August 24th – New Method for Authorizing Vessels


August 24th 2021

New Method for Authorizing Vessels

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.

New Method for Authorizing Vessels to resume Navigation from Recalada: While this will not have a significant impact, it is aimed at eliminating small anchorage times (1 or 2 hs) sometimes lost at Recalada to resume navigation, which happens (1/10 of vessels) under current method/s of multiple information transmission methods employed by Coast Guard (within each port and their HQ) and CG’s HQ with Uruguay Recalada Pilot Station and Pilots. It would bring about transparency, uniformity to avoid those occasional interruptions.

Passenger Lines Season 21/22 OPEN: Under a specific Covid-Protocol Gov has authorized season 21/22 to start as of October 20th. It is a regulation applicable specifically to Cruise Ships in the Season’s calendar. This does not modify restrictions to Crew Change or Passengers on board Cargo Vessels. As usual this will generate many channel reservations of the River Plate, but under current low Sailing Drafts will not impact Cargo Vessels having two (2) suitable hightides at present drafts (below 10m).

New Anchorage in Riverway SAN PEDRO: The port administration of San Pedro has agreed with all port and riverway authorities to offer their roads for anchorage to Owners. Less expensive than Villa Constitucion, the cost is per day 25 (U$D) cents per ship’s Net Tonnage Register per each Calendar Day (no prorate) (however adding custom house overtime at all times while anchored plus full in/out clearance w/motor launch). Location is from Km 273 to 274 left Margin of Parana River, space for six vessels (max loa 225m – greater loa will need special authorization). Suited for: Waiting layup: Cleaning Holds/Tanks – Supplies – Cargo Operations: Transshipment via Barge Grains & Fertz, prohibited any potential contaminant operations (sts lubs/bunker).

Bunker at Zona Comun: Only some short peaks of minor delays can be expected for the next days for sts operations, to be adjusted/updated in our reports of ships in Riverway.


River Parana (Upriver) draft: The outlook for rain remains unchanged. Three different forecasts are issued now by Waterways Institute (from best to worst scenarios), hereto attached converting water level to Draft. We strongly suggest you consult us prior to completing loading operations for inbound loaded vessels for the maximum recommended arrival drafts estimated for the vessels ETA.

River Parana Dredging and buoying: Starting Sept 11th The Government will commence collecting the tolls on the River Plate and Parana. No further news regarding schedule/tender for maintenance.

LNG Carriers: When these vessels navigate between Recalada and Escobar, on the Mitre Canal, traffic in the opposite direction is stopped for up to six hours. This may cause delays to vessels. To be reported in each case since current Drafts ships can sail on two High Tides.

Asian Gypsy Moth Inspections in Argentina: The inspections are being performed by SENASA (National Animal and Vegetable Health Service) at about one third of vessels having called agm-listed ports, done at quay on daylight and without delaying cargo operations, and so far without adverse results.

Scrubbers. The restriction to use open-loop scrubbers was regulated/prohibited on Aug 2020 (Disp 15/2020), but shortly afterward the application of this regulation was ‘suspended’ by the authority (Disp 20/2020). Therefore, at present time no specific regulation/restriction applies regarding the use of scrubbers in Argentina waterways, at least, until further notice. Besides scrubbers, any other wash water discharge is strictly forbidden in riverway and seaports and to be carried out as per MARPOL Annex V.

Puerto Madryn: Vessels and off shore rigs are using Puerto Madryn’s sheltered anchorage to perform maintenance, hull inspection and lay-up off this central Patagonia port. The port has adequate support facilities. (42°46′S 65°3′W).


Conflicts (Stevedores / Others)

Necochea‘s stevedores are still demanding a 14 day quarantine for vessels calling at these ports. The 14 days are counted as from the day of departure from the last foreign port of call. This period to count even if the vessel has been granted Free Practique and called at another Argentine port. Meetings with the unions have been held, no agreement has been reached. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU CHECK WITH US BEFORE FIXING VESSELS ORIGINATING FROM BRAZIL, CHILE AND URUGUAY.

Bahia Blanca’s Situation Normal. However, Independent truck owners (in cooperation with their drivers) are STILL threatening to resume blockades, so far, all operations are normal. Worthwhile recalling in these blockades is that they are carried out off port limits, and that claimants are small truck-owner’s demanding higher tariff on freight rates (NOT inside port nor drivers claiming for higher salary).

Crew changes made at previous port/s 14 days prior arrival in Argentine ports: Besides many other documents and certificates, these below are of special concern:

-Owner’s Crew changes protocol at foreign countries].

-Owner’s note (with signature and stamp of the Captain and Owners company) clarifying that the crew change was carried out taking all due precautions, etc.

-Medical certificate issued by certified professional in the country where the crew joined, not the country of origin.

-Covid test, PCR, for on-signers at port of boarding (not country of origin).

Lacking any above (besides all usual documents) ship will not be allowed to take pilot until 14 days transpire since the last crew signed on board.

Crew changes Argentina: The borders remain closed and crew changes are not permitted. Crew Limited internal flights are functioning again. 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. For the same reason no Passengers are allowed to arrive on board. Crew Changes are carried out in Uruguay/Brazil and Chile.

Crew Changes in Neighbor countries:

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 to 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 now 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:Chilean colleagues have supplied us with the following detail to proceed for crew changes in Chile:

Kindly note a protocol has been issued to allow crew changes while our borders are still closed for non-Chilean citizens, here you will find requiring points to be complied with:

OFF SIGNERS Authorities are allowing for crew members to disembark and take their flights from Chile to their final destinations with following conditions:

• Providing all information about the intended disembarking to the Health, Maritime, Migration Authorities via Agency at least 72 hours in advance including names, citizenship, passport number, name of vessel, and full repatriation flight schedule (attached file with data requested).

• Completing a 14 days quarantine period on board in good health condition since the vessel sailed from the last foreign port prior to disembarking in Chile.

• Submitting the on-line affidavit for travelers to prevent Coronavirus diseases (attached).

• Not presenting any symptoms of COVID19 (Health Service may order a health check at any time)

• Moving directly from the disembarking port to the airport or designated sanitary residence (in case 14 days of quarantine not completed). Max. period permitted in the hotel is 5 days.

• Wearing personal health protection items such as face mask, face shield, gloves and hand sanitizer while in our country.

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 do not require Chilean visa to come to Chile can apply to safe-conduct. Once arrived in 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 a tentative flight schedule (complete route), this is necessary to start formalities with authorities. We estimate about 5-7 business days to complete formalities.

Will keep you posted.

Best regards,
Antares Servicios Maritimos S.A.

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