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HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

Increase of Neopanamax vessels’ maximum authorized draft
Friday, September 25, 2020, Panama Canal, Panama

Based on present and projected levels of Gatun Lake for the upcoming weeks, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announces that, effective September 24, 2020, the Maximum Authorized Draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks will be 15.24 m (50.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW).

Vessels arriving with drafts over 15.24 m (50.0 feet) TFW will be required to trim or off-load cargo in order to be allowed to transit.

The ACP will continue to monitor the level of Gatun Lake in order to announce future draft adjustments in a timely manner.

(For information about operations in Panama, contact GAC Panama at [email protected])

Source: Panama Canal Authority Advisory To Shipping No.A-35-2020 dated 23 September 2020

Updated list of permitted countries
Friday, September 25, 2020, Seychelles

The list of countries from which visitors are permitted to enter the Seychelles has been updated.

From 1 October, Australia, Liechtenstein and the Republic of Korea have been added to the list of permitted countries, while Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates have been removed.

The current list of permitted countries is as follows:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • China
  • Cyprus
  • Denmark
  • Egypt
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Monaco
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Pakistan
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

All travellers from the above countries must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is done less than 72 hours prior to departure to Seychelles. Travellers must present proof of negative test results when checking-in for their flight to Seychelles. Airlines will not accept passengers for travel to Seychelles without the test result. Aircraft/Airline are not to board any passengers or crew who are symptomatic of COVID-19. Any travellers who arrive in Seychelles without the Health Travel Authorisation and acceptable proof of negative COVID 19 PCR test, will be denied entry.

Exit screening at the airport of origin and transit must have been completed by all incoming passengers and crew.

Entry screening will be done upon arrival starting with examination of the Health Travel Authorisation, symptomatic check, temperature scanning. The passenger may be required to undergo additional tests.

All travellers must provide proof of accommodation in an approved establishment for the entire period of stay and must show booking vouchers at Immigration on entry. Visitors should consult the Seychelles Tourism website (www.tourism.gov.sc) for the list of approved establishments and any additional advice. Visitors are permitted to stay in not more than 2 different approved establishments in the first 7 days.

Visitors must adhere to all the regulations in place, including the wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings defined by law. There is prohibition of the use of public buses by visitors.

Any illness must be reported immediately to the management of the establishment, who will provide appropriate guidance.

Visitors from France, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom may enter the Seychelles subject to additional health security measures (details at www.health.gov.sc & www.tourism.gov.sc).

All travelers from “special status countries” must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is done less than 48 hours prior to departure to Seychelles. They must stay in one establishment, specifically authorized to accommodate visitors from such countries, for the first 5 days after entering Seychelles (or for the entire duration of stay should it be less than 5 days). Visitors must stay within areas designated by the establishment during this initial period, and are required to strictly adhere to all the conditions in place at the establishment.

On the fifth (5th) day after arrival, all visitors from “special status countries” must have a PCR Covid-19 test (the cost of the test is covered by the Department of Health done in government health facilities).
a. If the PCR test is negative, visitors will be free to continue with their planned holiday (the conditions listed under Visitors to Seychelles from countries on the list of permitted countries apply).
b. Visitors who test positive and are asymptomatic will be required to stay in tourism establishments specifically designated and authorized for such purpose.
c. Visitors who test positive and are symptomatic are required to be isolated in a medical facility until recovery.

Disembarkation of any crew or passengers will be authorized after review of daily temperature recorded over the last 14 days prior to arrival and health clearance. The records should be submitted to Port Health office ([email protected]) or ([email protected]).

(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the Seychelles, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Center at [email protected])

Source: Mahe Shipping Company Limited – GAC agent

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