Crew Change
A crew change is signing seafarers on and off a vessel during a port call — the joining crew arrive and board, the leaving crew disembark and travel home. It combines documentation, official formalities and travel logistics within the vessel's port window.
BEF Shipping handles this in coordination with the master, the manning agent and the owner or operator. Immigration and visa requirements depend on nationality, flag and current regulations, and decisions rest entirely with the authorities.
Service Overview
A crew change plan requires flights, formalities and the berth schedule to be aligned. The joining crew must reach the vessel in time, and the leaving crew must be moved smoothly to the airport or hotel.
The manning agent usually arranges visas, letters of guarantee and flights in advance; BEF Shipping handles the local formalities, gate access and transfers.
When the vessel's schedule moves, the plan is adapted — so flexibility and early notice matter.
What BEF Shipping Provides
Plan coordination
Coordinating the crew change plan with the master, manning agent and owner or operator.
Local formality support
Support with harbour master, immigration and port procedures for joining and leaving seafarers — assistance, not a guaranteed outcome.
Gate access and escort
Port gate access and escort where applicable.
Transfer arrangements
Crew transfers between airport, hotel and vessel.
Hotel arrangements
Accommodation bookings when a layover is needed.
Document handling
Local handling of documents such as seaman's books and letters of guarantee.
Coordination with other services
Coordination with provisioning or technical supply where the call is combined.
Operational Process
- 1
Plan received
The crew change plan and travel details are shared.
- 2
Document and travel review
Visas, letters of guarantee and flight details are reviewed.
- 3
Formality preparation
Procedures are prepared with the local authorities in advance.
- 4
Joining crew
Met and delivered to the vessel.
- 5
Leaving crew
Disembarked and moved to the airport or hotel.
- 6
Confirmation
The procedures are completed and documented.
Immigration and visa requirements depend on nationality, flag and current regulations, and approvals rest entirely with the authorities. BEF Shipping coordinates and assists but cannot promise an outcome or a specific timeline.
Who This Service Is For
- Ship managers and owners — The party planning crew change logistics.
- Manning / crewing agents — Companies handling seafarers' travel and documentation.
- Masters — Those coordinating and receiving the change on board.
- Charterers — The party organising crew logistics under the charter.
Why Local Coordination Matters
Aligning flights, formalities and the berth window, knowing the port gate and immigration procedures, and rebuilding the plan when the vessel's schedule slips is the real value of local coordination.
Service Areas
Crew change coordination is provided at Mersin MIP, Taşucu Ceyport, SANKO and Iskenderun.
- Mersin MIP
- Mersin Marina
- Kumkuyu Marina
- Tasucu Ceyport
- SANKO
- Iskenderun
Practical Considerations
- Share details early
- The crew list, documents and flight details sent early.
- Visas and letters of guarantee
- Arranged in advance by the manning agent.
- Possible schedule changes
- A contingency for flight and vessel schedule changes.
- Health requirements
- PCR or medical checks where they apply.
- Gate and escort rules
- Port-specific gate access and escort rules.
Common Questions
What is a crew change?
Signing seafarers on and off during a port call; it covers formalities, documentation and travel logistics.
Can you guarantee immigration clearance?
No. Approvals rest entirely with the authorities. BEF Shipping provides coordination and support.
How much notice do you need?
As early as possible; when the crew list, documents and flight details arrive early the procedures can be planned properly.
Do you arrange transport and hotels?
Yes. Airport–hotel–vessel transfers and, where needed, accommodation are arranged.
Do you handle seaman's documents?
Yes. Documents such as seaman's books and letters of guarantee are handled locally.
What if the vessel's schedule changes?
The plan is adapted to the new schedule — which is why early notice and flexibility matter.
Let's plan your operation together
Share your vessel and operation details and we'll come back with a service plan suited to your needs.