Coronavirus new circulars: Cyprus, Bahamas, Hong Kong, Liberia and Singapore

It is already known that majority of key shipping players have issued circulars with recommendations and advice on how the industry, the seafarers and vessels calling ports should act when entering or departing a port.

Now, Cyprus, Bahamas, Hong Kong, Liberia and Singapore launched updated circulars.

#1 The Liberia Maritime Authority issued the MARINE ADVISORY: 03/2020 which informs interested parties on how to deal with the outbreak.

Also, the circular notes that:

1. Only those cleared by the port authorities should be allowed on board.
2. Limit visitor access to the vessel and to the crew as much as possible.
3. Avoid shaking hands.
4. Wipe down areas and items visitors have touched or may have touched with disinfectant wipes and/or sprays.
5. Hand-washing is the best way to reduce the risk of infection being transmitted from one person to
   another:
   a. hands should be washed before and after every contact with a patient, using alcohol-based gels or liquids rather than soap to disinfect the hands;
   b. the use of gloves does not replace the need for hand-washing

#2 Hong Kong Marine Department published the Merchant marine shipping information note, reporting that:

Shipowners, ship managers, ship operators and masters are urged to promulgate information to ensure that seafarers, passengers and others on board ships are provided with accurate and relevant information on the coronavirus outbreak and on the measures to reduce the risk of exposure if they are likely to be engaged on ships trading to and from ports in coronavirus-affected States.

#3 The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry also issued Circular No. 03/2020 which highlights that all owners and managers of ships flying the Cyprus Flag are strongly urged to promulgate information on the basis of IMO Circular Letter No. 4204 to ensure that seafarers, passengers and others on board ships are provided with accurate and relevant information on the coronavirus outbreak and on the measures to reduce the risk of exposure if they are likely to be engaged on ships trading to and from ports in coronavirus-affected States.

#4 The Bahamas Maritime Authority’s Technical alert Version No. 1.2 provides information on the widely reported outbreak of novel coronavirus.

#5 MPA Singapore issued the PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO. 03 OF 2020 according to which:

• All arriving vessels that have called at ports in China in the past 14 days;
• All arriving vessels with crew/passengers who have travelled
  to mainland China in the past 14 days

should submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office. 

For more information on the coronavirus outbreak, see also:

1. Coronavirus impacts shipping market, freight rates, BIMCO says
2. Coronavirus latest shipping circulars
3. Coronavirus: 6 tips to stay protected and not infected