June 25 is World Seafarers' Day. On this day, Longxue Subdistrict in Guangzhou's Nansha District presented seafarers with three "gifts" by officially launching the International Crew Rotation Center (Inspection Station), the Greater Bay Area International Crew Rotation Center, and the Nansha Departure Tax Refund Store for Seafarers.
The newly inaugurated Nansha International Crew Rotation Center is a joint inspection facility where border inspection and customs officers conduct "collaborative checks for one-time clearance." It provides international seafarers with a one-stop, convenient clearance service.
"It's nice to be ashore. It's very hot here," said Leo Verchov, the first seafarer to pass through the center after its opening. He noted that compared to last year, the clearance process was significantly faster: "I will walk around and go to some shops."
On the same day, the Greater Bay Area International Crew Rotation Center was established at Vensue Hotel on Longxue Island. The center has added diverse recreational amenities, including a lounge bar, a Western restaurant, a barbecue bar, KTV, and wellness facilities, offering seafarers more services to meet their needs for shopping, relaxation, and entertainment on land.
During the event, Longxue Subdistrict, in collaboration with Guangzhou Nansha Starway Industrial Service Co., Ltd, opened the Nansha Departure Tax Refund Store for Seafarers at the Port Building. Departing travelers can apply for a tax refund on the same day for purchases exceeding 200 yuan at the store.
"We bought some different types of cookies here, and we will take them back to our ship to introduce them to our group. Maybe next time they will come and buy," said Indian seafarer Gaurav.
Reporter: Zhang Yiwei
Photo: Shen Chongguang
Editor: Huang Qini, James, Shen He
