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26 Oct 2020

News: COVID-19 - the club's offices

An update on the working arrangements for our global offices.

22 Oct 2020

News: China to allow crew change for foreign seafarers

ICS (China) Liaison office has issued information regarding the gradual relaxation by Chinese authorities for crew change of foreign seafarers.

16 Oct 2020

News: ICS crew change report form - Crew change information for Asian ports

To better serve the industry ICS is collecting information on the ability of ships to conduct crew changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1 Oct 2020

Press Article: Crew issues during the Covid-19 pandemic

Capt. Yves Vandenborn, Director of Loss Prevention, and Richard Stevens, , Divisional Claims Director, International division at Standard Club, are interviewed by Maritime China Magazine, discussing the crew issues during the Covid-19 pandemic.

1 Oct 2020

News: ICS revises the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidance for ship operators for the protection of the health of seafarers

The experience and knowledge of COVID-19 has substantially increased in the last few months, and the International Chamber of Shipping has now published a new, fully updated version of Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers, reflecting the latest thinking and advice on the virus.

28 Sep 2020

News: COVID-19 – China announces strengthening of measures to prevent and control the spread of covid-19 epidemic for seafarers on international sea-going vessels

ICS (China) Liaison office has issued information regarding the new requirements issued by China to prevent and control the spread of covid-19 epidemic for seafarers on international sea-going vessels.

23 Sep 2020

News: Singapore MPA announces further enhancements to crew change procedures. ITF, IMEC contribute to the SG-STAR Fund

Singapore MPA has released a new circular (PMC 38) announcing further enhancements to crew change procedures in the port of Singapore.

18 Sep 2020

News: UN agencies urge member states to resolve the humanitarian crew change crisis

UN agencies and programmes involved in the maritime sector, human rights, trade, travel and transportation have called on all UN Member States, through a joint statement, to take urgent action to resolve the humanitarian crew change crisis faced by the world's seafarers.

16 Sep 2020

News: Pre-arrival reporting and COVID-19 in Canada

Members should take note of a recent circular from the Chamber of Shipping in Canada.

10 Sep 2020

News: COVID-19 US civil trial issues

Members are advised that some states within the US have resumed civil trials following COVID-19 related judicial emergencies.

7 Sep 2020

News: COVID-19 – Singapore crew change guidebook (new version 4.0)

The new version 4.0 of the guide now includes an annex with a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist the maritime community.

1 Sep 2020

News: ICS issues new protocols to mitigate COVID-19 onboard. Singapore MPA enhances crew change procedure.

Stemming from the recent concerns over COVID-19 infections on board ships, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), along with the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), have issued new protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 cases on board.

25 Aug 2020

News: Singapore MPA issues new advisory for Ships and service providers

Singapore continues to take a calibrated and risk-based approach in determining the precautions and measures for the COVID-19 pandemic.

20 Aug 2020

News: Increased risk of hull fouling due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the shipping industry. One consequence of this is that more ships than ever have been left floating at anchor, which means that they are more likely to suffer from hull fouling.

14 Aug 2020

News: Korea requires a document confirming negative COVID-19 PCR test result for crew coming from Russia, Philippines releases new procedures for crew change

Sailors aboard ships from Russia are required to submit certificates showing they have tested negative for the coronavirus upon entry into South Korea.

13 Aug 2020

News: South Korea - COVID-19 entry requirements for ships departing from Russia and COVID-19 high-risk countries

Following a number of positive COVID-19 tests which were conducted on board Russian ships in South Korea over the last two months, the Korean authorities have implemented a series of strict measures for ships arriving in the country from or via Russia and other countries which have been designated by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) as 'high risk countries'.

6 Aug 2020

Press Article: Practicing humanity is the only way our seafarers can survive COVID-19

In a call for compassion and understanding, Director of Loss Prevention at the club, Captain Yves Vandenborn highlights another tragic legacy of COVID-19, seafarers subjected to abuse, neglect and prejudice.

4 Aug 2020

News: Singapore Crew Change Guidebook (SCCG)

The Singapore Crew Change Working Group (SCCWG) has revised the Singapore Crew Change Guidebook (SCCG) to incorporate the updated requirements and measures on crew change for Cargo Ships in the Port of Singapore.

28 Jul 2020

News: COVID-19 – INTERCARGO supports safety guide for ship/shore interface; Hong Kong tightens crew change requirements

Online dry bulk training provider Vistrato have produced a comprehensive COVID-19 Guide for Ship/Shore Interactions’ for ships and terminals handling solid bulk cargoes during the current global pandemic. In a joint effort, INTERCARGO and DBTG (International Dry Bulk Terminals Group) have teamed up with Vistrato to support and distribute this guide.

27 Jul 2020

News: ILO issues a revised information note, Singapore MPA issues new requirements for crew change

ILO issues a revised information note, Singapore MPA issues new requirements for crew change.

24 Jul 2020

News: India announces repatriation of foreign seafarers from Indian ports

In the latest DGS Order No 21 of 2020, the Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India has released the Standard Operating Procedure/Protocol (SOP) for repatriating of foreign seafarers from Indian ports.

17 Jul 2020

News: Quarantine & Testing Requirements for seafarers, crew changes in Dubai

WHO and IMHA have provided information regarding the recommended quarantine and testing requirements for seafarers who are joining ship.

8 Jul 2020

News: IMO issues recommendations for port and coastal states

IMO in its latest circular has issued recommendations for port and coastal states to provide for prompt and efficient disembarkation of seafarers to receive medical care ashore.

8 Jul 2020

News: COVID-19 in a Maritime Setting - Chamber of Shipping

FAQs attached.

2 Jul 2020

Press Article: Many shipowners likely to miss EU recycling deadline

Standard Club suggests that in order to avoid any compliance-related issues all inventories of hazardous materials should be submitted two months before the EU’s December 31 deadline.

29 Jun 2020

News: BIMCO publishes COVID-19 Crew Change Clause for Time Charter Parties 2020

In response to the extraordinary difficulties that owners are facing with crew changes in the COVID-19 “lockdown”, BIMCO have published a clause for use in time charterparties that gives owners liberty to deviate with the option for sharing hire and bunker costs with charterers.

23 Jun 2020

News: IMO celebrates 10th anniversary of the annual Day of the Seafarer on 25 June

This year, the Day of the Seafarer campaign calls on Member States to recognize seafarers as key workers – and to provide them with the support, assistance and travel options open to all key workers during the pandemic.

23 Jun 2020

News: ISWAN - Seafarers' Health Information Programme (SHIP)

ISWAN’s ‘The Seafarers’ Health Information Programme (SHIP)’ is a long-running project which aims to offer both shipping companies and seafarers information on how to stay fit and well on board.

19 Jun 2020

News: Singapore pushes to accelerate Maritime digitalisation and updates crew change requirements

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have launched the Maritime Digitalisation Playbook (MDP), to support maritime companies in accelerating their digitalisation plans as the economy reboots and enters a new normal post-COVID-19.

12 Jun 2020

News: Industry bodies issue guidance ensuring safe continuation of maritime trade

IACS has issued a statement that provides guidance on how potential physical interaction between surveyors and ships’ staff is planned and managed in a manner that recognizes and addresses the personal COVID19 risk to all involved.

11 Jun 2020

News: Hong Kong Resumes Crew Changes

The Maritime Department of the Hong Kong administration (MARDEP) has authorised crew changes without compulsory quarantine for cargo ships without scheduled cargo operations in Hong Kong.

29 May 2020

News: ICS issues new Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued updated health guidance for the global shipping industry to ensure ship operators and crew can safely deal with seafarers struggling with medical conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.

28 May 2020

News: COVID-19 – IMO-ICAO-ILO issue joint statement

The IMO, ICAO and ILO have issued a joint statement.

28 May 2020

Press Article: COVID-19 and Seafarers

Rahul Sapra, Senior Surveyor and Maria Elena-Mourtzanou, Claims Assistant discuss the effect of COVID-19 on Seafarers with Japan Maritime Daily.

22 May 2020

Press Article: Club correspondents on the front line as P&I sector steers way through pandemic

Correspondent networks have been essential to the ability of P&I clubs to maintain service levels despite the restrictions imposed on the maritime industry as a result of the pandemic

22 May 2020

News: COVID-19 – Singapore MPA relaxes crew change procedures for cargo ships

Following the tightening of border control measures in Singapore, crew change was allowed only under one of a few special circumstances

18 May 2020

News: ICS Publishes COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Ship-Shore Interface

The International Chamber of Shipping has published Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Ensuring a Safe Shipboard Interface Between Ship and Shore-Based Personnel.

18 May 2020

News: ITF and Maritime Employers Welcome IMO Crew Changes Protocol

The Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) of maritime employers and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) issued a joint statement on 13 May 2020.

12 May 2020

News: COVID-19 – IMO steps up to the crew change challenges, comes out with a 12-step framework

IMO has issued a new circular setting out a 12-step recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic.

12 May 2020

News: COVID-19 – IMO issues guidelines for ensuring a safe shipboard interface between ship and shore-based personnel

IMO has released a new circular which is produced in collaboration with a number of industry bodies including the International Group of P&I clubs.

1 May 2020

News: USCG issues updated ballast water management extensions amid COVID-19 pandemic

In response to the disruptions caused by the spread of COVID-19, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has published the Marine Safety Information Bulletin 14-20 'COVID-19: Ballast Water Management (BWM) Extensions'.

1 May 2020

News: The Judicial System in Spain and COVID-19 - an update

Lawyers Aiyon Abogados have now published a very comprehensive circular where they cover several points related to the pandemic.

1 May 2020

News: The Judicial System in Turkey - COVID-19 outbreak

Since the end of March, the Turkish government has taken various measures in an attempt to protect public health arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

24 Apr 2020

News: CHIRP Maritime COVID-19 update – Seafarer Health and Wellbeing

CHIRP Maritime have recognised the impact COVID-19 has made to seafarers and have produced some informative articles.

24 Apr 2020

Press Article: Managing Maritime Risks

Lisa Jenkins, Claims Executive, recently discussed shipowner and operator coverage with InsuranceAsia News (IAN), they also spoke about the greatest risks faced by the market during COVID-19.

22 Apr 2020

News: COVID-19 – personal message from IMO Secretary-General

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has issued a personal message to all the seafarers applauding the work they are doing being on the frontline and stating that they are not forgotten and asking them to stay strong in these difficult times. We encourage members to share this letter with the seafarers.

15 Apr 2020

News: USCG grants BWTS extension due to COVID-19

In light of the current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has adjusted its extension policy for affected ships in regards to the US Ballast Water Management Regulations.

14 Apr 2020

News: COVID-19 – Maritime sector shows resilience

In these challenging times, the Maritime sector under the guidance of the IMO, ILO and other industry bodies have issued guidance to ensure that the world-trade continues while ensuring safety for the seafarer, ship and the environment.

14 Apr 2020

News: The Judicial System in Spain - COVID-19 outbreak

On 14 March 2020 the President of the Spanish Government declared a State of Alarm throughout Spain in an attempt to protect public health from the COVID-19 pandemic.

8 Apr 2020

News: Britain suspends IMO 2020 checks

In an effort to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains, Britain has temporarily suspended checks on ships for compliance with sulphur regulations.

8 Apr 2020

News: The Judicial System in Italy – Covid-19 Outbreak

Following the pandemic outbreak of Covid-19, the Italian government has passed Decree Law no. 18 which came into force on 17 March 2020, replacing Decree Law no.11 of 8 March 2020.

8 Apr 2020

News: The Judicial System in France – Covid-19 Outbreak

In view of the current Covid-19 outbreak all statutes of limitation in France are suspended.

7 Apr 2020

News: USCG issues reminder to ensure the availability of oil response services amid COVID-19

The US Coast Guard issued a reminder on 2 April 2020, about the continual obligation for Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSROs) and salvage and marine firefighting (SMFF) providers to provide the necessary resources to respond to an oil or hazerdous spill.

6 Apr 2020

News: Beaching operations in India following the general lockout due to Covid-19 outbreak

The general lockout in India has also affected ships’ beaching operations in various ports.

6 Apr 2020

Press Article: COVID-19 Impact on how P&I clubs do business

Nicholas Mavrias, Senior Claims Executive, discusses how COVID-19 is impacting the way that P&I clubs do business.

2 Apr 2020

Press Article: COVID-19: This is not a Drill!

Michael Hughes, Claims Executive and Rahul Sapra, Senior Surveyor of Standard Club share suggestions for members and owners to consider and adopt to further support seafarers during these unprecedented times.

2 Apr 2020

News: The quarantine defense under COGSA in the age of COVID-19

Ships trading to the US might be subject to quarantine in the fight against the spread of the virus. Would a carrier be liable for a loss or damage to the cargo resulting from a quarantine measure?

2 Apr 2020

News: Disinfection services available in US ports

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Standard Club has produced a summary of disinfection services available in US ports to assist members.

31 Mar 2020

News: Update - Indian Ports declare Force Majeure due to the COVID-19 outbreak

James Mackintosh & Co. Pvt. Ltd. informed us that additional ports have declared Force Majeure

31 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 - IMO issues preliminary list of recommendations

Following the G20 Leaders’ Summit on COVID-19, the IMO has issued a preliminary list of recommendations for Governments and relevant National Authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.

27 Mar 2020

News: Indian Ports declare Force Majeure due to the COVID-19 outbreak

As part of the attempt to minimise the spread the of the COVID-19, India has declared nationwide lockdown.

27 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 – Port states to show flexibility

the Paris, Indian and Tokyo MOU along with the USCG have issued guidance recognising that there is a need to apply flexibility under these special circumstances.

27 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 - Seafarer Wellbeing

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has launched a new video aimed at seafarers. It provides information and guidance from a counselling psychologist, Dr Kate Thompson, about managing mental health during this crisis.

26 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 Personal Injury Protocol

A new 'Coronavirus (COVID-19) Personal Injury Protocol' was launched in the UK on 24 March 2020 by Thompsons Solicitors and the Association of British Insurers (ABI), to ensure personal injury solicitors - both defendant and claimant - and insurers work together to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

25 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 - stricter restrictions

COVID-19 continues to spread at an alarming rate forcing governments across the globe to implement ever stricter measures in an attempt to contain the pandemic.

24 Mar 2020

News: UAE Ports Update

The United Arab Emirates government has undertaken steps restricting crewmember transfers and shore access in order to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and to safeguard the wellbeing of all the port users and workers.

24 Mar 2020

News: Updated COVID-19 related US port restrictions

We have updated the correspondent COVID-19 port survey information from the item published on 20 March 2020.

24 Mar 2020

News: US Jones Act and LHWCA claims in view of the COVID-19 pandemic

In the United States a shipowner may face claims from seaman under the Jones Act or harbor workers under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).

20 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 related US port restrictions

With COVID-19 continuing to affect shipping operations globally, Standard Club has produced a summary of its effects on shipping operations at US ports.

19 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 update – over 200,000 confirmed cases and 8650 deaths

Most countries have been implementing strict controls and travel restrictions to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

18 Mar 2020

News: Update on impact of COVID-19 outbreak in Panama

Our correspondent in Panama, P&I C Fernie & Co SA, have provided an update on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Panama.

17 Mar 2020

News: UK Government issues COVID-19 Shipping and Sea Ports Guidance

On 16 March 2020 the UK government issued guidance to assist ships (including cargo vessels, ferries and cruise ships) and sea ports in providing advice to staff on addressing COVID-19 on ships and in sea ports.

12 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 – WHO categorizes COVID-19 as a pandemic

In its media briefing on 11 March, the WHO has categorized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic.

6 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 - Spread to 87 countries

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued a new guidance for the global shipping industry to help combat the spread of the virus.

5 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 – Turkish ports quarantine ships from 'contaminated countries' for 14 days prior to berthing

Turkish authorities require ships that have called at 'contaminated countries' to be quarantined for 14 days prior to being allowed to berth at Turkish ports.

4 Mar 2020

News: Singapore MPA extends its precautionary measures

Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has extended its precautionary measures in the shipping sector as part of its efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore.

3 Mar 2020

News: WHO raises COVID-19 threat assessment to its highest level

The WHO raised its assessment of the risk of spread and impact of the coronavirus to ‘very high’.

2 Mar 2020

News: COVID-19 cases reported in five new member states

The latest Situation Report no.41 issued by the WHO on 1 March 2020 states that there are now reported cases of COVID-19 in five new member states in the last 24 hours: Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Ireland, Monaco and Qatar.

28 Feb 2020

News: Crew mental and physical wellbeing during extensive delays

Ships in ports all over the world are experiencing delays due to COVID-19 with additional HSE and customs checks being carried out in some ports.

27 Feb 2020

News: COVID-19 detection measures are expected to tighten in Greek ports

The latest WHO report notes that for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the number of reported new cases is higher in countries outside of China than in China.

26 Feb 2020

News: Coronavirus update - ports continue to impose additional requirements due to the Coronavirus

Numerous ports in and around South Asia and the Far East continue to impose additional requirements due to the Coronavirus.

26 Feb 2020

Press Article: Coronavirus driving uptake of BI cover by shipowners

Richard Stevens, Divisional Claims Director, discusses how Coronavirus is driving the uptake of BI cover by shipowners.

25 Feb 2020

News: Implementation and enforcement of relevant IMO instruments and Joint statement with WHO

Although we are seeing a fall in the new coronavirus cases in China, the WHO is concerned by global spread and the recent rise in cases reported especially from Korea and Japan.

24 Feb 2020

News: Coronavirus update - no new countries have reported cases of COVID-19 since 22 February 2020

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) last report dated 23 February 2020 advised that no new countries had reported cases of COVID-19.

21 Feb 2020

News: China Shipowners’ Association (CSOA) issue a draft proposal to Beijing requesting a temporary reprieve from IMO Rules

As a result of the ongoing financial and logistical difficulties arising from coronavirus, Chinese shipping entities have raised concerns of their ability to comply with the more stringent IMO Sulphur Rules introduced in January 2020.

21 Feb 2020

Press Article: Coronavirus: P&I will cover seafarer illness and death, Standard Club confirms

Richard Stevens, Divisional Claims Director, discusses how P&I will respond to Coronavirus complications.

21 Feb 2020

Article: practical and contractual considerations arising from the Novel Coronavirus outbreak

The club offers practical and contractual considerations arising from the Novel Coronavirus outbreak.

18 Feb 2020

News: Coronavirus Update

More than 300 Americans have been evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship moored off Yokohama, Japan to military bases in California and Texas, where they will begin a 14-day mandatory quarantine period.

17 Feb 2020

News: Coronavirus Update

“It is impossible to predict which direction this epidemic will take” said WHO Director-General about the Coronavirus disease.

17 Feb 2020

News: Novel Coronavirus - Strike and Delay class

Where ships are unavoidably delayed, members who purchase the club’s Strike and Delay insurance are protected against up to 29 different perils.

14 Feb 2020

News: Contingency planning onboard ships in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The club has prepared advice based on the guidelines issued by WHO and health ministries of various governments, advice can be used as a basic reference for ship owners in preparing and educating the crew about the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

13 Feb 2020

News: Novel Coronavirus update - state-owned shipyards resume work

As of 13 February 2020, the Club understands that state-owned shipyards have resumed work albeit at reduced capacity, although privately owned yards remain closed and it is not clear when they will re-open.

12 Feb 2020

News: Novel coronavirus update

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise according to the World Health Organisation.

11 Feb 2020

News: Novel Coronavirus update - number of confirmed cases passes 42,000

The latest situation dashboard on the WHO website confirms that the number of confirmed cases has crossed 42,900 with 1,018 deaths as of 11 February 0900 UTC. While no new countries have reported any cases, the number of cases is rising steadily in China.

7 Feb 2020

Novel coronavirus – number of confirmed cases continues to rise

The latest situation report no 17 issued by WHO on 6 February 2020 states over 28,200 confirmed cases globally with over 3,700 new cases and 73 deaths in the last 24 hours. The latest situation dashboard on the WHO website confirms that the virus has now spread to 24 other nations apart from China.

3 Feb 2020

News: Scrubber installation delays in China due to novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak

The club has received some queries from the members concerned to check whether such situation would fall within ‘force majeure’.

3 Feb 2020

News: Novel Coronavirus update – IMO and other member states release advisories

On 30 January 2020, WHO declared that the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The latest situation report no 13 issued by WHO on 2 February 2020 states over 14,500 confirmed cases globally. The latest situation dashboard on the WHO website confirms that the virus has now spread to 23 other nations apart from China.

31 Jan 2020

Article: Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China

Members will be aware of the recent novel coronavirus outbreak in China, which has now been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation. Although the following information is believed to be accurate at the time of writing, the situation is evolving rapidly and new measures are frequently being put into place.

28 Jan 2020

News: Novel Coronavirus update – advice for members

Further to the club’s previous update regarding the latest situation of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) we have received some useful advice from our correspondents in China, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd

24 Jan 2020

News: Novel Coronavirus update – situation worsens

Further to the club’s previous update on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the situation has further worsened. WHO has released a statement on the meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak.

23 Jan 2020

News: Novel Coronavirus - update

Further to the club’s previous news item on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported an increase in the number of patients infected with the mysterious virus and confirmed cases in Thailand, Japan and Korea.