Estela Shipping » Crew Assistance & Support

Oct 03

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, Visa and immigration 0 comments tags: crew, EU, immigration, passport, Schengen rules, seafarers, Spain, stamping, superyachts, transit visa, visas

NOTICE FOR BRITISH CREW IN SPAIN AND THE EU

With the end of the Med season upon us, we have been asked by many (British) crew in the past days to sort out their passports for them. There’s a high occurrence of crew that have been aboard for the season without stamping out of the EU and onto the boat. This can mean that they have overstayed their permitted 90 days in the EU and is potentially a big problem. **Please note that these regulations are not new and have applied to British crew since Brexit came into effect.** Stepping onto a boat and marking up the crew list accordingly is not enough for non-EU crew. Only by attending Immigration police and having your passport stamped can your days in the EU be ‘stopped’. While the captain or purser should advise you of this requirement, it is ultimately the responsibility of the bearer to ensure that passports are correctly stamped and visas valid. A representative can visit immigration on most crew’s behalf; they are not required to attend in person. Note that crew must also stamp OFF the boat before travelling to the airport to fly home. Not doing so is technically illegal and can land you in trouble […]

ESTELA Breakfast Seminars at the Palma Boat Show

April 29th & 30th (these events are now past) 08:30-10:00h On the occasion of the Palma Boat Show, ESTELA is pleased to invite you to two free breakfast seminars on Friday 29th April and Saturday 30 April. Join us for a pre-Show breakfast and listen to a panel discussion on topics captains and crew tell us they want to hear about. Each morning we will be joined by a panel of industry experts, sharing their insight and giving you the chance to put your questions to them. Programme DAY ONE Friday, 29th April 08:30-10:00h Cruising the Med in 2022; Stamping On/Off, Chartering and VAT, Rules & Regs Updates John Wyborn – Bluewater (President MYBA) – France Alex Chumillas – Tax Marine, Spain Andrea Farinaceo – Argentario Yacht Services, Italy TBC, Croatia/Greece DAY TWO Saturday, 30th April 08:30-10:00h Repercussions of UBO sanctions on yacht ownership structures; KYC regulations, the role of flag states Anthony Galea – Vistra – Malta Sebastián Díaz Ribes – Bufete Díaz y Asociados – Spain Ian Petts – Equiom Group – Monaco The venue is directly next to the Moll Vell entrance (details provided upon registration), so this the perfect opportunity to meet up with colleagues and […]

Apr 16

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support 0 comments

COVID vaccinations

We receive many calls from captains and crew, asking about COVID vaccinations. There is no vaccination-on-demand available anywhere in the world that we are aware of, except the UAE and Russia. The UN’s ILO and IMO agencies, as well as various maritime unions and organisations, are pressuring governments to make vaccinations a priority for displaced seafarers. There is, as yet, no framework in place to make this a reality, so we await further news. For information about the vaccine roll-out in the Balearics, please visit https://www.ibsalut.es/es/es-vacuna-covid-19. Gibraltar has one of the world’s most advanced vaccination programmes and we have asked the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) whether any provision had been made for seafarers transiting through its port. The GHA referred us to its online COVID ‘vaccination interest’ form, which you can complete here: https://www.gha.gi/covid-19-vaccination-interest-form/. There is no indication that vaccination will be made available to non-residents, though given the success of Gibraltar’s roll-out, strong demand may help to persuade authorities to prioritise seafarers.

Apr 15

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Need a PCR test in the UK? Get a home test kit from Randox for just £60!

Travelling to or from the UK and need to obtain a PCR test? Courtesy of ESTELA SHIPPING, yacht crew can now get 50% off home test kits from the UK’s largest test provider, RANDOX. The full price of the kit is £120, but apply code ‘estela’ to reduce the price to only £60! For more information and to order your kit, visit https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-home-testing-kit/. At checkout, simply enter the code estela to receive the discounted price. Please feel free to share this post with any friends, family or colleagues in need of a test.

Apr 15

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations 0 comments

UK removes COVID testing exemption for seafarers

Since April 6th, seafarers arriving in the UK and staying more than two days have been obliged to undergo rapid ‘lateral flow’ tests during their stay. While remaining exempt from the 10-day quarantine/self-isolation rules that apply to other travellers, crew must submit tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after entering the UK. Tests can be carried out and submitted in a variety of ways. A list of Government-approved test providers is here. Seafarers must also complete a passenger locator form prior to flying to the UK. While a pre-travel (PCR) test is not essential according to the current rules, we recommend taking a voluntary test for your personal reassurance and to avoid any confusion with check-in staff unfamiliar with the rules. Seafarers remain exempt from having to complete a travel declaration form to depart from the UK. The UK government website for COVID travel regulations is here, though the wording could be an awful lot clearer: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules#seamen-and-masters-and-inspectors-and-surveyors-of-ships If you have any queries, please contact us.

Mar 25

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Global Airfreight Forwarding by ESTELA Shipping

As the ESTELA Shipping name suggests, we provide worldwide freight forwarding services. But did you know we also do airfreight? Whether it is delivering spare parts to berthed or anchored vessels, or the return of spare parts, we can arrange for transportation and documentation. We also offer global end-to-end large cargo services, from Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) to Airfreight, completing all import/export formalities along the way. ESTELA handles special customs operations, including bonded and free warehouse storage and distribution, as well as temporary imports. Contact us for freight forwarding at: ESTELA Barcelona forwarding.bcn@estelashipping.net ESTELA Palma forwarding.pmi@estelashipping.net

Mar 25

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Itineraries, Law and Regulations 0 comments

Easter COVID rules/regs around the Med

SPAIN No yacht restrictions, subject to health declarations and PCR tests (<72 hrs) Hospitality is open only on terraces, until 5pm Groups may be no more than 6, from no more than two households, including on board Shops are open, with some capacity restrictions and closing at 8pm for non-essential items Arrivals by air from South Africa and Brazil, including crew, must quarantine for 10 days, or release after 7 days with PCR Non-Schengen tourism is not allowed, with some exceptions (incl Australia, NZ, China/HK, S. Korea) Curfew at 10pm ITALY Restrictions depend on colour classification (white, yellow, orange, red), though for the Easter period (Apr 3-6) the entire country is declared a RED zone No cruising permitted and crew may only disembark for essential shopping and medical reasons On shore, hospitality may open until 6pm, with curfew from 10pm Crew arriving from the Schengen area are not obliged to quarantine, but a PCR test (<48hrs) is required. A maritime health declaration is required for all yachts arriving from other countries Widespread speculation of this ‘red zone’ period being brought forward to March 28th FRANCE, CORSICA & MONACO Non-European flagged yachts may not enter or anchor in French waters Arrivals […]

Mar 03

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations 0 comments

Spain introduces 10-day quarantine for arrivals from South Africa

With effect from 8th March 2021, all arrivals from South Africa in Spain will be required to quarantine for 10 days following arrival. Please note that seafarers are NOT exempt from this requirement, though are permitted to self-isolate on board. Quarantine must be spent at a designated accommodation, restricting movements and outside contact only to essential activities (eg. shopping for food, pharmaceuticals and essentials; visiting health services; causes of force majeure or emergency). You are advised to obtain an agent’s letter for your arrival, detailing where your quarantine will be spent. Health authorities may carry out inspections to ensure compliance, so you are advised to retain receipts or documentation to justify any movement from your quarantine accommodation. Arrivals may be released after providing a negative COVID test result, taken after 7 days of quarantine. Accepted tests are RT-PCR or other tests based on equivalent molecular techniques, as well as antigen tests that have a minimum yield of ≥ 90% sensitivity and ≥ 97% specificity. The quarantine requirement will initially be in force for arrivals from 00:00h on 8/3/21 until 23:59h on 21/3/21, though may be extended before the end of this period.

Mar 02

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

OFFICIAL travel information sources for crew (and non-crew)

Global travel eligibility checker: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/#(note that all airlines’ policy is guided by IATA)Travel to Spain, general:For general travel to Spain: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/ESP/7001Spain health declaration: https://www.spth.gob.es/Balearic health declaration: https://viajarabaleares.ibsalut.es/formulario/Travel to Spain from the UK (any nationality):Spain/UK travel ban (in force until 31-Mar): https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2021/01/01/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-1.pdf(note that crew joining vessels are exempt, subject to requisite docs)UK government COVID travel guidance for Spain: https://www.gov.uk/foreign…/spain/entry-requirementsBREXIT: NOTICE FOR BRITISH CREW IN SPAINPlease note the following stamping requirements, issued by Spanish immigration police today:Active British crew members already appearing on a crew list DO NOT need to visit immigration to stamp on board and out of Spain. Only when they leave the vessel either temporarily or permanently, must the crew list be updated with the authorities and passports stamped.Non-active crew members currently in Spain, not appearing on any crew list, ARE NOT required to have their passports stamped, until they join a vessel.In summary, any change in crew list involving British crew, requires a stamp*. A representative can visit immigration on crew’s behalf; they are not required to attend in person.*Except official residents of SpainSpain’s UK Travel Ban Excludes SeafarersA new BOE was issued on 1st Jan by the Spanish government, stating that crew are now exempt from the […]

Feb 16

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations 0 comments

The ‘Seaman’s Book’: should you get one?

Most crew members will be familiar with the blue book that many yachting professionals carry alongside their passports, but not everyone has one. Or at least, not until now. In recent months, many yacht crew have been asking us about applying for one, now that international travel has become more complicated. So, if you haven’t already, should you get one and why? Let’s explore what a Seaman’s Book is and what its benefits are. What is it? The Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) is known by several names: Seaman’s Discharge Book; Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book; Seaman’s Service Record/Book; Seafarer’s Card. It is a record of career certification and experience and is essential for crew working on commercial and merchant vessels. It can be a requirement of owners/managers of larger yachts. Can you travel with it? The SID is a quasi-legal document that supplements your passport and visas. It does not replace the passport and cannot be used to enter another country if arriving by air or overland. It does, however, identify you as a seafarer (ie. an essential worker) in the eyes of airlines and immigration officials. It also provides access to marine flight tickets, though some airlines will accept […]

Feb 04

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, Visa and immigration 0 comments

EU immigration impact of Brexit on UK crew

Now that the UK has left the EU, there are some extra hoops for British passport holders to jump through when arriving in, or leaving, the EU. British crew members in Spain (or France) who already appear on a crew list are not required to visit immigration in order to stamp on board and out of the EU. Only when they leave the vessel either temporarily or permanently, must the crew list be updated with the authorities and passports stamped. Non-active crew members currently in Spain, not appearing on any crew list, ARE NOT required to have their passports stamped, until they join a vessel. In summary, any change in crew list involving British crew now requires a stamp*. A representative can visit immigration on crew’s behalf; they are not required to attend in person. *Except official residents of Spain Official travel resources: Global travel eligibility checker: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/# (note that all airlines’ policy is guided by IATA) Travel to Spain, general: For general travel to Spain: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/ESP/7001 Spain health declaration: https://www.spth.gob.es/ Travel to Spain from the UK (any nationality): Spain/UK travel ban (in force until 13-Feb): https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2021/01/01/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-1.pdf (note that crew joining vessels are exempt, subject to requisite docs) UK government […]

Nov 17

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, what's on 0 comments

Spain introduces PCR test requirement for arrivals from high risk countries

The move affects travellers coming from more than 60 countries from 23rd November, including most EU member states. The negative PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Spain and must be issued in English or Spanish, in paper or electronic format. Who is affected? This measure applies to travellers coming by sea or air, not to arrivals through land borders. Exemptions may apply for yacht crew demonstrably in transit to a boat that is departing imminently, or from a boat to outside Spain, departing without delay. Exemptions will also apply for arrivals who may have been unable to undergo a PCR test within the 72 hour window, having been continuously at sea or arrived from a departure point where tests are unavailable. In each instance, arrivals seeking an exemption are advised to check with us and we will consult with the local health authority for a confirmed exemption for your circumstance. High Risk Countries For European countries of origin, Spanish authorities will rely on the risk map by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC). For countries outside this area, the reference point will be the 14-day cumulative coronavirus incidence for every 100,000 inhabitants, […]

Nov 05

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

NEED CASH ON BOARD?

As official ‘consignatario’ port agents, ESTELA is authorised to offer Cast-to-Master service. Owners and managers can send money to us by bank transfer, enabling captains to withdraw cash on demand, as and when they need it. CTM is available in all ESTELA locations. For more details about our CTM service, please contact us. palma@estelashipping.net

Nov 05

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, Visa and immigration 0 comments

DO YOU REQUIRE A TRAVEL LETTER?

With national lockdowns and border closures on the increase, international travel is again becoming more complicated. While seafarers are generally exempt from restrictions designed to curtail tourism, carrying a travel letter from a licensed ‘consignatario’, setting out your reason for travel, can be helpful when boarding flights and crossing borders. For more information or to request your travel letter, please get in touch. Equally, when stamping off your boat and re-entering the Schengen zone, we can assist with the documentation required by Spain’s immigration police. palma@superyachts.agency

Sep 25

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, Visa and immigration 0 comments

Did you know that Spain now issues 90-day Schengen tourist visas?

Any non-European crew requiring a visa in order to fly in and join a yacht will know that Spain has not been the optimal Schengen zone country to arrive in first. Spanish authorities have in the past offered only Transit Visas with two-day validity to travel through the zone. However, this changed earlier this year… While there was no fanfare at the time, the introduction of a new Schengen Visa Code in February meant that Spain joined other Schengen members in issuing 90-day, multi-entry Schengen visas! No longer must you plan to arrive first in France, Germany or elsewhere for your 90-day ‘golden’ visa, to enjoy the freedom to move freely around Europe or leave and re-enter in your time off. Another change the new code brought in is that you can now apply SIX MONTHS in advance of your intended arrival, compared with three months previously. This means that you can start planning your 2021 season already and get your visa in place. (The latest you can apply for it is 15 calendar days before your trip) For assistance with your 90-day Schengen visa application and to obtain the required invitation letter, please contact us at palma@estelashipping.net

Sep 08

by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, Visa and immigration 0 comments

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CREW FLYING HOME ON TRANSIT VISAS

Spanish police issue new guidance for issuance of transit visas Spanish immigration police have issued new guidelines for the issuance of Schengen transit visas to seafarers departing the zone or travelling to join another vessel within the territory. Stipulations requiring a negative PCR test result prior to being admitted at destination country has been leaving crew in visa limbo in recent weeks. Having presented at Spanish airports for departure with transit visa in hand but without the requisite PCR test, crew can be denied boarding of their flight. The result is that crew are being left stranded in Spain illegally, unable to return to their boat and unable to travel onwards. To prevent this from happening, immigration officials have instructed authorised port agents to verify each crew member’s itinerary and the need, or not, for a PCR test at hand, PRIOR to applying for a transit visa. If you intend to fly home, or to any destination that requires a PCR test, you will be unable to obtain a transit visa from Spanish authorities without producing a test result that meets the requirements of your destination country. Compliance must be verified by an authorised consignatory port agent.

May 04

by ESTELA Shipping in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support 0 comments

Requirements for crew embarking in Spain

By decree, issued on April 29th, crew from third countries must provide the following documentation to Spanish immigration authorities before being permitted to enter Spain for work purposes. a) Card or professional certificate (certificate of competency or proficiency) or seaman’s identity document or Seafarers’ identity document or Discharge book. b) Document or employment contract of the shipping company, the recruitment and placement agency, or the captain of the vessel, proving their designation as crew member (employment agreement or letter of appointment). This documentation must include, at least, the name and flag of the vessel, the port where it is located and the estimated date for boarding or disembarking. Crew must provide proof of accommodation, where applicable, during their travel to or from the Spanish port where the ship is located. Contact us for more details palma@estelashipping.net +34 971 722 532

Aug 23

by admin in Balearics Experiences, Crew Assistance & Support, Events, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, what's on 0 comments

Sponsorship Opportunities for Superyacht Events in October Palma & Port Adriano, Mallorca

Early October is a particularly opportune time for businesses in the marine industry in Mallorca, as it signals the end of the Mediterranean season, before many yachts set off for the Caribbean. Every autumn, we organise the End of Season Party in Port Adriano and the Superyacht Poker Tournament at Casino de Mallorca. These events, now in their 5th and 4th year respectively, present a great way for you to connect with captains, crew, managers and key buy-side decision makers in our industry. It is a chance to thank those who used your services, and a way of growing your visibility in the yacht market. END OF SEASON PARTY FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER BLUE NEST BAR – PORT ADRIANO This event is Mallorca’s biggest party for the end of the Mediterranean season, as well as signalling the start of the Caribbean season. The party is a relaxed let-your-hair-down event, with themed fancy dress, complimentary full buffet and drinks, live band and DJ. The party is always well-attended by captains and crew, as well as brokers and industry colleagues, with complimentary return transport laid on from STP and Club de Mar marinas in Palma to Port Adriano. Last year, we had more than 250 guests, while the fancy dress theme was ‘Celebrities Ahoy’, with […]

Oct 18

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, Events, SUPERYACHT AGENCY, The Y - Yachting Handbook 0 comments

End of Season extravaganza, ‘Celebrities Ahoy!’. We had a blast!

Thanks to everyone who came along to our End of Season extravaganza, ‘Celebrities Ahoy!’. For the complete photo gallery, click here https://flic.kr/s/aHsmts141G A special thanks also to our sponsors who helped us stage the event or donated prizes: Bluewater Crew & Training Atlante Marine Solutions The Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort Termopetroli Avance Rent a car Heroesportals Es Baluard Museu d’Art Modern i Contemporani de Palma Fronda – Magatzem Verd TransferClass Mrs Sweet Crew Bar Nice Price Supermarket Mallorca Gin Burger The Wines Garden We’ll see you again next year.

Oct 02

by admin in Crew Assistance & Support 0 comments

Crew heading to Florida or the Caribbean? Best get your visa in order quickly!

The requirements for visiting, or working in, US territories have changed significantly since the end of last season and yacht crew have increasingly seen their B1/B2 visa applications denied. As the only yacht consignatory agents in Palma de Mallorca, we have a track record for dealing efficiently with immigration and port authorities. Our expertise is not limited to the Balearics and we have been busy assisting captains and crew travelling across to the US for the winter season in obtaining their B1/B2 visas. US Customs and Border Protection paperwork has never been straightforward and there are a number of new pitfalls to steer clear of, to avoid delays in obtaining the right visa. If you need help with your application, email us at palma@superyachts.agency or telephone Kristy Hollingsworth on +34 619 655 955.