As noted in our circular of August 4th, the Chamber of Shipping has been working with the Province of British Columbia and the four regional health authorities to develop a program to support the immunization of seafarers. Recognizing that each region has different resources, capabilities, and demands, we are extremely pleased that the health authorities are doing what they can to support the delivery of vaccinations to the seafarers on the vessels. Vancouver Coastal Health has vaccinated seafarers on several vessels at English Bay and, along with Fraser Health, attended vessels at terminals within the Port of Vancouver.
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver Coastal Health has indicated that they are available for shipboard visits the next two Fridays – September 24th and October 1st. If you have crew interested in receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, please email: operations@cosbc.ca or call or our office with the details at 604-681-2351. Before confirming the arrangements, please ensure that the crew is aware that only Pfizer and Moderna are administered by BC health authorities.
Fraser Health
The Fraser Health Authority which services Robert Bank, Fraser Surrey, Annacis Island, Burnaby, and Port Moody does not provide fixed dates but is making best efforts to deliver services when needed during the weekdays with advance notice.
Northern Health
In Prince Rupert, Northern Health Authority is setting up pop-up clinics for seafarers on Mondays and Wednesdays between 0900 and 1600 at the Northland Cruise Terminal starting on September 20th. This is in addition to the regular Friday clinic open to the public as noted below.
The following facilities are currently available for seafarer vaccinations in Prince Rupert:
Monday and Wednesday Pop Up Clinics – Northland Cruise Ship Terminal
Location: 263 Manson Way, Prince Rupert, BC
Hours: 9am to 4pm Monday and Wednesday only
Booking: email cruisevcradmin@ceresglobal.com
Friday Clinics – The CORE Space (next to the Health Centre)
Location: 378 3rd Avenue, Prince Rupert, BC
Hours: 9am to 4pm Friday only
Booking: Call ahead for 12+ appointments only
Tel: 250-624-7480
The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) is available to assist with transporting crew members to and from vessels at anchor to shore to attend the clinics. To arrange for transportation by water, contact the PRPA’s Port Security Operations Centre at: 1-250-627-2522.
Transportation from the marine facilities can be arranged via the ship’s agent, the port authority or the seafarers’ centre. Contact Ceres at email: cruisevcradmin@ceresglobal.com to coordinate your request.
Discussions are ongoing in an effort to expanding services for testing and seafarer vaccinations in Kitimat.
Vancouver Island Health
Vancouver Island Health Authority continues to service seafarers at existing clinics and has just recently attended a ship at an Island terminal. More details will follow.
Public Clinics
For requests that cannot be accommodated on-site, view the following links for the most up-to-date information on available clinics:
Fraser Health Authority (Burnaby, Delta, Port Moody, Surrey)
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (North Vancouver, Vancouver)
Vancouver Island Health Authority (Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Victoria)
Northern Health Authority (Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Stewart)
When visiting a clinic, seafarers must be registered with a Provincial Health Number (PHN) in advance and the dedicated phone number for this is: 604–630-4063
Seafarers taking shore leave must be asymptomatic, i.e. presumed non-COVID-19 carrying, and follow the guidelines contained in Transport Canada’s Ship Safety Bulletin 11/2021. Note that Transport Canada has confirmed that the 6-hour shore leave restriction is for each time spent ashore, and is not cumulative.
When visiting the clinic seafarers should have a Provincial Health Number (PHN) and identification.
For the most up to date information, visit our website our COVID-19 page at: https://shippingmatters.ca/blog/covid-19/