A new regulation has recently come into force in Fujairah which may result in vessels being delayed where they have to land sick or injured crewmembers for medical attention.
In accordance with the new regulations, vessels that disembark sick or injured crew members at Fujairah waters will not be granted permission to sail out until the crew is declared fit to travel or until the vessel owners or their agents arrange for their visa and repatriation.
In the event of an injury or death, the same has to be notified to the Police Authorities and the vessel will not be permitted to depart until it receives a clearance from the Police General Head Quarters which will be granted either if the crew is repatriated or a visa is obtained for the crew.
The West of England P&I Club informs that the vessel must wait until either the crew member returns on board or is repatriated home before being allowed to sail.
The Club’s local correspondents understand that the reason behind this move is that “apparently there are some difficulties in obtaining visa for the crew members once they are disembarked on medical grounds. Reportedly there have been instances of disembarked crew members getting stuck for an inordinate period due to visa issues.”
The Swedish Club opines that that in future for such cases and in order to avoid delays, the members may wish to consider alternate/nearby ports like Jebel Ali/Sohar for any crew disembarkation on medical grounds in the future.
