How can I create a COVID-safe travel solution for a marine organisation?
ATPI has seen first-hand just how complicated the travel experience has become for organisations operating in the maritime industry. In this short guide we will share best practice advice on how best to facilitate covid-safe travel for crews and rotational workers.
Pre-trip information for the crew is invaluable when planning covid-safe travel
Supporting travellers can begin before a trip has even begun, particularly at a time when the travel process can change quickly from one trip to the next. Providing crew with guidance on what to expect at airports or hotels, the restrictions that have been implemented at their destination and any other health and safety guidelines, such as mask wearing and social distancing, can help to ease anxieties about the unknown.
Whether in the form of internal guides or links to external websites, it’s a good idea to share health and safety tips with travellers prior to their trip. Although most travellers are now aware of the need to wear face masks and use hand sanitiser, reminding them of other steps to take, such as travelling with their own cutlery and wiping down luggage, can help them to feel more in control when travelling.
One central database for testing records and travel permissions is important
One central database for testing records and travel permissions testing has become a routine part of travelling for crew and FIFO workers over the last year and as a result travel managers have had to find new processes in order to store and keep track of up-to-date test results and travel permissions.
Being able to access a master database that integrates with all of your organisation’s travel technology in order to complete traveller details, visa information and travel preferences at the touch of a button is the key to achieving safer travel for crews. It ensures that no essential information has been missed and also reduces the risk of human error.
Utilising instant travel news alerts can keep your crew up-to-date on the move
Although it’s important to have access to all necessary information that pertains to travel restrictions, governmental advice and test and vaccination developments, it’s even more important that the information travel managers are exposed to is relevant and accurate. We would recommend streamlining your information sources and prioritising those that are verified and can be tailored down to only share information that is relevant to your organisation’s location, your travellers’ most frequent destinations and the way that your company travels for business.
One way to ensure this is to subscribe to instant travel news alerts, such as ATPI Alerts™. Real-time travel updates will inform you of any localised outbreaks or newly imposed travel restrictions, enabling you to act fast and find an alternative route while minimising any delays.
Use the convenience of charter flights when planning Covid-safe travel
While the pandemic has forced international organisations to seek alternatives to conventional ways to move around the world, one method of travel is rapidly growing in popularity; private air charters. Once thought of as a niche, expensive and a last-resort kind of commodity, charters are increasingly being sought out for the convenience and protection they provide over commercial flying during a pandemic.
Bringing together our knowledge of the important routes for the offshore sector, ATPI Marine & Energy have operated our own charter flights in conjunction with numerous organisations. By being part of a supportive industry that shares in common goals and challenges, we’ve been able to identify the destinations that particularly needed air capacity and operated flights that both our clients and other organisations have been able to access in order to repatriate their people.