News: US Coast Guard update on vessel reporting guidelines

On 23 April 2020, the United States Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin 02-20 Change 4 which concerns marine reporting and infection control requirements in respect of the COVID-19 outbreak. Members should take note of the following guidance.

Ship reporting requirements

• Illness of a person onboard that may adversely affect the safety of the ship or port facility is a 'hazardous condition' and must be reported immediatelyto the US Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP). Members should note that this requirement is separate and in addition to any local Coast Guard or Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements for ships departing from or arriving in any port in the United States or its territorial waters.
• Coast Guard regulations require ships destined for US ports to report any sick or deceased crew or passengers 15 days prior to arrival.

Ship control actions

• Non-passenger commercial ships which have been to countries noted in Presidential Proclamations on entry restrictions within the last 14 days with no sick crew members will be permitted to enter the US and conduct normal operations.
• Non-passenger commercial ships which have been to countries noted in Presidential Proclamations on entry restrictions within the last 14 days with sick crew members should expect delays and should closely coordinate with local agents to ensure proper notifications to local health and port authorities.
• Passenger ship operations continue to be restricted by the terms of the CDC’s No Sail Order. Additional guidance from the CDC specific to cruise ships may be located here.

The full text of Marine Safety Information Bulletin 02-20 (Change 4) is available in the attachment box. If you have questions about any of this alert, please contact your usual claims handler at the club for further assistance.​