Comprehensive Guide to Crew Change Operations at Anchorages in Iran and the Persian Gulf

Crew change operations at Persian Gulf anchorages—particularly within Iran’s coastal waters—present unique operational, legal, and logistical challenges. The Persian Gulf is one of the world’s most critical oil and commercial shipping corridors, with thousands of vessels transiting the region annually. Due to limited port capacity and specific regional circumstances (such as maritime security considerations and pandemic‑related restrictions), many crew changes are conducted offshore near anchorages.

However, the process is far from straightforward. It requires strict compliance with both international and domestic regulations, complex administrative coordination, and adequate logistical preparation. The following sections outline the key challenges and requirements that shipowners, operators, and crew managers must consider.

International Requirements and Legal Regulations

Crew change operations are governed by several international regulatory frameworks. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), which Iran has enforced since 2015, guarantees the rights of seafarers. Under the latest amendments to the MLC, governments are required to recognize seafarers as “key workers” and facilitate their movement and repatriation.

For example, the 2025 MLC amendments allow seafarers to disembark temporarily for shore leave without requiring a special visa. If such requests are denied, authorities must provide a written explanation. The convention also emphasizes the facilitation of seafarer repatriation procedures and the coverage of related expenses.

In addition to international conventions, domestic immigration regulations must also be observed. Foreign seafarers entering Iranian waters are required to obtain a seafarer visa. Prior to the end of 2025, certain countries such as India benefited from bilateral visa exemptions with Iran; however, from November 2025 onward, visa requirements were reinstated, and processing typically takes approximately 7–10 working days.

In practical terms, obtaining the Iranian visa code and the visa itself usually requires at least one to two weeks, which must be factored into crew change planning.

Port regulations also impose additional requirements. Typically, the ship agent (operator or maritime service company) must notify the port authority 24 to 48 hours prior to the intended crew change operation. Documentation must include the complete crew list along with scanned copies of passports and seafarers’ books, flight itineraries, and an Undertaking Letter.

In many cases, supporting documents such as a negative PCR test certificate or health verification (in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations), as well as the Maritime Declaration of Health, are also required.

Certain ports may impose additional restrictions, such as limited operating hours for service boats or restrictions on crew transfer during severe weather conditions. Given the complexity of these procedures and regulatory requirements, close cooperation with an experienced local agent—such as Barman—is essential for documentation processing and permit acquisition.

Operational and Logistical Challenges of Crew Change

From an operational perspective, crew changes at anchorage require precise coordination among multiple stakeholders. First, the crew change schedule must be aligned with the vessel’s voyage plan and the flight arrangements of incoming and outgoing crew.

Typically, on‑signing crew members arrive at regional airports—such as Bandar Abbas or Bandar Imam Khomeini—a few days after the vessel drops anchor in the area. They are then transferred to the vessel via a pre‑arranged support boat.

In the Persian Gulf, crew transfer is generally not permitted before the vessel arrives at anchorage, and in some cases the operation may be delayed up to 24 hours after anchoring.

Furthermore, nighttime navigation of support boats to the anchorage is usually restricted for safety reasons. Consequently, crew members must normally board the vessel before sunset. Once the replacement process is completed, off‑signing crew members are transported ashore by boat—or occasionally by helicopter in medical emergencies—to continue their return journey.

Several logistical elements must be arranged in advance. These include booking airline tickets, obtaining “OK To Board” flight authorization, arranging hotel accommodation when transit stays are required, and coordinating with flight management and airport service providers.

For instance, regulations in certain ports—similar to those in Pakistan—require that clearance permits be issued immediately upon the crew’s arrival at the airport; if the crew arrives late or flights are delayed, overnight hotel accommodation must be arranged.

Health screening prior to crew change—such as PCR tests conducted within 72–96 hours before transfer—is typically mandatory. To streamline procedures, vessels arriving from previous ports with valid negative test certificates may only require rapid antigen testing at the transfer location.

Crew members must also be vaccinated or provide valid health certificates in order to minimize quarantine requirements at the destination.