Crew Transfer
Crew transfer is the movement of people to, from or between vessels — road transfers to and from the airport or hotel, launch transfers to a vessel at anchorage or awaiting berth, transfers between ports, and moving superintendents, technicians or surveyors to a ship.
It is the transport element that a crew change, technical attendance or inspection depends on. BEF Shipping plans these movements in step with flights, tides and the vessel's position.
Service Overview
Crew transfer is distinct from a crew change: a crew change is the whole set of sign-on and sign-off formalities and logistics; a crew transfer is the physical movement of people, and it often includes non-crew such as superintendents, surveyors and service engineers.
Transfers to a vessel at anchorage are made through licensed local boat operators and with port control clearance; weather and sea state affect these transfers.
What BEF Shipping Provides
Road transfers
Airport, hotel and port road transfers for crew and visiting personnel.
Launch transfers
Coordination of launch transfers to vessels at anchorage or awaiting berth, through licensed local boat operators.
Inter-port transfers
Transfers between the operational points and to nearby ports.
Movement of superintendents and surveyors
Getting superintendents, technicians, surveyors and service engineers to and from vessels.
Timing coordination
Matching the transfer to flights, tides, port control and the vessel.
Gate access and escort
Assistance with gate access and escorting where required.
Operational Process
- 1
Request received
The transfer request, number of people and timing.
- 2
Route and vehicle
The route, timing and boat or vehicle are arranged.
- 3
Meet
The personnel are met.
- 4
Delivery
Delivered to the vessel or onward point.
- 5
Confirmation
The transfer is completed and confirmed.
Launch transfers depend on weather, sea state and port control clearance; timings are planned conservatively and may change. BEF Shipping does not claim round-the-clock availability.
Who This Service Is For
- Ship managers and owners — The party planning personnel and visitor movements.
- Crewing agents — Companies handling seafarer travel logistics.
- Technical superintendents — Cases where transport is needed to attend a vessel.
- Class and P&I surveyors — Inspection personnel who need to be brought to the vessel.
- Service engineers — Technical personnel attending on behalf of a maker or service company.
Why Local Coordination Matters
Matching transport to flight times, the tide window and the vessel's position, using licensed boat operators, and keeping people moving safely when a schedule shifts is the essence of the coordination.
Service Areas
Crew transfer is provided at Mersin MIP, Taşucu Ceyport, SANKO and Iskenderun, and for transfers to nearby ports and airports.
- Mersin MIP
- Mersin Marina
- Kumkuyu Marina
- Tasucu Ceyport
- SANKO
- Iskenderun
Practical Considerations
- As much notice as possible
- Early notice for launch bookings.
- Weather
- Weather can delay anchorage transfers.
- ID / passports
- Documents needed for gate access.
- Number of people and equipment
- Advising the headcount and the amount of luggage or equipment.
- Vessel position
- Confirming whether the vessel is at berth or at anchorage.
Common Questions
How is crew transfer different from a crew change?
A crew change is the whole set of sign-on and sign-off formalities and logistics. A crew transfer is the physical movement of people and can include non-crew personnel.
Can you transfer crew to a ship at anchorage?
Yes. Transfers to vessels at anchorage are coordinated through licensed local boat operators and with port control clearance.
Do you move superintendents and surveyors too?
Yes. Moving superintendents, technicians, surveyors and service engineers to and from vessels is part of the service.
What affects a launch transfer?
Weather and sea state and port control clearance; timings are therefore planned conservatively.
Do you cover the airports?
Yes. Road transfers to the region's airports and hotels are provided.
Which areas do you cover?
Mersin MIP, Taşucu Ceyport, SANKO and Iskenderun, plus nearby ports and airports.
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.