindamar, José Roque.

On top of that, the rules that govern cruise ships have been altered. Now, facemasks are no longer mandatory, and providing proof of vaccination is optional if a passenger tests negative for covid-19.

According to Roque, the Presidency of the Republic has relaxed some preventive measures concerning covid-19 after Anvisa issued a technical note. Even so, the disembark of seafarers from carriers remains restricted.

“The health authority, the agency responsible for lifting the restriction through an ordinary act, has not taken any stance so far, despite the end of the requirement of submitting people who show proof of vaccination and enter the country by air to covid-19 detection tests, as well as the suspension of the presentation of the Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV) for travelers arriving by air, which, compared to the number of crew on a ship, is an infinitely small number,” highlighted the executive director of Sindamar.

Sought, Anvisa clarified that the disembarkation authorization of foreign crew is contingent on the presentation of a term of responsibility for the expenses arising from the transshipment signed by the shipping agent, corresponding air tickets, and completion of the Term of Sanitary Control of the Traveler (TCSV).

“It is important to clarify that Anvisa constantly monitors the epidemiological scenario, and according to the data collected, it can maintain or propose changes in the process,” highlighted the health authority.

Negotiation

Now, Sindamar is negotiating with Anvisa about the possibility of changing the restrictions.

“This rule has been extended until May 23 of next year. Normally, the Civil Office of the Presidency of the Republic requests a technical note from Anvisa before issuing an ordinance. We are in contact with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ports Secretariat, as schools, cinemas, football stadiums, and other activities have already been normalized in Brazil, including without the need for masks,” Roque emphasized.

Source: A Tribuna

To read the full original article, please go to: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/portomar/tripulantes-de-navios-questionam-regra-que-restringe-desembarque-no-porto-de-santos

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