CREW CHANGE
OCEAN ASIA LIMITED has been providing crew change services since October 2020 to the satisfaction of both seafarers and ship owners. We are currently carrying out crew changes for approximately three to four vessels every month, while strictly ensuring compliance with all recommended safety and health measures. All crew changes are conducted safely at the anchorage of Bangladesh sea ports. Please note that the following procedures and requirements apply for crew changes at Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra Ports:
** PROCEDURE FOR ON SIGNERS: For ON-signers holding a Seaman’s Book, an arrival visa will be issued upon arrival in Bangladesh. To facilitate the issuance of the arrival visa, we will provide an OK TO BOARD message and a GUARANTEE LETTER for the ON-signing crew members. Upon issuance of the arrival visa (valid for 3 days), we will complete all required formalities with the Port Authority, Customs, and Seaport Immigration prior to the crew’s embarkation on board the vessel. We always prefer ON-signers to arrive at Chittagong in the morning, preferably before 1000 hours (LT), so that they can embark the vessel directly from anchorage, thereby avoiding hotel accommodation. We consistently try to avoid hotel stays in order to minimize costs for the ship owners.
** PROCEDURE FOR OFF SIGNERS: Upon disembarkation of OFF-signers from the vessel, we will complete all required formalities with Shipping, Port Authority, Customs, and Seaport Immigration. Seaport Immigration will issue a 3-day visa to the OFF-signers, and they must depart Bangladesh within this validity period. Please note that completion of all required formalities for OFF-signers generally requires one working day.
Our Crew Change Archive
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS FOR CREW CHANGE
Please find below the list of documents which is required for the crew change formalities at Bangladesh Sea Ports .
- Copy of arrival crew list (Seal and Signed by Master).
- Copy of Departure crew list (Seal and Signed by Master).
- Copy of Ship particular.
- Copy of Safe Manning.
- Copy of Contract form of ON SIGNERS.
- Passport and seamen book for ON and OFF signers.
- Flight Schedules for on/Off signers.
- Off signers’ photographs
OUR SERVICE / ARRANGEMENT:
Ø Depending on the flight schedule, we arrange all visa formalities for both ON-signers and OFF-signers with the concerned authorities. Our operations team also completes all required formalities with the Government Shipping Office, Customs, and Seaport Immigration.
Ø For each crew change operation, we assign two dedicated staff members:
One staff member handles formalities at the Port Authority, Customs, and Seaport Immigration.
The second staff member accompanies the crew members during embarkation/disembarkation, and assists them at the hotel and airport as required.
Ø We arrange transportation for crew members between the concerned offices, hotel, and airport.
Ø We provide a speed boat for embarkation of ON-signers and disembarkation of OFF-signers between the vessel and shore.
Ø We arrange 3-star / 4-star / 5-star hotel accommodation at Chittagong, Dhaka, and Mongla, depending on crew and owner requirements.
Ø We arrange domestic flight tickets on routes including Dhaka–Chittagong, Chittagong–Dhaka, Dhaka–Jessore, and Jessore–Dhaka, depending on the international flight schedule.
Our Crew Change Archive
RECOMANDED AIRPORT FOR CREW CHANGE IN BANGLADESH
For crew change operations in Bangladesh, there are two (2) recommended international airports: Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram, and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka. Please note the appropriate airport–seaport combinations for crew change arrangements in Bangladesh accordingly.
Airport for Chittagong: Please note that the nearest airport is Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram, which is the only international airport located in close proximity to Chittagong Seaport.
Airport for Mongla & Payra: There is no nearby international airport serving Mongla Port or Payra Port. Crew members are required to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, and thereafter travel by road to Mongla Port or Payra Port. The distance from Dhaka Airport to both ports is considerable and should be taken into account when planning crew changes. Alternatively, a small domestic airport, Jessore Airport (Jessore), may be used subject to operational requirements and flight schedule availability. Crew members arriving internationally would still need to transit via Dhaka before connecting to a domestic flight.
WHY SHIP OWNERS CHOICE “OCEAN ASIA” FOR CREW CHANGE
OCEAN ASIA LIMITED has been providing crew change services since 2020 at the maritime ports of Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra. Our scope of assistance includes crew visa formalities, embarkation and disembarkation arrangements, and transportation of crew members to and from hotels and airports, ensuring a smooth and efficient crew change process. We deliver excellent service with competitive quotations to our valued principals. Many shipowners regularly calling at Bangladesh seaports rely on and appreciate our services.