The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) issued new protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 cases on board.
The COVID-19 related travel restrictions have limited the global shipping industry’s ability to rotate ships’ crew. There are now over a quarter of a million seafarers stranded at sea, waiting to be repatriated.
The paper notes that testing before deployment to travel to a ship:
- Can reduce risks associated with COVID-19;
- May be a pre-requisite for travel by relevant authorities; and
- Avoids seafarers travelling to the ship who might not be allowed to board due to a positive test or screening upon embarkation and transmission to others during travel.
Early testing of seafarers suspected of having COVID-19 can help to mitigate spread to others on board ship and identify who else needs to be tested
… the paper highlights.
Natalie Shaw, Director of Employment Affairs for the International Chamber of Shipping added that the new protocols build on the previous guidance and should give confidence to the industry and governments that maritime trade can operate safely.
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