AREEA is presently consulting with various state and territory governments to gain clarity on a nationally consistent approach to regulating interstate travel of maritime crews, including possible broad exemptions to 14-day quarantine requirements.
Given the unique nature of the industry and present inconsistencies in the approach of each state and territory, the treatment of resource sector maritime crew has been a particularly sensitive issue for AREEA and its members.
AREEA’s request for clarity follows a statement being issued by the COVID-19 National Cabinet (comprising the Prime Minister and Premiers from each state and territory) on 9 April regarding “updated quarantine arrangements for non-cruise maritime and air crew”.
The full statement is printed below:
Australia’s skilled maritime workforce plays a unique and strategically important role in Australia’s supply chains.
National Cabinet agreed that the Australian Government and all states and territories will implement a consistent and immediate exemption for non-cruise maritime crew to provide for the transiting to and from their places of work, within and across jurisdictions with agreed documentation.
National Cabinet noted that states and territories may adopt additional protocols in consultation with industry that creates protection for crews on board vessels, and will put in place appropriate penalties for companies and individuals that are found to be in breach of the requirements of the exemption which will be reviewed on 1 June 2020.
The Australian Border Force, in consultation with the Commonwealth Department of Health, will continue to manage the safe movement of maritime crew.
This is a positive indication of the high importance Australia’s federal, state and territory governments place on the relatively free movement of critical maritime crew members and the intention to promote a consistent approach across all jurisdictions.
However, AREEA members should note this statement has not yet been followed by formal advice giving effect to any change.
As of 14 April 2020, no state or territory has issued or amended their official travel directions to reflect this position. Until they do, maritime crew will continue to be subject to the existing travel directions summarised at AREEA’s COVID-19 travel advice page.
By way of example, on 8 April 2020 the Western Australian Government issued a specific direction for maritime crew seeking approval to be exempted from the state’s travel ban under Paragraph 27 (r) of the “Closing the Border” direction.
This document provides written approval to maritime crew to be considered exempt from the original travel direction provided a number of conditions are met.
However notably, persons entering Western Australia from another state or territory to become crew members are required to be quarantined in a “crew hotel” for 14 days prior to boarding a vessel.
AREEA is seeking the feedback and experiences of its maritime members as we work with various governments to rectify these issues. Contact [email protected] to get involved.
