Crew change is a delicate moment in a vessel's operational life: it involves boarding incoming seafarers and disembarking those completing their service period. At the Port of Bari we assist Italian and foreign shipowners, recruitment agencies and shipping companies in complete management of the change — from individual seafarer documentation to the interface with border authorities.
When you need it
Whenever a vessel calls at the Port of Bari to allow rotation of its crew members: commercial vessels, ferries, large yachts, cruise ships, work units. The change may involve EU citizens or non-EU nationals (Philippines, India, Ukraine, Indonesia, Russia, Turkey and many other nationalities), each with different documentary requirements in terms of visa, Schengen transit visa, seaman's book and insurance coverage.
How we operate at the Port of Bari
We receive from the shipowner the nominal list of incoming and outgoing crew, with copies of individual documents. We verify the position regularity of each seafarer (passport, visa, medical certificate, required vaccinations) and handle data submission to border authorities via the PMIS system of the Port Authority.
We organize transfers to and from Bari Palese and Brindisi airports, hotel accommodation when needed, and physically assist seafarers at boarding and disembarkation. For non-EU seafarers without Schengen visa, we manage the transit visa request directly with the Border Police to allow transit through Italian territory to the departure airport.
Documents required
- Valid passport — with at least six months residual validity from the scheduled return date.
- Seaman's Book — with up-to-date stamps and qualification.
- Boarding or disembarkation letter — issued by the shipowner or management agency.
- Schengen or transit visa — when required by the seafarer's nationality.
- STCW medical certification — and other professional competency certificates required by rank.
Timing & operation
Crew change is typically planned 48-72 hours before the vessel's arrival, to allow documentary verification and any visa requests. Our personnel's presence at the quay is guaranteed at the vessel's arrival and at boarding; for night-time or holiday changes we activate dedicated on-call shifts. We work in close contact with the Bari Port Authority and Border Police even outside standard hours when the operation requires it.
Why Bamas
For over thirty years we have provided shipping agency services at the Port of Bari, with direct relationships with the Port Authority, Border Police, health authority and terminal personnel. We know the procedures of every nationality and visa requirements, we manage seafarer logistics and reception with multilingual support, and we guarantee the shipowner reliable timing even on multiple or complex changes.
