ANVISA publishes guidelines for embarking and disembarking crews of ships and platforms

The National Health Surveillance Agency – ANVISA, just published a set of guidelines that gathers the necessary procedures for embarking and disembarking crewmembers of vessels and platforms in Brazil. The aim is to guide the stakeholders on the actions to be taken when transferring seafarers in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

One of the essential measures outlined in the guide is the screening of signing-on crews, before the commencement of work schedules, to identify cases of individuals with symptoms of COVID-19. The on-signers must undergo a 14-day quarantine at home or a hotel before embarking on the vessel or platform. During this period, they must have their health condition monitored by a doctor appointed by the shipping company, and, in case of respiratory problems or fever, they must be prevented from boarding.

ANVISA guide also covers procedures to be adopted after disembarking crewmembers from vessels and platforms, use of rapid tests for detection of COVID-19, instructions for voluntary or compulsory quarantine, as well as procedures for sanitation of conveyances used in the transfer of suspected or confirmed cases of infection by the virus.

Disembark of non-resident foreign crew members remains forbidden until May 24 2020, except for medical assistance or direct repatriation, at the discretion of ANVISA and the immigration authority.

Our free English translation of the guide is available here, and you will find more information on the effects of the COVID-19 in Brazilian ports and airports here.