Nautilus International and the UK Chamber of Shipping jointly produced a special 'guidance letter' in 2020 for seafarers arriving into the UK supporting their exemption from the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the UK.
This guidance was updated in January 2021. Members should log into My Nautilus for the updated letter for 2021.
The letter certifies that Seaman and Masters, Maritime Pilots and Inspectors and Surveyors of ships are exempted from mandatory quarantine measures.
The exemption from the requirement to self-isolate applies regardless of whether the individual is arriving in the UK for the purposes of crew change, shore leave or returning home on leave.
It is designed to be shown to UK Border Force when a seafarer arrives in the UK and is based on guidance published by the UK government on 8 June.
The letter can be used alongside evidence of employment such as:
• a Seafarers Identification Document (SID)
• joining papers
• Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA)
• seafarers discharge book
• basic training certificate
• declaration from the registered owners of a vessel confirming the individual as a crew member
The letter was created following feedback from members arriving in the UK that Border Force had requested mandatory quarantine.
In March 2020 the UK designated seafarers as key workers and granted exemptions from travel restrictions so they can join and leave their ships and return home without impediment, while complying with infection control.
- download the latest guidance letter (updated January 2021) from our Member Resources Covid-19 section
- non-members can download the 2021 guidance letter by filling in a short survey
- keep an eye on the UK government guidance on jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
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