Article

New protocols to mitigate COVID-19 cases onboard


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 8 September 2020 130 -

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) issued new protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 cases on board.

These protocols aim to safeguard the health of seafarers and guarantee the safe operations of maritime trade – offering governments and the general public reassurance that seafarers can embark and disembark ships safely.

Recently, there have been concerns over COVID-19 infections on board ships, due to a small minority failing to adhere to industry guidance.

While the number of cases has been limited, newly issued protocols will provide shipowners and operators with the tools to safely manage cases on vessels. Building on previous health guidance released by ICS in May, the new protocols equip ships operators with two useful instruments:

1) A flowchart to help identify the process to follow when managing a larger number of suspected cases on vessels; and
2) A PCR testing procedures matrix to help identify what to do and when prior to boarding and if a suspect case is identified on ships.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 related travel restrictions have limited the global shipping industry's ability to rotate ships' crew. There are now over a quarter of a million seafarers stranded at sea, waiting to be repatriated.

In light of this humanitarian crisis and its far-reaching impact on the industry, ICS put forward COVID-19 health guidance in March, updated in May, to protect the health of seafarers and passengers, as well as the general public.

These comprehensive documents ensure the safe operations of maritime trade and serve as a reassurance to governments that crew change and seaborne trade pose limited health risks.

Natalie Shaw, Director of Employment Affairs for the International Chamber of Shipping commented:
‘The new protocols build on our previous guidance and should give confidence to the industry and governments that maritime trade can operate safely. Especially when there are suspected COVID-19 cases on board.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for shipping industry by ICS

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 9 March 2020

Thursday 5th March – The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued brand new guidance for the global shipping industry to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The comprehensive 22-page document has been produced in collaboration with prominent international bodies.

0

Article Interview with Captain Mohamed Rafouk (Morocco), AMPA-President

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 9 June 2020

"We want Ports Authorities to Prioritise the Safety of Maritime Pilots"

In this interview, the President of the African Maritime Pilots Association (AMPA), Captain Mohamed Rafouk who is based in Morocco speaks on how maritime pilots in Africa have coped since the outbreak. He also talks of their interactions with Port Authorities and what their expectations are.

0

Article Belgium marine pilot infected with corona after piloted corona ship

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 26 June 2020

ANTWERP - A pilot who visited the ship Minerva Oceania to lead it to the port of Antwerp appears to have become infected with the coronavirus.

0

Article Technical Circular on pilot boarding arrangements by Indian Register of Shipping

by Indian Register of Shipping - published on 25 February 2021

The Indian Register of Shipping has published a Technical Circular on pilot boarding arrangements this week. Here you can download and read the document.

1

Article IMPA is hosting examples of best practice and protocols during Covid-19 times

by IMPA - International Maritime Pilots’ Association - published on 26 March 2020

IMPA has published examples of best practice together with a letter from Capt. Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA.

0

Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements and new Regulations

by Captain Jesus Señeriz Lopez - published on 4 February 2020

As we all know there is a new regulation established since July 2012, this new regulation refers to pilot transfer arrangements. There are other yearly safety campaigns such as IMPA that include SOLAS V.23 and IMO Resolution A 1045 and Resolution A.1108(29). Unfortunately, in this annual overview there were some accidents reported that could have been avoided.

0

Video "Out of control"container ship prompts temporary closure of Ravenel Bridge; remains anchored outside

published on 10 June 2024

"Out of control" container ship prompts temporary closure of Ravenel Bridge; remains anchored outside Charleston Harbor

0

Article The International Pilot - Issue Number 48 / July 2020

by IMPA - International Maritime Pilots’ Association - published on 22 December 2021

The Journal of the international Maritime Pilots´ Association

0

Video Port of Hay Point - Marine Pilotage

published on 26 September 2020

NQBP is proudly committed to safe shipping - watch as our Marine Pilot, Captain Luke Sorensen explains how he safely manoeuvres a vessel from the PortofHayPoint.
Fact: In 2015-16, 1133 vessels were handled at this NQBP port.

0

Video IMPA Seminar on Maritime Pilots and Pilotage

published on 10 November 2022

The Seminar aims to inform Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO about the societal value of maritime pilots and pilotage as a public service. The IMO Secretary-General has recognised maritime pilots as having always been vital to ensuring the safety of navigation in key ports and shipping lanes globally and playing a crucial role in sustaining the global supply chain using specialized knowledge and expertise....

1