Tag: Ebola

MPA Singapore issues protection measure against Ebola

Panama becomes first port state to use Pole Stars PurpleTRAC service for sanctions compliance and risk management

INTERTANKO issues Ebola clauses

Ebola virus monitoring continues

The fourth arm of defense is once again extended in an offer of assistance, this time to help medical personnel fight the spread of Ebola in West Africa as part of Operation United Assistance. Both the Cape Rise and Cape Wrath, SIU-contracted Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships, are deploying to U.S. installations in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, which are the areas most affected by the virus

Held in IMO Headquarters, 17-21 November 2014 IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu opened the 94th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) chaired by Mr Christian Breinholt (Denmark) / Image Credit: IMO FlickrThe IMO's Committee on Maritime Safety (MSC) held its 94th Session (MSC 94) from Monday 17 through Friday 21 November 2014. The meeting was conducted by Chairman, Mr Christian Breinholt (DENMARK) and his Vice-Chair, Captain M Segar (SINGAPORE); both were re-elected for 2015 during the course of the meeting. Three working groups (WG) and one drafting group (DG) were formed and chaired as follows:WG1Polar and IGF Codes, Mrs J Stemre (NORWAY)WG2Goal Based Standards and Formal Safety Assessment, Mr J Sirkar (USA)WG3Amendments to SOLAS and Related Mandatory Instruments, Mr M Tsuchiya (UK)DG1Amendments to Mandatory Instruments, Mr H Tunfors (SWEDEN)The Polar CodeThe committee approved WG1's report in general and, in particular:approved changes to the definitions of the Polar Code and Arctic waters;instructed the Secretariat to inform MEPC 68 of such changes for harmonisation purposes;adopted a new SOLAR chapter XIV and associated MSC resolution;instructed the III Sub-Committee to consider survey and certification matters under the provisions of the Polar Code in its next review of the HSSC Guidelines;adopted the Polar Code and its ...

The WHO has posted information regarding safety measures in the event of a seafarer presenting symptoms compatible with Ebola

The port authority of Paranaguá, Brazil has changed its rules for vessels arriving from Ebola Virus Disease afflicted West African nations

Steps to put on and remove PPE Image Credit: WHOThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has produced guides including steps to put on and remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for vessels calling in West Africa's Ebola affected countries.Ship managers of vessels calling at ports in the high risk counties are advised to ensure that extrashipboard measures are implemented as follows:All non-essential crew shore leave should be avoided.Crew changes through any of the affected countries should be avoided.Number of visitors at these ports must be limited to the minimum possible. If a crew member requires medical attention, other than for Ebola, it should be considered whetherit is safe for them to remain on the ship until the next port of call and to seek medical attentionthere.Seafarers should refrain from eating or drinking any local produce, especially bush meatExtra precautions regarding good personal hygiene should be exercised on boardTraining should be provided to crew regarding EVD, symptoms and transition, preventive measuresand handling of PPE equipment.Extra security precautions should be implemented during period in port. MARSEC LEVEL 2 or moreto be implemented in Ports in Countries where EVD incidents have occurredAn Ebola Contingency Plan should be developed in order to set up procedures on ...

Investing in crew educationto reduce the risk of exposure to Ebola GAC Group is calling for shipping and logistics companies to invest in staff and crew education how to reduce the risk of exposure to Ebola, and to keep up-to-date with precautionary measures being put in place around the world to contain the spread of the virus and minimise its impact on global transport.The Ebola epidemic has affected multiple countries in West Africa, with most cases being reported in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. While some isolated cases had been reported in Nigeria, the country has now been officially declared Ebola-free, and has been praised for its handling of the potential outbreak.VigilanceHowever, GAC management and staff in the region are constantly vigilant to the dangers of possible contagion through transportation and trade links with countries still affected.Michael Sturesson, General Manager of GAC Angola, says the best way for the shipping and logistics sector to reduce exposure is through internal communications and educating employees: "Angola is Ebola-free, but we recognised that cases elsewhere in West Africa meant our staff needed to be made aware as early as possible of how best to protect themselves. That way, even if the virus did ...