Alerts

South Africa: Ports remain open despite lockdown

Following official consultations, South Africa’s Department of Transport has announced relaxation of some of the strict restrictions on maritime sector activities brought in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly around the country’s ports.

In a new Marine Notice issued in Ptetoria on Tuesday, SAMSA announced the revised measures, which aim at alleviating pressure on particularly trade goods movement and handling, as well as personnel such as ships crews.

In particular, the Marine Notice...

https://safety4sea.com/south-africa-ports-remain-open-despite-lockdown/

USCG Guidance for compliance with drug testing requirements amid COVID-19

USCG has issued new guidance to address all challenges facing employers to conduct mandatory drug testing during the COVID-19 pandemic response. In this context, USCG has published Marine Safety Information Bulletin 10-20 to reiterate the importance of drug and alcohol testing and provide suggestions to overcome the challenges of compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This guidance seeks to communicate three important messages. First, it reaffirms the importance of drug and alcohol testing as...

https://safety4sea.com/uscg-guidance-for-compliance-with-drug-testing-requirements-amid-covid-19/

Surveyors prevented from attending vessels about to load finished steel products

American Club informs that in some ports, regulations designed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus have prevented, and continue to prevent, third-party surveyors from attending vessels about to load finished steel products.

Vessel preparation

All systems and equipment should be checked to make sure they are operational. During the voyage to the load port, ballast tanks adjacent to cargo holds should be pressured tested prior to loading, if holds are free of cargo and safety permitting in...

https://safety4sea.com/surveyors-prevented-from-attending-vessels-about-to-load-finished-steel-products/

Inspections during COVID-19 pandemic for RMI-flagged vessels

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) provides information regarding the inspection protocols effective during the COVID-19 pandemic for RMI-flagged vessels, announcing that a Temporary Alternative Inspection Protocol (TAIP) will now meet the Administrator’s inspection requirements.

If an in-person inspection by a Nautical Inspector is not feasible due to COVID-19 safety concerns, the regional Fleet Operations Manager may employ the TAIP after reviewing the performance history of the vessel...

https://safety4sea.com/inspection-during-covid-19-pandemic-for-rmi-flagged-vessels/

26 people test positive for COVID-19 on Ruby Princess

A total of 26 people onboard the cruise ship Ruby Princess have tested positive for COVID-19, a Sunday update by NSW Health reads. In this regard, NSW Health authorities introduced an increased testing regime for cruise ships at the ports.

The update informs of 17 passengers and one crew member diagnosed in NSW, and 8 passengers diagnosed interstate (as of 8 pm Saturday).

This follows an official announcement by Princess Cruises Friday, informing of three passengers and one crew.

The Ruby Princess...

https://safety4sea.com/26-people-test-positive-for-covid-19-on-ruby-princess/

Australia’s Barossa LNG project on hold due to COVID-19

Oil and gas producer Santos Ltd announced it will cut its full-year spending and defer an investment decision on Barossa as oil prices plunge and the coronavirus outbreak dents business sentiment.

Specifically, the company stated that it would cut its full-year capital spending by 38%, or $550 million and aim for free cash flow to breakeven at an oil price of $25 per barrel as it navigates to remain low-cost in the current environment.

CEO and Managing Director Kevin Gallagher commented that

Given...

https://safety4sea.com/australias-barossa-lng-project-on-hold-due-to-covid-19/

Panama Canal further reduces Maximum Authorized Draft for Neopanamax locks

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) issued a second update within this month, reducing the Maximum Authorized Draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks to 13.56 m (44.5 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW), starting from 17 April 2020.

The update comes based on present and projected levels of Gatun Lake for the upcoming weeks, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said.

Vessels arriving after April 17, 2020, with drafts over 13.56 m (44.5 feet) TFW may be allowed to transit, depending on the actual...

https://safety4sea.com/panama-canal-further-reduces-maximum-authorized-draft-for-neopanamax-locks/

MPA Singapore expands precautionary measures to mitigate COVID-19 spread

The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore issued an additional update concerning the mitigation of the COVID-19 spread, expanding its border restrictions.

The Port Authority reminds of the temperature screening measures that have been implemented at all sea checkpoints, including ferry and cruise terminals, PSA terminals and Jurong Port, for inbound travellers.

In addition, they have put up health advisories at the sea checkpoints to inform travellers and ship crew on the precautionary measures to...

https://safety4sea.com/mpa-singapore-expands-precautionary-measures-to-mitigate-covid-19-spread/

California requests USNS Mercy Hospital Ship against COVID-19 outbreak

Following the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the government of California wrote a letter to the Trump Administration requesting immediate deployment of the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to the Port of Los Angeles until September 2020, so as to be prepared in response to the disease.

In fact, Governor Gavin Newsom’s letter said:

“I respectfully request you immediately deploy the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship to be stationed at the port of Los Angeles through September 1, 2020, to help decompress our current...

https://safety4sea.com/california-requests-usns-mercy-hospital-ship-against-covid-19-outbreak/

Egypt issues guidelines amid COVID-19 crisis

The North P&I Club informed that Egypt issued guidelines concerning the coronavirus pandemic, providing information and news on the port developments and guidelines that have been implemented.

March 17:

Specifically, it is reported that disinfection is carried out by the state Quarantine Department at the ports, while the authorities advise that all have to keep minimum contact and use PPE, according to the advice issued by the World Health Organization.

Under the possibility that a...

https://safety4sea.com/egypt-issues-guidelines-amid-covid-19-crisis/

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