Crew safety in Venezuela

Despite the current political unrest in Venezuela, Gard’s correspondent in the country, Globalpandi S.A., reports that all major ports are operating as normal as at 1 June 2016, although the ongoing situation may affect the safety of crew members. A seafarer was recently killed whilst resisting a robbery attempt while transiting between the international and domestic airport terminals in the capital city Caracas. The correspondent therefore recommends that vessel owners and operators limit their crew changes and shore leaves in the country to an absolute minimum.

Members and clients trading in Venezuela are advised to:

• stay in close contact with local sources of information, such as the vessel’s agent, Gard’s correspondent, etc., to obtain the most up to date and reliable information available at any given time;

• carry out an assessment of the risks involved prior to carrying out crew changes in the country; and

• warn their vessels’ crews about the current situation in Venezuela and the potential dangers of going ashore.

If crew changes cannot be avoided, the crew should be accompanied by a representative of the local agent at all times from immediately after arrival at an international airport. If domestic transportation of the crew is necessary, the local agent’s company vehicles, or appointed reliable taxis, should be used for this purpose. See Globalpandi’s circular of 1 June 2016 for additional advice.

We are grateful to Gard’s correspondent in Venezuela, Globalpandi S.A., for providing this information.