Ship crew change dry run held

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) conducted a dry run for the point-to-point embarkation and disembarkation of seafarers in Subic on Friday.

The dry run was intended to test protocols for the proposed activation of the port of Subic as a crew change hub.

The exercises held at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) complex included departure and arrival procedures at the former Hanjin ferry landing.

Tugboats were used to simulate transport and exchange of seafarers to and from vessels anchored in Subic Bay.

The more complex arrival procedure was simulated at the Subic airport terminal, where seafarers will undergo the required swab tests, document processing and quarantine procedures.