News: WHO - We are in a shared struggle to protect both lives and livelihoods

With over 1.1 million confirmed cases and 62,900 reported deaths, the WHO in its latest media brief states that the COVID-19 pandemic is much more than a health crisis.

In these challenging times, it is essential to develop strategies whereby the health of the individual is given top priority while still allowing for trade to continue.

The ICS Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers in Section 4 recommends that ships should develop an Outbreak Management Plan (OMP).

The INTERTANKO has published guidance on the development of an OMP which includes:

• the preparations to be taken prior to entering port,
• embarking of on boarders such as pilots and armed guards,
• what to do when in port, and
• procedures to be adopted during cargo operations and whilst in repair yards and dry docks.

The guidance is available for download on the right.

The UNCTAD has also issued a technical note and a crisis protocol giving guidance to ports in preparing against the pandemic. The guidance is available here.

IMO has issued Guidance concerning unforeseen delays in the delivery of ships available on the right.

The Singapore MPA has issued a new circular advising on how the new restrictions announced by the government will impact the maritime sector. MPA has confirmed that as maritime is a key economic sector and the Port of Singapore is critical in ensuring the flow of goods, it will remain open for cargo operations and will continue to provide essential marine services including bunkering, ship stores and ship supplies.

The guidance is available for download on the right.

Inmarsat has announced that it will support seafarers during this crisis with 50% voice call discounts and free COVID-19 video call service. More details are available here.

Category: COVID-19