February 28th – River Parana Draft

February 28th 2021

Covid-19 Quarantine Restrictions

In view of the ongoing developing situation and different communications and instructions being issued by Sanitary Authorities of the Argentine Government we have chosen to send a consolidated daily report at the closing of working hours with an update of the day’s news.

National Holidays: Wednesday, March 24th. National Memorial Day.

San Lorenzo, Cargill Quebracho berth: The berth will be closed for maintenance from March 08th until March 14th 2021. During this period the berth will not be loading vessels.

Covid-19 Quarantine Restrictions: An update on the quarantine restrictions.
Bahia Blanca: Authorities at Bahia Blanca demand that all vessels proceeding from a foreign port perform a 14 day quarantine before being granted Free Practique and allowed to berth. The 14 days are counted as from the departure date from last port of call. Vessels proceeding from Brazil, Uruguay and Chile can be excepted from this 14 day requirement provided a permit is requested from Port Administration, and upon berthing a fumigation of the living quarters must be performed.

Necochea: At Necochea a 14 day quarantine period for vessels coming from foreign ports is required. Exemption is granted for vessels proceeding from Brazil and Uruguay after a formal request is made to the Port Administration.

River Parana Draft: The River Parana draft during the short and medium term is to remain stable. Rain feed into the catchment area is back to normal levels so no change in the coming days. On this basis and as per information furnished by INA (National Water Institute) the sailing draft from San Lorenzo will be averaging 10.36 meters (34 feet 00 inches)/10.52 meters (34 feet 06 inches) Fresh Water.


The River Parana draft during the short and medium term is to remain stable.

Oil Spill Response at Zona Comun: Once again a group of people are pressuring Owners to take coverage for Oil Spill Response on vessels taking bunkers at Zona Comun. The bunker suppliers and the bunker barge Owners were able to prove to the local CoastGuard Station (PNA La Plata) that present arrangements in place were satisfactory. We draw your attention to this so that bunker suppliers absorb any related expense within the sales contract.

Crew changes Argentina: The borders remain closed and crew changes are not permitted. Internal flights are functioning again but the borders remain closed for crew changes. These restrictive practices are causing problems to vessels calling in Argentina and undue inconveniences to the crews. Local entities and associations are pressuring for resumption of this “normal” activity.

Crew changes Uruguay: On and Off signing crew are allowed entry into the country under very strict restrictions. On signers must have a prior negative Covid 19 test 72 hours prior being allowed entry. Crew members boarding are not allowed to stop at any stage between landing at the airport (Montevideo) and boarding the vessel. Once onboard the vessel they must comply with a 14 day quarantine onboard before being allowed to work. Departing crew must proceed directly from the vessel to the airport. Considering that there are at the moment few international flights these requirements make it very difficult for crew members to enter or leave the country. Additionally to this before a boarding crew member is allowed permit of entry the agreement of Sanitary Authority, Immigration and CoastGuard must be obtained.
The best way of achieving a successful crew change at Uruguay is to have the vessel do this OUTBOUND at Recalada/Montevideo anchorage when the vessel’s schedule is not bound so much by weather and port congestions.

Crew changes Chile:Oil Spill Response at Zona Comun: Once again a group of people are pressuring Owners to take coverage for Oil Spill Response on vessels taking bunkers at Zona Comun. The bunker suppliers and the bunker barge Owners were able to prove to the local CoastGuard Station (PNA La Plata) that present arrangements in place were satisfactory. We draw your attention to this so that bunker suppliers absorb any related expense within the sales contract.

ON SIGNERS

Before trip

We need to send to Ministry of Transport a few points (attached file with data requested).

Once received and double checked, they will send the approval to Consulate where joiner will come from.

The crew member must going personally to the respective Consulate, for taking a picture, fingerprint.

If all going well, the consulate will notify to Immigration, Health Service and sanitary borders, that crew member can travel and get in to Chilean territory.

Along with this a safe-conduct document will be provided. This document will be mandatory and must be presented on arrival to Chile.

IMPORTANT: Only crew members who does not require Chilean visa to come to Chile can apply to safe-conduct.

Once arrived to Chile.

At any time, must wear facial mask and carry own protective items for COVID-19

Immigration would check that all documents are in order, if so, will be provided the SHORE PASS (crew member immigration card).

The Health Inspector will make an evaluation of crew health, if do not have any symptom of COVID 19, her entry will be granted.

In case to have any symptom or to result positive in the preliminary Covid test, would be isolated and the entry would be denied.

Transportation from International airport to the port must be exclusive. So, domestic flights are not permitted and either intercity buses service (commercial).

Also important for both, on signers and off signers, is to have tentative flight schedule (complete route), this is necessary to start formalities with authorities.

Will keep you posted.

Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.

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