Tag: maritime health

Social distancing and restricted measures have been implemented to the whole shipping industry, aiming to minimize the virus' spread and to fully protect the seafarers and those employed. Thus, North P&I Club launched an information sheet on how to deal with ship visitors and keep the social distances.

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore joined forces with PSA Singapore, Keppel Offshore & Marine, Bibby Maritime Limited and The Ascott Limited, to launch two floating accommodations to host foreign workers.

The French Navy informed that 50 sailors aboard the French Navy carrier Charles de Gaulle have tested positive for COVID-19, after 66 individuals were tested. The aircraft carrier, which is equipped with its own intensive care facilities, has 1,760 personnel on board. 

By April 11, 550 more crewmembers onboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt have been positively tested for COVID-19, representing the 92% of positive cases, on the contrary to 3,673 negative results, while 3,696 Sailors have moved ashore.

The European Commission launched recommendations for all vessels concerning transit and disembarking passengers and crew, proposing that Member States should, in coordination among themselves, designate several ports in the Union for fast-track crew changes. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Transport Canada issued a bulletin concerning the mobility of asymptomatic workers in the shipping sector. Specifically, according to the bulletin, exemption is provided allowing Marine Sector Workers who have to travel to Canada to perform their duties, to board an international flight destined to Canada.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Rotterdam restricts its port regulations for ships calling the port area, concerning vessels both incoming and outgoing.

Safebridge releases free COVID-19 online training for seafarers as part of the #BeSafe Campaign launched to alleviate the adverse impact of the pandemic on the maritime industry and to ensure the welfare of seafarers. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is already challenging the seafarers and passengers who are left onboard cruise ships in Australian waters, after the country decided to ban all foreign cruise vessels as soon as possible. In mid-march, Australia along with New Zealand announced the ban of cruise ships arrivals at their foreign ports to avoid the spread of the disease, beginning for 30 days.

The U.S. Department of Defense has opened the hospital ship USNS Comfort to patients with COVID-19 in order to relieve pressure on New York area hospitals, the Northern Command announced.