AIG expects to see improvements to its Port and Maritime services thanks to two recent boosts.
Firstly, a Department of Transport inspection of Port services found the level of service and security to be appropriate for the island’s location and nature. Part of the report mapped out ways in which services could be improved still further and the use of this ‘road map’ started in May with a meeting between representatives of AIG, the Police Service, Wolf Creek and Mitie. The meeting was the start of a liaison and training programme aimed to standardise Port security and management during ship work.
The second boost came when Ascension Island was recently invited to attend the Red Ensign Group Conference along with most of the other British Overseas Territories, including St Helena and Tristan Da Cunha.
Director of Facilities & Operations (David Mills) and Shipping & Operations Officer (Kitty George) represented AIG at the Conference which was held at George Town Grand Cayman. There was no cost to AIG for their representatives attending this event and the arrangements were made possible through the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s CSSF Programme, funded by the FCDO.
The AIG representatives travelled with the Official flag of Ascension Island which was prominent at the Conference’s opening Ceremony. Both David Mills and Kitty George were active participants at the Conference, including David making a presentation to the delegates about Ascension and its Maritime infrastructure.
The Conference exceeded expectations in terms of relevance, learning points and networking and should enable improvements to our maritime services, including in terms of AIG vessel inspection, AIG coxswain training and general operations. The representatives from Ascension, St Helena and Tristan Da Cunha were also given a tour of the Cayman Island Coastguard command.
The Red Ensign Group (REG) is the collective group of British Shipping Registers and they established an annual conference many years ago to discuss common flag State issues and develop unified policies for ships registered on their respective flags. With CSSF funding, REG were able to expand the membership of the Conference to include stakeholders from other British Overseas Territory Government departments who play key roles in managing activities in territorial waters.
AIG would like to thank the Maritime & Coastguard Agency for making attendance at the conference possible and also to the Cayman Islands for their warm welcome at what was a very productive event.
The AIG is pleased to announce that the MOD have made available fifteen seats on each of the flights to and from Ascension and the UK, starting when the Airbridge resumes on 8 May. The AIG will manage the booking process. Flight bookings are currently accessible to staff working on Ascension, their dependents and visiting family and friends. The MOD will currently not permit transit bookings or those where Airbridge passengers intend to link visits to Ascension with travel to or from St Helena via the Airlink. However, the MOD will review this decision in the near future, once the Airbridge is re-established.
The price for fares will be as follows:
PRICE IN POUNDS STERLING (£) | BZZ-ASI -BZZ | |
STANDARD FARE | SINGLE FARE | £510.00 |
RETURN FARE | £969.00 |
Notes
Children under 2 years of age: Travel Free
Children aged 2 and over: Full adult fare
Bookings with less than 14 days’ notice: Seats must be requested from the MOD, so there is no guarantee seating will be available. Bookings will incur an additional £30 late booking fee on top of the standard fare.
Waitlisted Bookings: An additional £30 is chargeable for seats AIG requests in addition to the 15-seat allocation.
Cancellation more than 3 days’ notice: Full refund less a £30 administrative fee per person
Cancellation less than 3 days’ notice: No refund on the full cost paid for ticket.
Amendments: Amendments are permitted, if requested at least 72 hours prior to the flight departure date. An amendment fee of £30 per person, is chargeable for each amendment made.
BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES
To request your booking or to make enquiries, please email flight.bookings@ascension.gov.ac or call on 67000, extension 111. Booking forms will also be available on the AIG website. Tickets will be issued with flight details and baggage allowances.
The AIG wishes to inform the public that it has agreed a contract with Meihuizen International to provide cargo freight shipping services between Ascension, St Helena and Africa. This will be an interim service for the calendar year of 2023 only. The shipping service will begin in April 2023, with the first arrival of goods at Ascension expected on approximately 9 May 2023.
This follows the announcement by AW Shipping Management Ltd (AWSML) last year that the MV Helena service to St Helena and Ascension would come to an end, and the last voyage to Ascension would be in December 2022. At the end of last year, the St Helena Government (SHG) then announced the award of a 12 month interim contract to Meihuizen International to provide cargo services to St Helena. Following this the AIG have negotiated an extension to three of the voyages under that contract to include a service to and from Ascension.
The new service will be operated using the MV Maria da Paz between Luanda (Angola) and St Helena with stops at Walvis Bay (Namibia), St Helena and (on three of the voyages) Ascension, from where it will return to Luanda via St Helena. The new service will allow for two transhipment routes, one from London Tilbury and another from Cape Town, along with introducing new consolidators and potentially opening up new options to source goods and materials in Luanda and Walvis Bay.
The approximate arrival dates for each of the three voyages to Ascension are 9 May 2023, 7 September 2023 and 4 December 2023. A full schedule is being finalised and confirmed dates will be published in due course.
The AIG have worked closely with the Island Council to agree the provision of this interim service and the AIG will subsidise the service on the St Helena-Ascension-St Helena legs. A longer term solution is under negotiation as part of a tender process being run by the SHG, which the AIG is participating in.
Commercial cargo rates for the first voyage on the St Helena-Ascension-St Helena legs will be similar to those charged for the MV Helena’s final call in December 2022, although rates for different types of cargo will vary. The AIG will review the uptake of this interim service after the first voyage to determine whether cargo rates on subsequent voyages will need to increase. Cargo rates for shipments from Luanda/Walvis Bay/Cape Town to and from St Helena will be charged separately by Meihuizen International.
The AIG understands that several operators have shown interest in the provision of a substantive replacement cargo shipping service for St Helena from 2024 onwards. As part of the tender evaluation for this service, the AIG will seek to secure the best option for all parties to extend a call at Ascension to a number of voyages each year. The AIG will provide an update on the SHG led tender process once more information becomes available.
For general information on the 2023 interim service, including cargo rates (between St Helena and Ascension), please contact Kitty Georg by email: kitty.george@ascension.gov.ac or by telephone 66244.
For specific enquiries, including cargo rates between Luanda/Walvis Bay/Cape Town and St Helena, please contact Meihuizen International directly at:
Maria Anderson – email: mariaa@meihuizen.co.za cell: +27(0)834555001
Richard Fortune – email: richardf@meihuizen.co.za cell: +27(0)834555006
Office Landline tel: +27(0)214405400
The public are requested to note that Customs checks are being carried out on arrival into Ascension as per the Customs Ordinance, 2001. Passengers arriving in Ascension must complete the customs declaration form provided to them upon arrival and be prepared for their baggage to be searched.
Whilst not every individuals bag will be searched, a random computer-generated selection will be done for a percentage of passengers relative to the total number travelling.
For dutiable items, amounts in excess to the legal allowance should be declared. For ease of reference, listed below are the amounts allowed as being duty free:
(a)(i) Alcoholic beverages with Alcohol by Volume (‘ABV’) exceeding 30% – 1 litre
plus, either:
(ii) Alcoholic beverages with ABV exceeding 11% but not exceeding 30% – 2 litres
or
(iii) Alcoholic beverages with ABV not exceeding 11% (Beers/Lagers) – 4.1 litres
(b) Cigarettes not exceeding 200, or other tobacco goods not exceeding in all 250 grams.
Whilst the Customs procedure is not expected to overly prolong the arrivals process, we ask that passengers remain patient and be respectful to Customs Officers carrying out their duties.
As of today, 02 September 2022, a new Policy on Entry Control has come into effect.
A robust system of entry control is a core function of government and is necessary for the good governance of the territory. As there is no automatic right to entry to, or right to remain in, Ascension it is important that decisions are made in line with established, proportionate principles and procedures, and that these are applied openly, fairly and consistently.
By establishing a published policy that details these, including on what grounds permission to enter or remain may be refused, such decisions will be clearly understandable and open to public scrutiny.
Between Friday 24 June and Monday 18 July a public consultation was held on a draft Policy on Entry Control to Ascension. During the public consultation process a number of issues were raised and as such a number of edits and adaptions to the draft policy. A Government Response to Consultation document was then published detailing these. Notably, changes were made around how past offending was to be considered in the decision-making process, in line with the principles of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
In determining grounds for refusal based on previous offending, AIG must ensure it is taking appropriate action to safeguard the public from potential offending. Following consultation, guidance for decision makers has been adapted to indicate a presumption in favour of taking certain decisions rather than an absolute direction to do so, based on certain evidence.
Where criminality grounds are identified as a relevant factor, the guidance has also been amended to direct decision makers to consider the nature of the offending, the impact of the offending on the victim and the community, offending by the perpetrator before and since, and the possible impact on the wider community of that individual being granted permission to remain in, or enter, Ascension.
The new policy also establishes a robust appeals process so that applicants can be assured that they have been treated fairly and decisions have indeed been made in line with the new policy.
The policy is available online through the AIG website via https://www.ascension.gov.ac/government/public-documents or through the Administrator’s Office in Georgetown.
Today, 08 August, a case of COVID-19 was identified in a member of the public from the USAF Base. The individual noticed possible signs of infection and in line with guidance arranged to take a test at their local medical facility.
The result of that test indicated that they were positive for COVID-19 infection. Although they had mild symptoms they have been advised to isolate for at least five days and then follow the guidance for ending their isolation following this.
Following the ending of quarantine for arrivals on 31 July, community transmission of the virus was expected and appropriate plans have been put in place by medical authorities and employers. Given COVID-19 preventative measures have now been relaxed, it can be expected that further cases will continue to be identified.
As such members of the public are advised to re-familiarise themselves with the guidance in place.
If you’re worried about catching COVID-19
If you are vaccinated, you’ve already taken the best action you can to safeguard yourself. Vaccinated persons are very well protected against developing a severe COVID-19 illness.
You may want to take consider taking other actions such as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces or around others, regularly washing your hands, avoiding unnecessarily large crowds indoors or making sure you ventilate indoor spaces when inside.
If you think you have symptoms
If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result, the public health advice is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are the recent onset of any of the following:
If you have any of these symptoms you should contact your relevant medical service by telephone to arrange a test. These are:
62224 – USAF medical clinic
66310 – RAF medical centre
66252 – Georgetown Hospital
After you’ve been tested you should go home and await your result. Medical staff will then contact you.
If you test positive
You should contact your employer to inform them of your result, and also let family and friends know too.
You should isolate for a minimum of five days and monitor your own health. Most people will have only mild symptoms or maybe little to no symptoms at all, but if you think you are feeling particularly unwell you should telephone your relevant medical facility for advice.
It might be possible for employees in critical occupations to resume work under certain conditions if they are otherwise well enough to do so. If you think this applies to you then you should contact your employer to discuss this.
Whilst isolating you should avoid going out and should not invite guests to your home. Ask friends and family, or maybe your employer, to arrange for food and essentials to be delivered to your home.
If you share a home with others try to keep your distance where possible, where a mask in communal spaces and make sure you ventilate rooms well.
If you have no choice but to leave your home then you should wear a mask, avoid close contact with others and limit your interaction with others to only that which is essential (such as shopping for supplies or working if you are an essential worker).
After five days you should follow the guidance about ending isolation. If you feel well and no longer have symptoms, you can end your period of self-isolation. You should however consider still wearing a mask and practise good hand hygiene for several days afterwards.
If after five days you are still feeling unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, you should take a lateral flow test and repeat this every 48 hours if you continue to test positive. If at any point during this time you test negative, feel well, are no longer symptomatic or reach day 10 of your period of self-isolation, you can end your isolation.
Further guidance is available from your local medical facility, your employer and the AIG website via www.ascension.gov.ac/public-document/living-with-COVID-19.
If you have any concerns you should contact your local medical facility for further advice.
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Monthly Airlink operated inter-island flights between Ascension and St Helena will recommence from Saturday 26 March 2022. The current schedule for these flights can be found here.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 situation, a number of protocols and procedures are currently in place in the three territories on the route. All passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these prior to travelling.
Requirements for travellers to St Helena
All travellers ending their journey in St Helena must complete the ‘St Helena Pre-Arrival Questionnaire’. This form will ask for your personal details, contact details, your COVID-19 vaccination status, and your quarantine arrangements where applicable.
The questionnaire is available online at the point of booking with Airlink, or via the AIG Finance Office if travelling from Ascension, and passengers are encouraged to complete the questionnaire at least seven days before their intended arrival to St Helena. A physical copy is also available on arrival at St Helena airport.
Requirements for travellers to South Africa
Travellers aged five years old or more arriving into South Africa are required to produce proof of vaccination on arrival. Anyone who cannot show that they are fully vaccinated will need to present a negative PCR test result from a test taken within the last 72 hours.
Additionally, a completed Entry Traveller Health Questionnaire (THQ) must be produced. This is a one-page form that asks for personal details, contact details, your address in South Africa (e.g. your hotel), and other travel information, including COVID-19 related questions. The THQ can be completed up to 48 hours before travel or upon arrival into the country, and can be downloaded here. This form is also available on the Airlink flight from the cabin crew.
Upon arrival at South Africa, port health officials will screen travellers to determine if they are experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection. The screening will include a temperature test and a review of the THQ.
If a traveller is found to be experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 during the screening, further assessments will be conducted, which may include testing. If the test result comes back positive and the traveller is symptomatic, a decision will be made on whether isolation can be completed at the traveller’s accommodation or at a health facility.
Further guidance on what is required if a traveller tests positive can be found here.
Pre-departure requirements for travellers in South Africa
All passengers travelling to St Helena or Ascension will need to produce a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours before departure from the country they have begun their travel journey from (e.g. South Africa, UK, etc.). Passengers flying with Airlink to both St Helena and Ascension will need to show this negative PCR test result at check-in at OR Tambo International Airport.
For passengers whose point of departure for St Helena or Ascension is South Africa, this will need to show a negative test result for a PCR test that was taken within 72 hours of check- in.
For passengers whose initial point of departure for Ascension is not South Africa (such as the UK), and so they are only transiting South Africa for a short period of time, this must show a negative PCR test result for a test taken within 72 hours of their departure from their initial territory. They should also provide evidence of travel from that territory, such as a plane ticket or booking confirmation, at check-in.
Passengers should also submit a signed EXIT Traveller Health Questionnaire to a port official. A temperature check will also be carried out by officials at the airport.
Quarantine protocols for arrivals to Ascension
All travellers to Ascension are currently required to observe compulsory isolation protocols on arrival. The length of quarantine to be observed will depend on the number of persons quarantining together and their vaccination status, and this requirement may be waived for passengers arriving from St Helena in certain circumstances.
In flight protocols
Passengers are required to wear a face mask at all times, observe best social distancing practises and carry out good hygiene by washing hands or using sanitiser regularly.
Between St Helena and Ascension, COVID-19 specific in flight protocols will be in place and must be observed by all passengers. These are designed to keep the passengers boarding the flight at St Helena separate from those who have travelled from Johannesburg.
As such, the two sets of passengers will be seated separately and will use separate toilet facilities. Johannesburg passengers will be seated at the front of the aircraft and use the forward toilet, whereas St Helena passengers will be seated at the back of the aircraft and will use the rear toilet.
All passengers are to avoid mixing with persons that did not board the flight at the same location that they did.
To limit interaction between St Helena passengers and the crew, there will be no trolley service on flights from St Helena to Ascension. Water and essential assistance can still be provided by the crew, but passengers are encouraged to consider bringing drinks and snacks on board with them if they so wish.
Passengers will be reminded of these protocols prior to boarding and following entry to the aircraft.
Arrival at Ascension
Upon arrival at Ascension individuals will be directed to remain seated to ensure separation of the two sets of passengers continues to be observed.
All arrivals should keep their face masks on whilst disembarking and during processing at the air terminal.
The cabin crew will advise the passengers in what order they will be disembarked from the plane.
The Johannesburg passengers will be led to an outside seating area of the air terminal and will then undergo testing from medical staff. From there they will make their way to their isolation accommodation and await the results of their tests.
Passengers from St Helena will be directed to enter a separate area of the air terminal for arrivals processing. Once completed, they will then travel to their isolation accommodation and await further instruction.
If all results from testing of the Johannesburg passengers are negative, the St Helena passengers will be granted permission to exit isolation. If any positive results are returned however, they may be required to observe a period of quarantine.
Further information
All travellers will be provided a pre-departure information pack with details of their travel and relevant COVID-19 information and requirements. However, further information can be requested by email through flight.bookings@ascension.gov.ac, or be telephone on 67000 ext. 115.
AIG is pleased to announce that the regular Airlink operated inter-island service between Ascension and St Helena is scheduled to resume operations from 26 March 2022. The Airlink service has been suspended since April 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the recent relaxation of restrictions on travellers from South Africa entering the UK and Europe, work has been underway to restore the regular scheduled air service between South Africa, St Helena and Ascension.
The inter-island service will operate every fourth weekend from the date of commencement. As before, when the service calls at Ascension the aircraft will overnight on the island before making the return journey to South Africa via St Helena. To accommodate peak periods of demand, additional flights will operate during July, September, December and January. The schedule is as follows:
Date |
Flight | Date | Flight | |
26 March 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
10 September 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
|
27 March 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
11 September 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
|
23 April 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
08 October 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
|
24 April 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
09 October 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
|
21 May 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
05 November 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
|
22 May 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
06 November 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
|
18 June 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
03 December 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
|
19 June 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
04 December 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
|
16 July 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
17 December 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
|
17 July 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
18 December 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
|
30 July 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
07 January 2023 |
HLE – ASI |
|
31 July 2022 |
ASI – HLE |
08 January 2023 |
ASI – HLE |
|
27 August 2022 |
HLE – ASI |
21 January 2023 |
HLE – ASI |
|
28 August 2022 | ASI – HLE | 22 January 2023 |
ASI – HLE |
Although the Airlink service is resuming, due to the ongoing restoration works at Wideawake runway, there will be aircraft payload restrictions in place until approximately April 2023. As such, there will be some limitations placed on the number of passengers that can board each flight, although flights are expected to be able to operate at near regular capacity in most instances.
The inter-island air service is funded by employing organisations. As such, they will continue to be given priority for bookings. Members of public that live and work in Ascension should therefore speak to their employer about making reservations on the service for the purpose of taking contractual leave. Alternatively, members of the public can register their interest in booking seats privately through flight.bookings@ascension.gov.ac.
The public are requested to note that communications with Ascension Island Radio on Channel 16 have now been restored.
AIG apologise for any inconvenience caused that may have been caused whilst communications with Ascension Island Radio were not available on Channel 16. During this time Port Control were monitoring Channel 16 and issuing a sécurité to all stations periodically during the day and evening.