The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency has issued letter including formal advice for ships arriving from Ebola confirmed ports.
UK MCA is monitoring vessels that have visited ports in countries where the Ebola virus is present and where their subsequent voyage plans indicate they intend to transit through UK waters or stop at UK ports.
Every such Vessel of Interest (VoI) will also be contacted by the Coastguard, as it enters UK AIS coverage, to determine the vessel’s health status.
If a VoL seeks Radio Medical Advice (RMA) through the Coastguard, or requires a Search & Rescue (SAR) response, or a medical evacuation, HM Coastguard will notify SAR units before a response can be undertaken so that they can prepare for and manage the situation more cautiously if required.
Where notified by the vessel, or a SAR resource, or where a RMA Doctor suspects the symptoms may be of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever, the vessel will be asked to divert to the nearest suitable port where the casualty can be taken off the ship by land based medical services in a controlled manner.
The relevant Ambulence Service (and public health agencies) will be informed of the situation by the Coastguard. The Coastguard will work with the land emergency services and port authority to ensure that the patient is landed in a measured way. Additional liaison with all other relevant Category 1/2 Responders will be agreed between HM Coastguard and the Ambulance Service.
The MCA is working closely with DfT, PHE, MoD, UK SAR Helicopter services and Royal National Lifeboat Insitution (RNLI) to monitor and manage this situation in support of wider UK activity.
Source: UKMPA
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Also read relevant SAFETY4SEA articles on Ebola virus below |
