The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) launched a new guide which includes health advice provided by United Nations agencies and others in response to COVID-19.
To remind, as of today September 30, 1.007.839 deaths have been reported. US is the country with the most deaths (205.998), followed by Brazil with 142,921 and India with 97,497.
Accordingly, the measures highlighted in the report include advice on managing port entry restrictions, shipboard measures to address risks associated with COVID-19, managing cases of COVID-19 on board ship when at sea, assistance for all seafarers to access medical care when in ports, and dealing with other medical issues during COVID-19.
Now, the newly launched publication includes updated practical advice on the use of masks, renewing prescriptions, support and logistics supply, decision making for on board suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and measures to enhance mental health and wellbeing.
It contains sample crew/passenger locator cards and health self-declaration forms, and a number of posters that can be printed out and displayed.
ICS notes that this guidance is for use on all types of ship and aims to recognise the needs of both cargo and passenger ships.
Yet, it is recognised that cargo ships are unlikely to have a fully trained doctor or nurse on board and that medical treatment on cargo ships will be provided by a crew member with training to STCW medical requirements.
Referring to the guide, Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping commented that
Our seafarers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the global supply of goods and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential that governments and shipping companies do all they can to support this updated Guidance, and seafarers use its recommendations to ensure we all play our part to keep everyone safe.
See herebelow previous guides issued by ICS:
- ICS issues new guidance about seafarers’ protection amid coronavirus
- ICS: Updated guidance for seafarers’ protection amid COVID-19
For the new guide issued by ICS click here
