CHINA has lifted its crew change restrictions, but ports are confused about the change and shore leave is still prohibited, according to the International Chamber of Shipping. In December last year the Chinese government issued a notice which would lift the approval procedure for crew change on international vessels. The notice came into force on 8 January. According to a circular from China’s Huatai Marine insurance service (dated 19 January) the notice removes crew change approval procedures. The ICS said the new mandates mean seafarers disembarking in Chinese ports should no longer be subject to on-arrival testing and quarantine before repatriation.

LINK:  https://seafarertimes.com/2020-21/node/8114