The Maritime and Port of Authority of Singapore (MPA) has updated its requirements for crew change for cargo ships in the port of Singapore, to minimise risk of community spread of COVID-19.
Under this updated requirements, the Seacare Hotel has been designated as one of the two holding facilities to accommodate crew who are unable to transfer directly to his/her vessel or flight and require a temporary rest area of up to 48 hours. The hotel will be able to take in such crew members from 2 July 2020.
As a designated holding facility, the hotel meets the stringent requirements to ensure safe accommodation criteria are met for the seafarers and the hotel staff.
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To support safe crew changes and the shipping companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, SOS has set aside more than S$1.5million to help defray the cost of accommodation and meals for seafarers staying at the Seacare Hotel.
Since 2 July 2020, the Seacare Hotel is solely reserved to accommodate seafarers who are unable to transfer directly to his/her vessel or flight and require a temporary rest area of up to 48 hours.
The Seacare Hotel provides a safe haven for seafarers, many of whom have spent months at sea beyond their original contracts. For them, it is a long-awaited respite to be able set foot on a welcoming shore, being another step closer to their journey home.
During the guests’ stay in the hotel, stringent safety protocols are put in place to safeguard the health and safety of seafarers and hotel staff. Delicious warm meals are delivered to guests’ doorsteps. There are security guards posted to keep the hotel area safe. The hotel staff is always ready to meet the hospitality needs of every guest.
In times of crisis such as this, I am so proud to see how The Seacare Hotel rise up to its call to provide a safe haven and great hospitality.
– Francis Choo, General Manager, The Seacare Hotel
