maritime health

Admission guidelines for vessels entering, departing Rotterdam

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Rotterdam restricts its port regulations for ships calling the port area, concerning vessels both incoming and outgoing.

According to the new regulations, before entering the port, the ships will have to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDOH) to the Harbour Coordination Center (HCC). Ships in non-essential categories – cruise liners and working vessels, for example – are subject to a stricter admission policy.

In addition, if a crew member...

https://safety4sea.com/admission-guidelines-for-vessels-entering-departing-rotterdam/

#BeSafe – Safebridge releases free COVID-19 online training for seafarers.

Safebridge releases free COVID-19 online training for seafarers as part of the #BeSafe Campaign launched to alleviate the adverse impact of the pandemic on the maritime industry and to ensure the welfare of seafarers.

As a second initiative of the #BeSafe Campaign, Safebridge combined its educational expertise with the official recommendations issued by the World Health Organisation to produce a series of free online training videos aimed at educating seafarers on the means of preventing the...

https://safety4sea.com/besafe-safebridge-releases-free-covid-19-online-training-for-seafarers/

Safe bunkering operations during COVID-19

Following the measures implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is amongst the most important ones; Thus, aiming to continue efficient bunkering operations, the American Club published the following elements of best practice, taking account of Chapter 1 of the Club’s Bunkering—A Compendium.

Specifically, the American Club focuses on the tips below:

1. “social distancing” measures already recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and...

https://safety4sea.com/safe-bunkering-operations-during-covid-19/

Hospital Ship USNS Comfort to accept COVID-19 patients

The U.S. Department of Defense has opened the hospital ship USNS Comfort to patients with COVID-19 in order to relieve pressure on New York area hospitals, the Northern Command announced.

In addition, the Department of Defense is adjusting its medical support efforts to better assist the people of New York by immediately directing the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) to admit patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The USNS Comfort will be able to handle trauma, emergency and urgent care patients...

https://safety4sea.com/hospital-ship-usns-comfort-to-accept-covid-19-patients/

Unions condemn Australia’s ban of foreign cruise ships

The COVID-19 pandemic is already challenging the seafarers and passengers who are left onboard cruise ships in Australian waters, after the country decided to ban all foreign cruise vessels as soon as possible.

In mid-march, Australia along with New Zealand announced the ban of cruise ships arrivals at their foreign ports to avoid the spread of the disease, beginning for 30 days.

Despite the country’s decision, the Maritime Union of Australia and the International Transport Workers’ Federation...

https://safety4sea.com/unions-condemn-australias-ban-of-foreign-cruise-ships/

Seafarers stuck onboard due to COVID-19 lockdown

Following the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the travel bans that has brought, crewmembers’ transfers in Singapore and Shanghai have been ceased, as Bloomberg reported. Specifically, the port restrictions and the canceled flights that the outbreak has resulted, reduce the ability to replace seafarers onboard ships.

According to a letter by International Chamber of Shipping, around 100.000 seafarers need to be changed over from vessels in order to be in line with the maritime rules concerning...

https://safety4sea.com/seafarers-stuck-onboard-due-to-covid-19-lockdown/

Another cruise about to dock in Florida

Another cruise ship with COVID-19, including two fatalities, is docking in Florida. Namely, the Coral Princess cruise carries 1,020 passengers and 878 crew members.

As of last week, seven passengers and five crew members had tested positive for COVID-19.

Anyone in need of hospitalization will disembark first, but it is not sure when this will happen. In addition, people fit to fly will begin leaving on April 12, while others with symptoms will remain on board until cleared by ship doctors.

Before...

https://safety4sea.com/another-cruise-about-to-dock-in-florida/

USGC oversees medevacs from cruise ships along Florida

The US Coast Guard coordinated three at-sea cruise ship medevacs within the Miami and St. Petersburg areas of responsibility on April 4-5.

US Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders oversaw the medevac of one Celebrity Infinity crew member with COVID-19 like symptoms. The cruise ship’s small boat tender transported the ill member ashore to awaiting emergency medical services for further transport to local area hospitals.

US Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders oversaw the medevac of two...

https://safety4sea.com/usgc-oversees-medevacs-from-cruise-ships-along-florida/

Steps to protect mariner wellbeing aboard ships during COVID-19

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the maritime industry once again faces a great challenge to overcome this unprecedented situation for stranded seafarers.Our seafarers are ON BOARD BUT they must NOT feel ALONE, highlights Mrs Maria Christopoulou, Associate of ASCOT Consulting.

As a high priority, shipping companies, trade organizations and governments need to collaborate to protect the hundreds of thousands of seafarers confined on board vessels scattered all over the world, with no, or...

https://safety4sea.com/steps-to-protect-mariner-wellbeing-aboard-ships-during-covid-19/

INTERTANKO Outbreak Management Plan for COVID-19

INTERTANKO issued an Outbreak Management Plan, outlining plans and procedures to be put in place to prepare a ship for shore personnel to come onboard and to protect seafarers from the dangers of COVID-19. This includes potential exposure from shore personnel and the actions to take in the event of a suspected case onboard.

Basic protective measures against COVID-19

The following advice is in line with WHO general advice and based upon the ICS guidance:

  • Frequent hand washing by crew using soap...

https://safety4sea.com/intertanko-outbreak-management-plan-for-covid-19/

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