The UK Chamber of Shipping, the trade association for the UK shipping industry, closely collaborated with the cruise industry for more than six months to develop new Framework documents for cruise ship operators to issue new measures with improved public health protection.
The collaborators issued three different guides:
- Framework for UK Cruise Operations during COVID-19 for operators
- Framework for UK Cruise perations during COVID-19 for passengers
- Framework for UK Cruise Operations for the Management of Seafarers during COVID-19
The Frameworks aims to assist the restart of the cruise industry when the time is right and public health conditions allow. For the time being, there is no restart date for the industry but the UK Chamber of Shipping, CLIA and operators will continue to work with the government on future plans.
The documents focus on the COVID-19 management plans operators must have in place to ensure that upon their restart, they can actively reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission onboard their vessels.
Concerning the three different Framework documents:
Framework for UK Cruise Operations during COVID-19 for operators
The framework clearly set outs the requirements which must be in place in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19, and if one individual shows symptoms of COVID-19, the contingency plan will come into action. This plan includes retroactive contact tracing to identify any close contacts.
Measures for response and management of a possible COVID-19 case(s):
#1 Pre-identified dedicated isolation and quarantine wards on ship
- Quarantine plan for a suspected or confirmed case
- Enhanced ventilation systems
#2 Collaboration with the national authorities
- Contact tracing
- Quarantine of contacts
- Isolation of cases
- Potential disembarkation of confirmed COVID-19 case
#3 Healthcare staff should keep a line list with details for cases.
#4 Discuss with medical staff on board and relevant health authorities on land.
#5 Cleaning and disinfection procedures of contaminated spaces.
#6 Graduated approach to implementing further control measures where required. This may include placing restrictions on services and events, and closing of targeted facilities.
#7 Communication strategy with passengers and seafarers.
#8 Immediately inform the MCA and the FCO Global Response Centre of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case.
See more herebelow
Framework for UK Cruise Operations for the Management of Seafarers during COVID-19
The framework clearly explains that the selection of crew should not be restricted based on nationality or the place of ordinary residence. Instead it focuses on risk mitigations needed to ensure COVID-19 stays off the ship.
The framework clearly set outs the requirements which must be in place in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19. Operators have collectively agreed that if one seafarer shows symptoms of COVID-19, the contingency plan will come into action. This plan includes retroactive contact tracing to identify any close contacts.
Learn more herebelow
Framework for UK Cruise Operations during COVID-19 for passengers
This framework document is directed towards passengers. It lays out the changes made to cruising to ensure it is both safe for the passenger as well as the seafarers working onboard the ship.
The document clearly lays out current UK Government advice which all passengers should consider prior to booking a cruise, with an emphasis on following both onshore UK Government guidance as well as foreign travel guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
See more below
