New Regulation at Fujairah for Disembarking Sick/Injured Crew

A new Regulation has recently come into force in Fujairah which may result in vessels being delayed where they have to land sick or injured crewmembers for medical attention. As a circular from the Fujairah port authotities (click here) makes clear, the vessel must wait until either the crew member returns on board or is repatriated home before being allowed to sail. The Club's local correspondents understand that the reason for the move is "apparently there are some difficulties in obtaining visa for the crew members once they are disembarked on medical grounds. Reportedly there have been instances of disembarked crew members getting stuck for an inordinate period due to visa issues."

The correspondents are in discussions with the Port Authority and further updates will be provided in due course. In the meantime it is recommended that, where possible, sick or injured crew are landed at alternative ports like Dubai for medical attention to avoid any delays to the vessel.