The Republic of Liberia issued a new, updated circular concerning the COVID-19 crisis, for the rapid recognition of the potential threat to seafarers and vessels calling at ports in countries directly or indirectly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Liberia highlights that “with the COVID-19 outbreak now widely spread and impacting ships trading globally, the preventive measures outlined and repeated below are to be applied globally with due consideration to advice and instructions from relevant Port Agents and Authorities”:
#1 Companies, managers, crewing agents, etc. are encouraged to promulgate information to ensure that seafarers, passengers and others onboard ships are provided with accurate and relevant information on the COVID-19 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 COVID-19 affected areas.
#2 Vessel Owners, Company Security Officers, Designated Persons Ashore, Masters and SSOs of Liberian Ships trading in areas which are experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 are encouraged to implement measures to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
#3 Recommended preventive measures:
- Only persons cleared by local port officials, authorities and the Master should be allowed on board, including marine/harbor pilots, technicians, ship agents, etc.
- Limit visitor access to the vessel as much as possible.
- Minimize interpersonal exchanges with persons from ashore, avoiding contact with people who show symptoms of flu or high temperature and taking care of personal hygiene including more frequent handwashing, etc.
- Limit, as much as possible, shore side persons direct access to internal spaces of the vessel.
- If possible, designate a central location/room with direct access from the outside and enclosed toilet to receive authorized persons from shore in order to avoid unnecessary physical contact and possible contamination inside the vessel.
- Hand-washing.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Wipe down areas and items visitors have touched or may have touched with disinfectant wipes and/or sprays.
- If authorized persons need to enter the vessel, ensure they are wearing or, if possible, provide them with applicable mask and gloves.
In addition, Liberia provides guidance on how to deal with a suspected infection onboard the vessel, following measures already published by IMHA and WHO, on dealing with a possible COVID-19 case onboard.
To learn more on the circular, click herebelow