CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) FOCUS PAGE

Published: 29 May 2020

Updated: 14 February 2023

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 11 March 2020. The Club is monitoring the situation, and this Focus page is updated regularly.

A number of countries have implemented travel restrictions or bans, country wide lockdowns, and mandatory 14 day self-isolation or quarantine to try and prevent the spread of COVID-19. A ‘social distancing’ policy is also being implemented in order to reduce unnecessary contact.

All shipstaff and travellers should be made aware of the risks, symptoms and the actions to take.

Members are advised to review the WHO and local public health authority websites (see below) for the latest advice, and to follow appropriate health advice and guidelines.

Additional information may also be available from:

SYMPTOMS

Typical symptoms include fever, cough, difficulty in breathing and fatigue. Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose.

CLUB ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

General precautions include:

Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly when you get home or into work
Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
Consider respiratory facemasks and protective eyewear
Avoid close contact with ill people, particularly people suffering from acute respiratory infections

The International Group of P&I Clubs have launched a publicly accessible online dashboard which details country and port specific measures in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A special edition of Britannia Crew Watch has been published, setting out the basic facts about the virus, providing some practical advice about how to prevent the spread and what to do to contain an outbreak on board.

LEGAL ADVICE

Law Firm MFB have provided a brief update on some of the issues that may arise from COVID-19

BIMCO provide advice on charter parties and other contracts in the COVID-19 section of their website

Intertanko has issued Guidance on Chartering Issues relating to Covid-19

STAYING SAFE ON BOARD AND ONSHORE

The International Chamber of Shipping has published a Practical Guide on COVID-19 Vaccination for ships’ crew and shipping companies
Updated Requirements for Sign-Off Crew In Singapore – Port Marine Circular No. 07 of 2021
Shore Leave For Crew Working Onboard Vessels In Port Of Singapore – Port Marine Circular No. 43 of 2020
How To Stay Safe On An International Vessel – Maritime NZ poster
INTERCARGO calls for seafarers to receive COVID-19 vaccine as a priority – Media Release
The Singapore Crew Change Work Group have updated the SINGAPORE CREW CHANGE GUIDEBOOK, (Dated 24th September 2020), and Members are urged to follow the processes in this Guidebook when effecting crew changes in Singapore.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have issued updated additional precautionary measures to follow when carrying out crew changes on Singapore-registered ships
The MPA have also issued revisions to crew changes for cargo ships under special circumstances in the port of Singapore
INTERTANKO have published a guide on Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness
AMSA Marine Notice – Maximum period of shipboard service for seafarers during the period 1 July 2020 to 1 October 2020
China MSA has updated their Guidance on the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 on board (V2.0)
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers
WHO has issued Operational considerations for managing COVID-19 cases/outbreak on board ships
The IMO has issued a Circular to facilitate appropriate COVID-19 lockdown exemptions for seafarers to join or leave ships

ADVICE FROM MARITIME ORGANISATIONS

IMO
BIMCO (Members only)
ICS
EMSA
IACS

ADVICE FROM CORRESPONDENTS

Correspondents in China have issued the following Circulars related to COVID-19.

OASIS:

HUATAI:

The following organisations also have useful pages on their websites dedicated to COVID-19.

The Club’s Correspondent in the Philippines has issued updated guidance on the conduct of Crew Changes.

Correspondents in Brazil have advised that the Brazilian government has now issued Ordinance n. 652 of 25^th January 2021, and the entry of foreigners of any nationality into the country is restricted, by road, by other terrestrial means or by water transport. Exceptions are highlighted in the Ordinance.

Furthermore, international flights to the Federative Republic of Brazil originating in or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of South Africa are prohibited on a temporary basis.

The entry of crew members who are boarding a ship or platform operating in jurisdictional waters, and entry for medical treatment continues to be permitted subject to specific conditions as detailed in article 3 of the Ordinance.

Our exclusive Correspondent in Taiwan issued an update on COVID-19 vaccination in Taiwan, 15 June 2021 and B Korea, our exclusive Correspondent in Korea, recently published Quarantine Regulation in Korea, 14 February 2023.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES

Enhanced health screening measures, including the use of thermal scanners, are in place for travellers and seafarers who have recently visited or travelled through areas where COVID-19 is prevalent. They may also be required to self-isolate for a period of at least 14 days. Immigration and local health authorities may implement additional restrictions.

Requests for Free Pratique are now required well in advance of arrival, and Masters are required to report any indication that a crew member or passenger may have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, severe coughing, breathing difficulties etc.). Quarantine officers may also board the ship for additional verification checks.

Members are also advised to check with local correspondents and agents for the latest position.

PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITIES

Links to local public health authority websites for certain ports/countries are given below, and Members can contact the Club for additional information.