Marine Notice 10/2020 stating AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority)'s interim approach to the maximum period of shipboard service for seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic was issued. In the Marine Notice, it is stated that the interim approach will be extended until 28 February 2021. This
Technical Information supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1211. An outline of AMSA's approach is quoted as follows:

==Quote==
- Where inspectors identify that a seafarer has a valid seafarer employment agreement (SEA), signed by all parties, and has served on board a vessel for less than 11 months without taking leave, no action will be taken.
- Where inspectors identify that a seafarer has a valid SEA and has served on board a vessel for more than 11 continuous months, the master will be required to provide a plan for the seafarer’s repatriation, approved by the flag State. The plan must result in the repatriation of the seafarer before having served a maximum continuous period of 14 months.
- Where inspectors identify that a seafarer does not have a valid SEA, the master will be required to facilitate a valid SEA or otherwise repatriate the seafarer.
- No extensions of service without taking leave beyond 14 months will be accepted by AMSA unless the master or owner demonstrate to AMSA that:
a. all possible efforts have been made to repatriate the seafarer without success;
b. the seafarer has provided written confirmation accepting the extension; and
c. a plan to repatriate the seafarer within a month has been put in place.
- After 28 February 2021, AMSA will revert to the compliance and enforcement approach outlined in marine notice 17/2016.
==Unquote==

It is expected to take much more time than usual to change crews due to the COVID-19 situation, although Australia has announced that crew changes in their ports are possible legislatively. Please refer to the attached guidance produced by the Australian Border Force in relation to crew changes in Australia.

(To be continued)