COVID-19 related guidelines for ensuring a safe shipboard interface between ship and shore-based personnel

19 May 2020 |  C20025

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued a guidance to ensure a safe shipboard interface between ship and shore-based personnel.

NOTICE TO
Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators | Surveyors / Auditors

Shipping is vital to the maintenance of global supply chains and it is vital that all parties in the ship/shore interface should keep everyone as safe as possible at all times and not place anyone, regardless of whether they are ship personnel or shore-based workers temporarily coming onboard, at undue risk.

As a result of COVID-19 pandemic raised issues related to the shipboard interface between ship and shore-based personnel during port calls, IMO has released a Guidance which aims to address major concerns and expectations of shipsʹ crews and shore-based personnel through the implementation of practical, risk-based measures to address COVID-19 risks for all personnel involved in the ship/shore interface.

Realizing the issues arising for ships to protect their crews when in ports, it is hoped that these guidelines will be implemented in good faith by Governments and all authorities that interact/need to board the ship, by showing due consideration and respect to the ship’s COVID-19 protocols.

In order to safely manage a port call with respect to the ship/shore interface, it is incumbent on all parties to communicate in advance of the port call, to be open regarding each parties requirements to managing risk with respect to the COVID-19 virus and to be flexible and pragmatic in resolving any differences in requirements and expectations.

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators are invited to take into consideration these IMO Guidelines.