DNV GL launched a new certification in infection prevention for the maritime industry. This custom certification aims to help the maritime industry continue operations better prepared for COVID-19 or other emerging pathogens.
With COVID-19 begininng to recede, the maritime industry is looking to return to business. To help the industry resume safer operations, DNV GL has developed the CIP-M certification. This enables operators to demonstrate they have procedures and systems in place for the proper prevention, control, and mitigation of infection, to protect their customers and crews.
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime, stated:
But I hope that with innovative ideas like CIP-M we can help the industry get moving again in a way that gives passengers and crew confidence that exacting measures are in place to enhance the cruise industry’s already rigorous health and safety standards
CIP-M builds on DNV GL Healthcare’s work in infection risk management, which helps organizations improve their management of infection risk. The CIP-M also includes maritime specific standards, such as the US CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, along with national and industry guidelines. The certification surveys and audits are performed by DNV GL surveyor teams comprised of DNV GL – Healthcare infection prevention and control experts together with maritime auditors.
Under CIP-M, DNV GL will assessvessel operations such as:
- Sanitation procedures;
- Food preparation and handling;
- Physical distancing requirements;
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by crew members;
- Maintenance of public health essential systems;
- Emergency response plans;
- Pre-boarding screening;
- Embarkation and debarkation processes;
- Itinerary or port planning protocols.
Annual surveys onboard and company audits ashore are conducted to verify continued compliance and improvement.
Genting Cruise Lines is the first to use the certification. The process has already started with a pre-assessment of the company’s management system, to be followed by a certification survey of the “Explorer Dream”. The company is targeting successful completion of the certification programme by the end of June.
The ability to demonstrate trusted infection risk prevention and mitigation is a must to win back trust from consumers. Building organizational vigilance against infection risk today requires a level previously common to hospitals only. CIP-M is unique in that it builds on proven hospital standards but is specifically tailored to the context of passenger vessels, while incorporating national requirements to enable a robust immediate and long-term response
said Luca Crisciotti, CEO of DNV GL – Business Assurance.
