Proinde

In the wake of the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit on the COVID-19 outbreak, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a preliminary list of recommendations for governments and national authorities to help maritime traffic and trade, by lifting travel restrictions on crewmembers and professionals in the maritime industry, facilitating port operations and port-related services and ensuring health protection in the ports.

Based on feedback from the industry and international shipping associations with advisory status, including the International Group of P&I Clubs, IMO calls Member States’ authorities to regard seafarers and marine professionals on the front lines of the pandemic as ‘key workers’ providing essential services for the world economy, irrespective of their nationality or whether they belong to the public or private sectors. As key workers, these professionals should be allowed to join or leave vessels, and transit the country for crew change and repatriation.

The recommendations aim to avoid unnecessary disruptions in the global supply chains and maritime transport, which represents 90% of world trade, and to facilitate the supply, maintenance, repairs, surveys and certifications of vessels, as well as crew licensing and changeovers.

IMO Circular Letter advises governments and authorities to ensure that any special pre-arrival requirements in response to the outbreak are clearly and effectively communicated to the vessel’s interests and relevant stakeholders. The crew must be made aware of the risks involved in the ports and ship operators should be instructed to regularly monitor shipboard personnel while in port for COVID-19 symptoms and to report suspected cases to the relevant local authorities.

Measures to curb the interaction of shoreside personnel with the crew have been in place in all Brazilian ports since the outbreak hit the country. Shore leaves are prohibited and crewmembers are confined to the vessel during a port call, except for landings associated with vital shipboard operations. Crew changes were eventually suspended until at least the end of April and foreign non-resident crewmembers can only disembark to receive medical assistance not available onboard the vessel.