COVID-19 Shipboard Contingency Plan - Rev.1 - FULL VERSION - UPDATED 24.05.2020 PDF

COVID-19
Shipboard Contingency Plan

Shipboard Manual
2020
DOC. NO. : C00.100
COVID-19 PAGE : 1 OF 32
SHIPBOARD CONTINGENCY PLAN DATE : 20.03.2020
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
COVID-19
Shipboard
Contingency Plan
IMO No.:
This COVID-19 Shipboard Contingency Plan has been developed for the above
ship and is valid until further revision.
Place Date Master

Name Signature
1
COVID-19 DOC. NO. : C00.100
PAGE : 2 OF 32
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
Vessel's Particulars
Vessel's Name
IMO Number
Flag
Port of Registry
Call Sign
Official Number
Ship’s Type
Gross Tonnage
Trade
Owner / Operator
Company Identification Number
Year Built
Shipyard
2
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
Contents
1. COVID-19 ONBOARD?.................................................................................................................................. 3
2. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE .............................................................................................................................. 5
3. DISINFECT IMMEDIATELY..................................................................................................................... 6
4. CAREGIVERS............................................................................................................................................ 7
5. QUARANTINE (Isolate suspected cases)............................................................................................ 9
6. ISOLATION ZONES .................................................................................................................................. 9
7. DAILY CLEANING ROUTINES .................................................................................................................. 10
8. MASK USAGE ......................................................................................................................................... 12
9. OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR THE VESSEL .............................................................................. 14
10. GUIDANCE TO CREW – VESSEL VISITS BY 3rd PARTIES............................................................ 28
11. GUIDANCE TO CREW – SHORE SIDE VISITS ................................................................................ 30
12. APPENDIXES .......................................................................................................................................... 32
3
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
OBJECTIVES
This response plan provides guidance to vessels in the case that it experiences a suspected case of
COVID-19 on board.
RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the Master’s responsibility to ensure this procedure is properly implemented on board.
INSTRUCTIONS
This plan applies if a suspected case of COVID-19 disease is identified on board.
1. COVID-19 ONBOARD?
Definition COVID-19 Suspected Cases:
1. A suspected case is a patient with severe acute respiratory infection (ie: fever and cough
that requires medical attention) and with no other causes or symptoms and a history of
travel to or residence in China or in another country with established community
transmission of COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset.
OR
2. A suspected case could also be patient with any acute respiratory illness and at least one
of the following during the 14 days prior to symptom onset: (a) contact with a confirmed or
suspected case of COVID-19 disease or (b) working in or visiting a healthcare facility
where patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 disease were being treated.
Other Cases:
3. Body temperature that exceeds > 38.0 °C or has symptoms of flu (ie. fever, tiredness,
muscle pain, headache, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath) or an individual with a
severe respiratory infection (that includes fever and severe cough)
Remarks:
Most of the symptoms to COVID-19 are quite commonly found symptoms of flu,
pneumonia, and the common cold. Therefore, it is impossible to confirm a COVID-
19 case without a test done at a clinic. Any cases which fits into one of the three
categories should be taken seriously and actions taken in accordance with this
procedure –
It is always important to consider whether it is likely that the patient - within

the past 14 days - have been exposed to potential transmission prior to
symptom onset.
4
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
2. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Immediate response
 When a suspected case has been identified, the crew member must be quarantined
immediately to contain the further spread on board. (see further guidance on quarantine
and disinfection in the next sections)
 The case must be reported to International SOS immediately.
 Masters to initiate quarantine measures as described in this procedure immediately.

International SOS will provide their recommendations based on the notification provided
by the ship. The patient should be quarantined, at least until International SOS has
provided their guidance.
 Ventilate and ensure aircons are strictly on ‘Fresh Air’ mode only to ensure circulation of
air
Contact tracing and close contacts
 Close contacts are crew who worked with in close proximity (of about 2 meters) with the
suspected case for more than 4 hours a day or had close social interaction with the
suspected case over the last 14 days.
 If practically possible, close contacts should be isolated as well. If not possible, ensure
that close-contact exercise good hygiene practices and closely monitor their health.
The Master has the discretion to designate the crew member as a close contact even if
he does not fit the above definition.
 Where possible, seal off areas where the confirmed case has visited, before carrying out
cleaning and disinfection of the contaminated environmental surfaces. This is to prevent
unsuspecting persons from being exposed to those surfaces.
Limit exposure to others onboard
The Master should consider the following precautionary steps onboard all ships with a
suspected COVID-19 case(s):
 Before a proposed guidance from International SOS, we recommended that all Crew
onboard put on their surgical masks.
 All Crew to maintain distance away from each other.
 Provide work instructions via phone or walkie talkie (Note: Do not share your walkie
talkie, if possible. Remember to clean it thoroughly before handing it to another crew
member.)
 Refrain from social gathering onboard in dayrooms.
5
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
 Divide the Crew into several different dining intervals to ensure distance between Crew
during meals.
 Ensure frequent cleaning and disinfection is carried out onboard.
 Conduct temperature checks twice daily.
3. DISINFECT IMMEDIATELY
Disinfect public areas where the suspected case(s) have been recently
 When cleaning areas where a confirmed case has been, cleaning crews should be attired
in suitable PPE. Gloves should be removed and discarded if they become soiled or
damaged, and a new pair worn. All other disposable PPE should be removed and
discarded, after cleaning activities are completed. Goggles, if used, should be disinfected
after each use, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Wash hands with soap and
water immediately after removal of the PPE.
 Ensure sufficient ventilation, especially in closed areas.
 Mop floor with bleach (dilute 1 part bleach in 49 parts water, 1000 ppm or according to
manufacturer's instructions).
 Wipe all frequently touched areas (e.g. lift buttons, hand rails, doorknobs, arm rests, seat
backs, tables, air/ light controls, keyboards, switches, etc.) and toilet surfaces with
chemical disinfectants (use according to manufacturer's instructions) and allow to air dry.
Bleach solution (dilute 1 part bleach in 49 parts water, 1000 ppm or according to
manufacturer's instructions) can be used. Alcohol (e.g. isopropyl 70% or ethyl alcohol
70%) can be used for surfaces, where the use of bleach is not suitable.
 Wipe down the walls with bleach (up to 3 metres in height), as well as blinds (dilute 1
part bleach in 49 parts water, 1000 ppm or according to manufacturer's instructions).
 Remove curtains/ fabrics/ quilts for washing, preferably using the hot water cycle. For
hot-water laundry cycles, wash with detergent or disinfectant in water at 70ºC for at least
25 minutes. If low-temperature (i.e. less than 70ºC) laundry cycles are used, choose a
chemical that is suitable for low-temperature washing when used at the proper
concentration.
 Mop the floors with the prepared bleach solution or disinfectant.
 Discard cleaning equipment made of cloths and absorbent materials, e.g. mop head and
wiping cloths, into biohazard bags after cleaning and disinfecting each area. Wear a new
pair of gloves and fasten the double-bagged biohazard bag with a cable tie.
 Disinfect non-porous cleaning equipment used in one room, before using for other
rooms. If possible, keep the disinfecting equipment separated from other routine
equipment.
6
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
 Disinfect buckets by soaking in bleach (dilute 1 part bleach in 49 parts water, 1000 ppm
or according to manufacturer's instructions, for at least 10 minutes), disinfectant solution,
or rinse in hot water before filling.
 Discard equipment made of cloths/ absorbent materials (e.g. mop head and wiping
cloths) after cleaning each area, to prevent cross contamination.
 Disinfectants should be applied to surfaces using a damp cloth. They should not be
applied to surfaces using a spray pack, as coverage is uncertain, and spraying may
promote the production of aerosols. The creation of aerosols caused by splashing liquid
during cleaning should be avoided. A steady sweeping motion should be used when
cleaning either floors or horizontal surfaces, to prevent the creation of aerosols or
splashing. Cleaning methods that might aerosolize infectious material, such as the use of
compressed air, must not be used.
 Biohazard bags should be properly disposed, upon completion of the disinfection work.
Precautions to take after completing the clean-up and disinfection of the affected area
 Cleaning crews should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after
removing the PPE, and when cleaning and disinfection work is completed.
 Discard all used PPE in a double-bagged biohazard bag, which should then be
securely sealed and labelled.
 The crew should be aware of the symptoms and should report to their occupational
health service if they develop symptoms.
4. CAREGIVERS
Appointing Caregiver(s)
Caregivers should be pre-designated by the Master and the following guidelines should be
considered.
The Caregiver should be:
 Ideally between 21-29 years of age or not older than 39; and
 Fit and have no underlying medical conditions; and
 Of a Rank other than Top 2 Officer, Cadets, watch-keepers or Ranks essential to the
safe operation of the ship; and
7
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
 Able to be removed from normal work responsibilities, as Caregiver is required to

take care of the suspected patient(s) and remain confined to a certain area. It is
recommended that Ranks are chosen based is on above guidelines:
Caregiver(s) Role and Responsibilities
 Isolation areas and zones are described in section 6 in this plan
 The role of the Caregiver involves taking care of the suspected patient(s), delivering
food, cleaning of isolation areas (red zone), cleaning the all used bed linen and
towels and cleaning of yellow zones.
 The Caregiver must be removed from normal work responsibilities and be designated
to caregiving only. The Care giver must be confined to yellow and red zones only.
 It is the responsibility of the Medical officer onboard (2nd Officer) to ensure that the
Caregiver is provided with adequate training prior to taking on the role as Caregiver
Caregiver(s) PPE and Caregivers guidance to giving care:
The following PPE must as a minimum be worn at all times by all Crew entering isolation
area:
 Full Body Protection Suit, e.g. Tyvek

 Rubber gloves
 Respirator (FFP2 / N95)
 Safety googles or full-face visors (prescription glasses do not provide adequate
protection)
 Foot covers
The Caregiver to follow below guidelines when providing care (Detailed guidance on the use
of face masks are described in section 8):
 Caregivers must maintain distance to the patient when possible
 Must wear a respirator fitted tightly to the face when in the same room with the ill
person. Respirator should not be touched or handled during use. If the respirator gets
wet or dirty with secretions, it must be changed immediately. Discard the mask after
use and perform hand hygiene after removal of the mask.
 Exercise strict hygiene regimen following all contact with the patient or their
immediate environment
 Avoid direct contact with body fluids, particularly oral or respiratory secretions, and
stool. Use disposable or rubber gloves to provide oral or respiratory care and when
handling stool, urine and waste. Wash hands thoroughly before and after removing
gloves.
8
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
 Gloves and masks and other waste by patients or in the care of patients should be
placed in a lined container in the patient’s room before disposal with other
household waste.
 Gloves must be changed when moving from a dirty to a clean task.
5. QUARANTINE
(Isolate suspected cases)
The isolation of an individual suspected with COVID-19 will reduce the risk of the disease
spreading to others on board. The patient’s cabin or other available cabins can be used for
isolation. The hospital would also be an option as a quarantine zone.
When there is a suspected case, the crew member must be quarantined to reduce the possibility
of any virus being spread. The following list of measures must then be implemented on board:
 Keep the patient’s cabin doors closed, if not placed in a medical isolation room on board.
 Provide information about the risk of disease transmission to persons who will take care
of the patient or enter the isolation area.
 Maintain a log listing of all personnel who enters the cabin.
 Anyone who enters the cabin to provide care to the patient in isolation or to clean the
cabin must wear appropriate PPE. A surgical protection mask is particularly important.
 Limit the movement and transport of the patient from the cabin for essential purposes
only. If transport is necessary, the patient should wear a surgical mask.
Start case investigation immediately. Wear appropriate PPE when interviewing the patient.
Identify the patient’s close contacts and ask them to do passive self-monitoring of any
symptoms.
6. ISOLATION ZONES
Establish isolation zones
Isolation zones should be categorized into 3 zones, with signage to be displayed to control entry
into the zones:
1. Red zone, where the suspected patient is confined; and

2. Yellow zone, where the caregiver is located and moves around; and
3. Green zone, where the rest of the healthy crew moves around
Red zone, where the suspected patient is confined in and only Caregivers can enter. The Red
zone cabin rooms should be in a quiet part of the ship and stripped of all unnecessary furnishing
9
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
and carpets to facilitate cleaning and disinfection of the room. Masters should designate more
than 1 cabin rooms for all suspected and close contact cases to stay. Each cabin room should
have an en-suite bathroom and toilet facilities. Designated red zone is cabin 304 (Deck 3).
Yellow zone, where the caregiver is located and moves around. Yellow zone cabin rooms
should be located in close proximity to the laundry room and the Red zone cabin rooms, limiting
their movement between the yellow and red zones. Crew can still move around the yellow zone,
but with caution, ensuring that they sanitize their hands and avoid touching their faces after
coming into contact with the Yellow zone. Designated Yellow zone is Cabin 305 (Deck 3).
Green zone, designated low risk zone where the rest of the healthy crew moves around.
Designated Green zone are all other space out of 3 meters from the cabins 304 and 305.
Following guidelines for isolation and Caregiving:
1. Isolation room door(s) must be closed.

2. The isolation room should be well ventilated.
3. All patients to wear surgical mask during isolation if possible or at least when they come
in contact with the Caregiver.
4. Use the telephone to communicate with the suspected patient
5. Catering staff to deliver food to the yellow zone. The Caregiver to collect and place in
front of cabin door (isolation area). The Caregiver must not collect the food from the
mess room / Galley to prevent cross contamination.
A record should be kept of all staff in contact with a suspected case, and this record should be
accessible to occupational health authorities should the need arise.
7. DAILY CLEANING ROUTINES

Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces is crucial to reduce the risk of the spread of virus.
Cleaning of Airconditioning and ventilation system
To avoid bacteria growth in the air conditioning system, make sure there is no stagnant water in
and around the system. Conduct a thorough inspection of the air conditioning duct in the
accommodation and check for any mold or fungus developing. Carry out these checks and
cleaning tasks weekly.
Remember to ensure ventilation is kept at strictly ‘Fresh Air’ mode to allow exchange of air in
the accommodation.
Cleaning and disinfection procedures:
Red zone:
10
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
 Cleaning of red zones (isolation area) must be performed by the designated Caregiver
while wearing full PPE
 Cleaning of red zones (isolation area) must be undertaken separately to the cleaning of
 Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as bedside tables, bed frames,
and other bedroom furniture daily with regular household disinfectant containing a
diluted bleach solution (1-part bleach to 99 parts water).
 Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once daily with regular
household disinfectant containing a diluted bleach solution (1-part bleach to 99 parts
water).
 Wash patient’s clothes, bedclothes, bath and hand towels, etc. as often as possible:
o using regular laundry soap and water or machine wash at 60–90 °C with common
household detergent, and dry thoroughly
o Place contaminated linen into a laundry bag
o Do not shake soiled laundry and avoid direct contact of the skin and clothes with
the contaminated materials
o The Caregiver must clean the items separately in the laundry room from all the
other clothing, to prevent cross contamination and recommend dedicating one
washing machine and one drier for this purpose
 Use disposable eating and drinking utensils if available and dispose these after use
 If ships’ plates and cutlery must be used, they should be washed and sterilized after use
and kept in the cabin.
 They should never be washed up with the utensils used by other members of the Crew
and it is recommended that this be done in a designated area.
 Dedicated or disposable cleaning equipment (e.g. mop heads, cloth, etc.) should be
used in yellow and red zones
 Reusable equipment (e.g. mop handles, buckets) must be decontaminated after use with
a chlorine-based disinfectant
Yellow zone
 Cleaning of yellow zones (isolation area) must be performed by the designated

Caregiver while wearing appropriate PPE
 Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily with regular household disinfectant
containing a diluted bleach solution (1-part bleach to 99 parts water).
Green zone
 Frequently clean common areas such as Messrooms, control room, meeting rooms,
dayrooms and Bridge.
Disinfection at the end of the quarantine:
11
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
 The room used must be thoroughly disinfected after it has been occupied by the
patient, after the patient has already left/recovered from the illness.
 Remove all bedding, blankets and movable furniture’s. The bedding and blankets
should be disinfected. Furniture should be left on the deck, preferably in the sun, after
having been thoroughly scrubbed.
After emptying the cabin, give the whole surface, including the bulkheads, deck, ceiling and all
internal and external surfaces of cupboards and such, a thorough washing down. Objective is to
clean the cabin surfaces, etc. to ensure no germs of the disease are left behind. Upon thorough
cleansing of the cabin, close it down and do not use it until authorized to do so by Rass
Schiffahrts GmbH.
8. MASK USAGE
There are two types of Masks, namely respirators and surgical masks.
Remarks:
In order to protect the vessels under different conditions, listed face masks are
required in stock on board:
 Surgical Masks (For general purpose use / shore visitors)

 FFP2 or N95 (For caregivers in case of suspected case on board)
Definition for Surgical Masks:

 Masks are loose fitting, covering the nose and mouth
 Designed for one-way protection, to capture bodily fluid leaving the wearer, hence, to be
worn by sick people or during surgery to prevent coughing or sneezing on the vulnerable
patient
 Contrary to belief, masks DO NOT protect the wearer
 Vast majority of masks do not have a safety rating assigned to them
Definition for Respirators

 Respirators are tight fitting masks, designed to create a facial seal
 Designed for two-way protection, by filtering the air breathed in, hence, to be worn by
caregivers
 These DO protect the wearer (when worn properly), up to the safety rating
 Available as disposable, half face or full face
12
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
The following recognized standards are used to describe the protection/filtering of Respirators:
 N95 is an American standard managed by NIOSH

 FFP1/2/3 (filtering face piece) is a European standard (EN standard 149:2001)
Below is the difference between these standards:
Respirator Filter Capacity (removes x% of all particles

Standard that are 0.3 microns in diameter or larger)
FFP1 ≥80%
FFP2 ≥94%
FFP3 ≥99%
N95 ≥95%
When to wear mask:
 Crew are only to wear surgical mask if ill with COVID-19 symptoms.
 Surgical masks to be provided all visitors who isn’t already wearing one. All visitors
onboard the ship are required to wear surgical masks to prevent spread of respiratory
droplets. The requirement can be exempted pending Master’s discretion / Master’s
overriding authority.
 Caregivers are to wear respirators of N95/FFP2 standards or higher to prevent them

from inhaling respiratory droplets from the ill person.
 All suspected and close contact cases to wear surgical masks all the time if possible or
else when in contact with Caregiver or prevent spread of respiratory droplets.
 The Crew must follow these guidelines for usage of medical masks to avoid unnecessary
wastage of precious resources and shortage of masks.
Correct usage of masks:
 Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with
alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
 Surgical Masks must be changed

 when moist; and never be worn more than a maximum of 8 hours
 Disposable Respirators must be replaced:

 After 8 hours of continuous or intermittent use
 If there are visible damage or tear to mask and straps
 If filter material is physically damaged or soiled
 If contaminated with blood, respiratory or nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids
from patients
 As per manufactures guidelines
13
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
9. OPEATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR THE VESSEL
Objectives
To provide guidance to vessel about changes to the operational routines caused by the
outbreak COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Master to ensure the proper implementation of this procedure
on board.
Instructions
1. General
 To ensure the wellbeing of our crew and that our vessels are safely operated
amidst the outbreak.
 The Master must ensure that all crew members are aware of Rass Schiffahrts
GmbH fleet notices and other material concerning the COVID-19. This includes
how to protect one another and how we ensure our safety barriers are effectively
implemented on board (Risk Assessment, posters, etc).
2. COVID-19
 Through the challenging times with the global COVID-19 outbreak, our masters
have successfully managed to keep our fleet operating and all our vessels are at
present free of cases of COVID-19. We continue to do everything to keep our
vessels free of COVID-19 and mitigate the risks of a seafarer or 3rd party
transmitting a case. The following pages outline COVID-19 operational guidance
for our masters and crew.
14
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
“SAFETY MEASURES FOR ALL VESSELS’

(Masters Discretion & overring authority)
 All non-critical 3rd parties’ visits on board are to be limited to an absolute minimum
 3rd parties’ attendances planned by Rass Schiffahrts GmbH must undergo thorough
vetting by office staff and require Rass Schiffahrts GmbH approval.
 All shore side visits by ship’s crew are suspended – If a medical shore side review is
required Contact Your Crewing Agency (Marlow Navigation) for approval
 All non-critical services attended to by 3rd parties are to be postponed
 All External Audits / Inspections / Surveys are to be postponed where possible
 Unavoidable visits by government officials / legislative visits / authorities are allowed on
board
 Routine Business Critical Visits are allowed
‘ROUTINE BUSINESS CRITICAL VISITS ARE ALLOWED ON BOARD

– NO COMPANY APPROVAL REQUIRED’
Routine business critical visits include (No approval required):
 Pilots
 Cargo Stevedores and Foremans for loading and discharging operations
 On Hire / Off Hire Surveyor
 Supercargo + Lashing crew (Stevedores) + Surveyors
 Port officials and Quarantine staff and Agents.
 Representatives delivering stores, spares and provision
When visitors come on board, they should not have access to the accommodation or
other indoor areas around the vessel unless it cannot be avoided and is authorized by
the Master.
15
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
‘PROTECTION FROM COVID-19 STARTS AT THE GANGWAY’
 Is it necessary to have the gangway lowered to the quay or can it be lowered

when visitors are requesting to come on board?
 Are additional crew manning the gangway trained and able to manage visitors
and support screening / questioning etc.?
 Are visitors restricted access on board until permission is granted by the master?
 Is social distance kept to all visitors (at least 2 meters)?
 Are Hand Sanitizers readily available at the gangway?
 Are surgical masks provided to all visitors at the gangway?
 Are temperature screenings of all visitors carried out?
PLANNING OF PORT CALLS ARE ESSENTIAL
 Local COVID-19 requirements and measures taken by local authorities, pilots

etc. must be requested via the agent.
 The agent must be instructed that only necessary / required visitors will be
granted access onboard due to the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
 The agent must provide an overview of expected visitors prior to arrival. The
Master can challenge any visit and escalate any concerns to Rass Schiffahrts
GmbH assigned fleet team for support on these matters.
 If a Visitor is not on considered ‘Routine Business Critical Visit’ OR a government

official / local authority – The visit requires a Rass Schiffahrts GmbH Office
Approval.
When visitors come on board, they should not have access to the accommodation
or other indoor areas around the vessel unless it cannot be avoided and is
authorized by the Master.
16
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
3. Structure of the operational guidance
This procedure is divided into 6 colour coded sections. For each of the sections
Operational Guidance is provided and the content is self-explanatory. Below a short
summary.
1. ‘PREPARATION & CONTINGENCY’
2. ‘HEALTH MONITORING, AWARENESS, PROTECTION & PPE’
3. ‘PRE-ARRIVAL PREPARATION’
4. “WHEN IN PORT / AT ANCHOR”
5. “CLEANING GUIDANCE”
6. DETAILED GUIDANCE FACIAL MASKS & RESPIRATORS
PREPARATION & CONTINGENCY

Preparations should start as early as possible before a vessel arrives to port. These
guidelines are outlined in the light green section. Shipboard management are required to
consider ROB’s of fuel, provisions, water, stores, spare parts, services required etc.
HEALTH MONITORING, AWARENESS, PROTECTION & PPE

Here are the most important guidelines on protective equipment, social distancing and
health monitoring / declarations.
PRE-ARRIVAL PREPARATION
Local requirements, restrictions must be known and fully understood before arrival and
our customers and local partners should also know how we operate our vessels during
the COVID-19 outbreak. This section outlines recommendations on this subject.
WHEN IN PORT / AT ANCHOR

COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in almost all regions across the world. In ports or
at anchor, vessels are required establish enhanced security barriers to protect vessels
from COVID-19 cases.
CLEANING GUIDANCE
When in port / at anchor / shipyards and dry dock, vessels living quarters, decks and
engine room areas on board, public washrooms, changing rooms, toilets, recreational
17
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
rooms etc. have to be cleaned more frequently. The detailed guidance is outlined in this
section.
DETAILED GUIDANCE FACIAL MASKS & RESPIRATORS

See section for thorough explanations in the use of masks and respirators.
18
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
1. PREPARATION & CONTINGENCY
All ports across the world are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and different
regulations / restrictions have been imposed in the affected countries/regions. Some
vessels will be unable to receive stores, provisions, spare parts, bunker etc. when in
certain ports and in other ports supplies will be limited.
It is also likely that terminals are experiencing delays in berthing schedules and we
expect longer stays at anchor in some ports.
To ensure that vessels are prepared in the best possible way, all vessels must follow
as below:
Inventory / ROB’s
As early as possible, do a stock take of the inventories on board covering listed items:
 ROB, compliant VLSFO and / or LSMGO?
 ROB drinking water / daily production capacity of fresh water in port?
 Provisions, days sufficient for?
Provisions / water
 Food supplies and other provisions may be restricted.
 Vessels must request the required supply of provisions as early as possible with
SVR Company to allow proper time for discussion and planning. This will be
done on a case-by-case basis for the individual vessel.
Stores / Spare parts / Services

 Delivery of spare parts is challenging as containment of COVID-19, travel /
transportation restrictions are imposed in most countries across the world.
 Service attendance, e.g. garbage/slop removal, technicians, etc. will also

occasionally be restricted. Some ports are closed off and only permit entry for
agents and authorities. To safeguard our vessels, 3rd party’s attendance is to be
considered on a critical need basis and the involvement of the Fleet Team is
always required so that alternative options can be discussed. 3rd party’s
attendance will require senior management approval.
 As early as possible, inventory, ROB incl. provision and urgently needed spare
parts are to be sent to the assigned Company for follow up. On vessels requests
in cooperation with Purchase department for supply of provisions are to be
discussed and planned.
 Supplies to the vessel will be done on a case-by-case basis for the vessel and
purchasers supporting the vessel will work with local agents for the best
possibilities. It is likely to take time to conclude the best option and will require
advance requirement planning from ships.
19
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
2. HEALTH MONITORING, AWARENESS, PROTECTION & PPE

The Master must request from Company the necessary quantity of COVID-19 PPE
equipment regularly and at any possible port to comply with the requirements in these
guidelines.
 Surgical Masks (recommended 200 pieces)

 Hand Sanitizer (recommended 8 litres - 75% ethanol)
 Surface Cleaners
Temperature and monitoring of medical condition on board

 Masters are to monitor the temperature and condition of all crew members daily and
maintain a log. Temperatures are to be measured a minimum of 2 times / day.
(see Appendix 1 – Form F00.100 - “Daily Crew Body Temperature Record Log”)
Cleanliness and social distancing

 Social distancing – keep a safe distance of 2 meters.
 Good hand hygiene.
 Strong focus on the cleanliness of any public space on board where 3rd parties are
passing through or attending to an assignment / service or any other formal matter.
 Good cleanliness standards, washing hands and respiratory hygiene are considered
the most effective/ important measures (refer to posters / movies).
Wearing of Masks / Respirators

 Healthy crew members shouldn’t wear face masks while on board. Surgical Masks are
a good protection if used by a sick person to prevent transmits, BUT routine use of
surgical masks is not generally recommended as protection against COVID-19 (Refer
to WHO recommendations).
 Attending 3rd parties are required to wear face masks.
 Crew members showing specified symptoms of illness are required to wear face masks.
Where there is a suspected / confirmed case of COVID-19 on board – the patient must
wear the surgical mask.
20
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
3. PRE-ARRIVAL PREPARATION
Pilotage, Port Clearance and Formalities

 Well in advance and as a part of the pre arrival planning, updates and local
requirements specifically about the COVID-19 are to be requested via the
agent.
 Any local requirements with regards to escalated / enhanced health monitoring,

crew health declarations and crew restrictions or other precautionary requirements
set up by the port state need to be clarified and implemented. COVID-19
measures taken by local pilots / vessel instruction (if any) need to be obtained.
Pilots should be provided with a surgical mask upon boarding, sanitize hands and
undergo temperature checking. The Pilot should be encouraged to wear the surgical
mask before they embarkation until after disembarkation (Master’s discretion /
Master’s overriding authority). No handshakes should be offered / received and the
pilot must observe social distancing.
 The agent must be instructed that only necessary / required visitors will be granted
access onboard due to the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The agent must
provide an overview of expected visitors prior to arrival. The Master can challenge
any visit and escalate any concerns to Company for support on these matters.
Establish Designated Areas for Visitors

 Master to establish a designated area away from living quarters where routine port
formalities and administrative routines involving visitors can take place.
 Master to establish markings on the floors or other signs indicating where visitors are
allowed on board / not allowed. Washrooms / toilets are to be pre-designated for
visitors.
 Visitors should not have access to mess rooms and food served to visitors is to be
served on trays and in a designated area for visitors to have meals / drinks.
Visitor’s utensils must be separated and cleaned thoroughly
Crew Preparation
 Strictly enforcing the ISPS requirements on ensuring that unauthorized personnel

do not board the vessel throughout the duration of the vessel being in port. Duties
and responsibilities for crew members assigned at the gangway and
crewmembers assigned to escort visitors around are to be explained.
 No visitors should have access to the accommodation or other indoor areas around
the vessel unless it cannot be avoided / is necessary. Masters guidelines must be
followed by all visitors. If they refuse, visitors should be requested to leave the
vessel and Master is to report the incident to the Company.
21
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
4. WHEN IN PORT / AT ANCHOR
Vessel Visits
 Visits by government officials / legislative visits / authorities are allowed on board
(Master’s discretion / Master’s overriding authority).
 Master to consider if the vessel visit is necessary or if it can be cancelled or

shortened– any visit request to be authorized by the Master before access on
board (Master’s discretion / overriding authority) – ideally, no visitors to be granted
access to indoor areas on board.
 All visitors must fill-in the Visitor’s Log Book prior to embarkation or at gangway
(see Appendix 1 – Form F00.200 - “Visitors Gangway Log Book)
 For all visitors on board vessel – irrespective of purpose - they cannot be

authorized to access the vessel if they:
 Show any illness symptoms whatsoever.

 If the person has had: Close contact (shared living quarters or provided
care) with a person who has or is under investigation for COVID-19.
 Spent time within speaking distance (if infection control precautions were
not used) with a person who has or is under investigation for COVID-19.
Gangway Control & Measures

 Consider if it is necessary to have the gangway lowered at the quay or if it could be
lifted and lowered only when visitors are requesting to come on board.
 Consider additional manning at the gangway / access control area to manage

visitors and support screening / questioning etc. Ensure clear markings on deck
indicating waiting areas. (see Appendix 2 – Poster “Waiting Area”)
 Restricted areas and measures to prevent spread of COVID-19 must be included in the
Safety Induction to visitors
 Apart from when doing temperature screenings, all crew members are to keep social
distancing to all visitors (at least 2 meters) with no shaking of hands or any other physical
contact with visitors.
 Keep Hand Sanitizer readily available at the gangway and request all visitors to sanitize
their hands immediately.
 Surgical masks to be given to all visitors at the gangway and visitors are required to wear
these throughout their stay onboard.
 Temperature screenings of all visitors are to be carried while they are still on deck or
at gangway and access should be denied for anyone with temperature of 38° C or
above. Master to inform Company if such a case arises as soon as possible.
22
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
4. WHEN IN PORT / AT ANCHOR (CONTINUED)
Access to the accommodation

When visitors are allowed on board, they cannot have access to the accommodation or
other indoor areas around the vessel unless it cannot be avoided / is necessary.
Visitors must always be escorted while on board. If visitors are granted access to other
areas than those designated, the escorting crew member must note down which areas
the visitors have passed through or stayed and ensure proper cleaning routines after
the visit. After shore visits on board, cleaning routines to be initiated.
Visitors must be classified depending on the nature business onboard. This will
determine designated access control areas to manage visitors.
 Agents - Cargo Planners – Stevedores - Chandlers

 Service Technicians, Surveyors, Port Authorities / PSC Inspectors
 Pilots
Non-essential vessel visits are prohibited. Visitors within the accommodation premises
must not at any time go past the agreed threshold.
General Shore side leave for crew members

 All non-medical shore side leave is suspended until further notice.
Medical shore side leave for crew members

 Management of Health and Medical cases on board follows normal routines.
 If Int. SOS recommend a shore side medical review (critical condition / urgent or
essential for the seafarer’s welfare) Int. SOS has been instructed to clearly indicate
this in the medical case forwarded to the Master. When the Master has received a
written notification from Int. SOS that includes a recommendation of a medical shore
side review the Master must seek approval from Crewing Agency (Marlow
Navigation) before shore side visit can be granted. The request for approval of shore
side reviews must be sent to assigned Crewing Agency (Marlow Navigation) as
required.
 If a shore side visit is approved by Crewing Agency (Marlow Navigation) – Masters are to
instruct crew member accordingly.
23
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
4. WHEN IN PORT / AT ANCHOR (CONTINUED)
New Crew Members prior to boarding
 Seafarers assigned to join a vessel must undergo controlled quarantine for 14 days in
the sign on port prior to boarding a vessel anywhere. Daily temperature checks to be
carried out during quarantine and personal logs kept for each on signing crew
member.
 On signing crew members will only be allowed on board if the 14 days quarantine
has been completed without signs of COVID-19 symptoms.
Off signing Crew / Repatriation

 Lay over or transit flights via certain regions will not be permitted (pending present
COVID-19 threat / governments travel restrictions)
Ships in drydock or shipyards
 Ships in dry dock or at shipyards are in general exempted from section 1, 3

and 4 in this procedure.
In general, Visitors, technicians and other 3rd parties should only have limited (and only
the necessary / required) access on board to safeguard our crew.
24
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
5. CLEANING GUIDANCE WHEN IN PORT, SHIPYARDS AND AFTER

DEPARTURE
General Cleanliness
All vessels must have a stronger focus than usual on maintaining a higher level of
cleanliness on board.
 Special attention - must be given to all living quarters and deck and engine room
areas on board and access control / restricted access to engine control room,
bridge, galleys, public washrooms, changing rooms, toilets, recreational rooms,
smoking rooms and other living quarters / areas in the accommodation must be
implemented.
 For vessels in shipyards and alongside at a terminal - the Master must in

cooperation with the shipboard management team make a plan for the vessel to
ensure limited access to above areas. Shipboard management must decide on board
how effective means can be implemented to ensure that access restrictions are
visible and complied with.
 For vessels in ports, alongside a terminal and for vessels in shipyards -

thorough and formal daily cleaning routines are to be implemented on board in the
areas where 3rd parties have accessed throughout the day.
Provision and Stores

 Company has been working closely with catering partner SVR to monitor supply
situation and ensuring the continue supply of provision. Naturally, food safety
and hygiene are a priority and the catering partner supporting respective vessels
is ready to provide more guidance.
 Due to changes in the local regulations that may happen with very short notice,
stock management and order planning requires more focus. It is encouraged to
order more provisions that can be last longer in storage and plan to stock for a
slightly longer duration than usual.
 Provisions / water received from high risk ports are in general considered safe,
however, food needs as always to be cooked thoroughly, handled properly and
good cleanliness standards applied.
 Attention to crew members hand hygiene during and after receiving of stores and
spares in high risk regions are important.
Crew members assigned to cleaning routines:

 Identify relevant living quarters, deck and engine room areas on board incl. bridge,
galleys, public washrooms, changing rooms, toilets, recreational rooms, smoking rooms
and other living quarters / areas in the accommodation to undergo daily cleaning.
25
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
5. CLEANING GUIDANCE WHEN IN PORT, SHIPYARDS AND AFTER

DEPARTURE (CONTINUED)
Cleaning agents and disinfectants

 Clean all surfaces, frequently touched surfaces and floors, with bleach. Bleach can be
used as a disinfectant for cleaning and disinfection (dilute 1-part bleach in 49 parts
water, 1000 ppm or according to manufacturer's instructions).
 Bleach solutions should be prepared fresh. Leaving the bleach solution for a contact
time of at least 10 minutes is recommended.
 Alcohol (e.g. isopropyl 70%, ethyl alcohol 60%) can be used to wipe down surfaces
where the use of bleach is not suitable, e.g. metal.
 If other disinfectants are considered, check with the manufacturer that they are
effective against COVID-19. Disinfectants should be prepared and applied in
accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensure that appropriate contact
time is given before removing any disinfected materials.
Cleaning areas on board where 3rd parties have been present:

 Wear disposable gloves, disposable long-sleeved gowns, eye goggles or a face
shield and face mask (These PPE’s are important as there is an increased risk for
droplets from a COVID-19 infected 3rd party who have sneezed / coughed and
stained particles on a surface on board)
 Avoid touching the nose and mouth (goggles may help as they will prevent
hands from touching eyes).
 Gloves should be removed and discarded if they become soiled or damaged, and a
new pair worn.
 All other disposable PPE should be removed and discarded after cleaning
activities are completed. Eye goggles, if used, should be disinfected after
each use, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
 Hands should be washed with soap and water immediately after each piece
of PPE is removed, following completion of cleaning.
Masks are effective if worn according to instructions and properly fitted. Masks should
be discarded and changed if they become physically damaged.
26
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
6. DETAILED GUIDANCE FACIAL MASKS & RESPIRATORS
Why face masks are not recommended to healthy people
 People typically get COVID-19 from droplets on surfaces contaminated by a

contagious patient where droplets then are transmitted to a person when he/she
rubs his eyes, ears, mouth or nose. Transmission to a person can also happen
when people are not practicing social distancing (within approximately 2 meters)
where contaminated droplets may be inhaled if the contagious person sneezes,
coughs or in any other way transfers droplets to a person (and the person
afterwards rubs his eyes, ears, mouth, nose etc.). In this connection, public toilets /
washrooms must be kept in mind as potential areas for transmission of the virus.
 As a example of the above advice, most people in Singapore are not wearing masks
even though the population density is one of the highest in the world. Singapore
has been one of the most exposed countries to COVID-19 but also one of the most
successful countries to keep the virus under control without requesting anyone to
wear face masks unless they are ill.
 If a healthy person is using a surgical mask, the person is likely to touch the mask
quite often as it is not comfortable to wear. If a person touches the mask with their
hand, it will be contaminated if his / her hands are not 100% sterile. People
typically also remove the mask now and then. When the mask is touched and
pulled down, the person is at risk of getting infected by contagious COVID-19
droplets on the mask or transmitted from his/her hands to the mouth. Therefore,
using a face mask creates a false sense of protection, can lead a person to
disregard the most important safety barriers (isolation of ill persons, good hand
hygiene and practice of social distancing) and in itself can cause a greater
likelihood of infection.
Respiratory Mask Protection
 Care givers, healthcare workers and doctors in countries in Europe and developed
countries in Asia and the United States are using FFP2 masks and N95 masks
when they treat COVID-19 patients.
 Doctors are using FPP3 for surgeries or complicated treatments e.g.:
1. Tracheal suction – used to remove mucus and secretions from the trachea.
2. Lower airway extubating for getting oxygen in/out of the lungs.
3. The FPP3 also serve as protection for patients during surgeries to

ensure doctors are not transferring bacteria to the patient.
 Company are not supplying FPP3 masks as it is not recommended by the

authorities and we do not expect anyone will be exposed to shipboard medical
procedures that exceeds the risks that public hospital caregivers, nurses and other
healthcare workers face when they work with suspected COVID-19 patients.
27
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
10. GUIDANCE TO CREW - VESSEL VISITS BY 3rd

PARTIES
 Consider if it is necessary to have the gangway lowered at the quay or if it could be lifted
and only lowered when visitors are requesting to come on board.
 Consider additional manning at the gangway / access control area to manage visitors and
support screening / questioning etc. ensure clear markings on deck indicating waiting
areas.
 Master to consider if the vessel visit is necessary or if it can be cancelled or shorten down
– any visit request to be authorized by the Master before access on board (Master’s
discretion / overriding authority)?
 All crew members are to keep social distance to all visitors (at least 2 meters) and no
shake of hands or any other physical contact with visitors.
 Visitors cannot be authorized to access if they show any illness symptoms whatsoever.
 Keep Hand Sanitizer readily available at the gangway and all visitors to sanitize their hands
immediately.
 Surgical masks to be given to all visitors at the gangway and are required to wear it while
onboard.
 Temperature screenings of all visitors while visitors are still on deck or at gangway
 Apart from when doing temperature screenings crew members are to maintain social
distancing (as above)
 When visitors are allowed on board:
 No visitors should have access to the accommodation or other indoor areas around
the vessel unless it cannot be avoided / is necessary.
 Establish a designated area away from living quarters where formalities and
administrative routines involving visitors can take place.
 Visitors should not have access to mess rooms and food served to visitors is to be
served on trays and a designated area for visitors to have meals / drinks
 Washrooms / toilets are to be designated for visitors
 Markings on the floor or other signs indicating where visitors are allowed on board /
not allowed.
After shore representatives’ visits on board, cleaning routines to be initiated
28
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
This form (F00.200) applies on board is required to be completed and signed by 3rd parties
assigned for carrying out a task / delivering a service on board or any other visitors on board.
Which Company, Authority or Government body do you represent?
Do you currently have any of the following symptoms? Tick all that
apply:
Fever/Chills Cough
Shortness of Breath Difficulty Breathing
Have you visited any other countries in the last 14 days YES
/ NO
Did you have close contact (shared living quarters, or provided care) OR
spent time within speaking distance (if infection control precautions were not YES
used) with a person who does have, or is under investigation for COVID-19 / NO
Have you or anyone in the household been

- put under Home Quarantine Order during the last 14 days? YES
- in contact with anybody who is under a Home Quarantine Order / NO
within the last 14 days?
List all countries you have been to in the last 14 days
Name and Vessel:
Signature: Date:
29
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
11. GUIDANCE TO CREW – SHORE SIDE VISITS

Company recommendations – subject to Masters discretion / overriding authority
 Surgical masks and portable hand sanitizer to be provided as hand washing may not
always be possible.
 Clean hands frequently, especially when / after using transportation, opening the doors,
using furniture’s etc.
 Avoid handling any food;
 Cough or sneeze into the elbow – NOT on hands;
 Dispose tissues immediately after use;
 Do not touch own face (eyes, ears, mouth) unless hands are sanitized or washed with
soap before
 Keep a safe social distance – more than two (2) meters;
 Don’t shake hands with anyone;
 Don’t touch surfaces with fingertips or the front of your hand;
 Avoid handrails to a safe extent;
 Don’t share tableware;
 AVOID contact with people with symptoms;
 When a seafarer is undergoing medical treatment, dentist visits etc. the crew member
should expect that the dentist, doctor and any assistants are using surgical face masks
and latex gloves during treatment.
After shore side visits (14 days):
 Normal for temperature checks to be followed and temperature log for next 14 days
maintained;
 Be aware of the common signs of infection with this virus;
 Keep a safe social distance – more than two (2) meters at all times including various job-
related discussions and assignments;
 Only essential / mandatory duties to be carried out by the crew member – ideally the
crew member is not carrying out duties the first 14 days.
 Avoid any social gathering with the ship staff
Personal hygiene, cleanliness is the key to avoid any infections, the crew member needs to be
briefed in relevant applicable measures to protect colleagues from being infected E.g. washing
hand frequently and avoid handrails to a safe extent; don’t share tableware etc.
As an additional safety measure, we recommend:

 Surgical face masks to be provided and used by the crew member during all times when
outside the cabin.
 Avoid going to work sites, engine room, bridge etc. when maximum personnel are
working (ie from 0800 AM to 0500 PM); Suggest that visits to work sites are done before
0800 AM and after 0500 PM.
30
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
 Meals to be provided to the cabin of the crew member in order to avoid any probable
contamination of the buffet served to the ship’s crew;
 Laundry for the crew member to be handled separately;
 Avoid usage of recreational room for next 14 days
After the crew member has been in any public spaces relevant surfaces are to be cleaned:
 doorknobs, handles and handrails
 heating, ventilation and air conditioning
 Common computers including keyboards, keypads, phones, equipment and tools
 Switches, tables and any other surfaces that is touch regularly.
31
DOC. NO. : C00.100
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
Appendices to the
COVID-19 Shipboard Contingency Plan
The following appendixes are part of the COVID-19 Shipboard Contingency Plan. However, they
will be updated, amended and distributed independently from the COVID-19 Shipboard Contingency
Plan.
Appendix 1: Forms
 Daily crew body temperature record log form (Form F00.100)

 3rd Parties visitors form (Form F00.200)
 Visitors Gangway Log Book (Form F00.300)
 IMO Maritime Health Declaration (Form F00.400)
 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Risk Assessment (Form FO7.701, FO7.702)
Appendix 2: Posters
 Protect yourself and others from getting sick

 Practice food safety
 Stay healthy while traveling
 Waiting Area
Appendix 3: Publications
 World Health Organization - Operational considerations for managing COVID-

19 cases / outbreak on board ships - Interim guidance 24 March 2020
 World Health Organization - Home care for patients with suspected novel
coronavirus (nCoV) infection presenting with mild symptoms and management
of contacts - Interim guidance 17 March 2020
 International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance
for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers
 IMO Circular 4204
 Extract of International Medical Guide - Isolation precautions
32
DOC. NO. : F00.100
PAGE : 1 OF 1
DAILY CREW BODY TEMPERATURE RECORD LOG DATE : 20.03.2020
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION :1
Vessel:
Month: Place / Date / Body Temperature
Sign On
No. Name Rank
Date Port
AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Place / Date / Body Temperature
Sign On
No. Name Rank
Date Port
AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Place / Date / Body Temperature

Temperature per
Average Body
month
Sign On
No. Name Rank
Date Port
AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
This is to confirm that information above is an accurate records of the crew daily body temperature
Master Signature Date / Time:
Ship's Stamp
DOC. NO. : F00.200
PAGE : 1 OF 1
3rd PARTIES VISITORS FORM DATE : 20.03.2020
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION 1
This form applies on board is required to be completed and signed by 3rd parties
assigned for carrying out a task / delivering a service on board or any other visitors on
board.
Which Company, Authority or Government body do you represent?
Do you currently have any of the following symptoms? Tick all that
apply:
Fever/Chills Cough
Shortness of Breath Difficulty Breathing
Have you visited any other countries in the last 14 days YES
/ NO
Did you have close contact (shared living quarters, or provided care) OR
spent time within speaking distance (if infection control precautions were not YES
used) with a person who does have, or is under investigation for COVID-19 / NO
Have you or anyone in the household been

- put under Home Quarantine Order during the last 14 days? YES
- in contact with anybody who is under a Home Quarantine Order / NO
within the last 14 days?
List all countries you have been to in the last 14 days
Name and Vessel:
Signature: Date:
DOC. NO. : F00.300
PAGE : 1 OF 1
VISITORS GANGWAY LOG BOOK DATE : 20.03.2020
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION :1
Date______________ Port / Terminal _________________________ Vessel ___________________
Person plus
Document ID Visitors Body Purpose of visit (e.g. name of
Name of Visitor bags Time in Time out Buttom/tag No.* Remarks
No.* Temperature company, agent, supplier, etc.)
searched
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
Yes NO
*) if applicable
Master / SSO_______________________
DOC. NO. : F00.400
PAGE : 1 OF 1
IMO MARITIME DECLARATION OF HEALTH DATE : 20.03.2020
PREPARED : MLO
EDITION :1
To be completed and submitted to the competent authorities by the masters of ships arriving from foreign ports.
Submitted at the port of date
Name of ship or inland navigation vessel
Registration/IMO No arriving from sailing to
(Nationality)(Flag of vessel) Master's name
Gross tonnage (ship) Tonnage (inland navigation vessel)
Valid Sanitation Control Exemption/Control Certificate carried on board? Yes No Issued at date
Re-inspection required? Yes No
Has ship/vessel visited an affected area identified by the World Health Organization? Yes No
Port and date of visit
List ports of call from commencement of voyage with dates of departure, or within past thirty days, whichever is shorter:
Upon request of the competent authority at the port of arrival, list crew members, passengers or other persons who have joined ship/vessel
since international voyage began or within past thirty days, whichever is shorter, including all ports/countries visited in this period (add
additional names to the attached schedule):
(1) Name joined from: (1) (2) (3)
Number of crew members on board
Number of passengers on board
Health questions
(1) Has any person died on board during the voyage otherwise than as a result of accident? Yes No
If Yes, state particulars in attached schedule. Total no. of deaths
(2) Is there on board or has there been during the international voyage any case of disease which you suspect
to be of an infectious nature? Yes No If yes, state particulars in attached schedule.
(3) Has the total number of ill passengers during the voyage been greater than normal/expected? Yes No
How many ill persons?
(4) Is there any ill person on board now? Yes No If yes, state particulars in attached schedule.
(5) Was a medical practitioner consulted? Yes No If yes, state particulars of medical treatment or advice
provided in attached schedule.
(6) Are you aware of any condition on board which may lead to infection or spread of disease? Yes No
If yes, state particulars in attached schedule.
(7) Has any sanitary measure (e.g. quarantine, isolation, disinfection) been applied on board? Yes No
If yes, specify type, place and date
(8) Have any stowaways been found on board? Yes No If yes, where did they join the ship (if known)?
(9) Is there a sick animal or pet on board? Yes No
Note: In the absence of a surgeon, the master should regard the following symptoms as grounds for suspecting the nature:
existence of a disease of an infectious
(a) fever, persisting for several days or accompanied by (i) prostration; (ii) decreased consciousness; (iii) glandular swelling;
(iv) jaundice; (v) cough or shortness of breath; (vi) unusual bleeding; or (vii) paralysis.
(b) with or without fever: (i) any acute skin rash or eruption; (ii) severe vomiting (other than sea sickness); (iii) severe
diarrhea; or (iv) recurrent convulsions.
I hereby declare that the particulars and answers to the questions given in this Declaration of Health (including the schedule)
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date
Signed Countersigned
Master Ship's Surgeon (if carried)
DOC.NO. : FO7.701
PAGE : 1 OF 2
CHECKLISTS & FORMS DATE : 17.01.2013
7.7 RISK ASSESSMENT PREPARED : CS
EDITION : 3
This checklist is not intended to be exhaustive or in any way limiting necessary steps and actions.
You may take additional actions based upon the circumstances of the actual situation.
7.7.1 RISK ASSESSMENT WORK SHEET (PART 1)
Vessel’s Name: Date:
Topic: Coronavirus COVID-19 protective measures Number:
PART 1 HAZARD ANALYSIS OF THE INTENDED WORK ACTIVITY
Existing Control Measures

No. Description of Identified Hazards
to protect Personnel from Harm
1 Coronavirus infection Regularly clean hands with an alcohol-based
hand rub or wash them with soap and
water.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover mouth and nose with your bent elbow
or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Maintain at least 1 metre distance between
yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing.
Thoroughly cook meat and eggs.
2 Fever, cough and difficulty breathing Seek medical care immediatly

DOC.NO. : FO7.702
PAGE : 1 OF 2
EDITION : 2
7.7.2 RISK ASSESSMENT WORK SHEET (PART 2 AND 3)
Vessel’s Name: Date:

Topic: Coronavirus COVID-19 protective measures Number:
PART 2: ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTOR
LIKELIHOOD SEVERITY OF HARM

OF HARM Slight Harm Moderate Harm Extreme Harm
Very Unlikely Very Low Risk Very Low Risk High Risk
Unlikely Very Low Risk Medium Risk Very High Risk
Likely Low Risk High Risk Very High Risk
Very Likely Low Risk Very High Risk Very High Risk
1) Select the expression for likelihood which most applies to the hazard
2) Select the expression for Severity of Harm which most applies to the hazard
3) Cross reference using Risk Estimator table to determine the level of risk
4) If the risk factor is medium or above additional control measures should be implemented
PART 3: ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HARM
HAZARD RISK FACTOR ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES

1 High Risk Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flue-like
symptoms.
Avoid unprotected contact with live wild or animals
Wash hands several times per day
Cover mouth and nose with tissue, sleeve or elbow when
coughing or sneezing and throw tissue into closed bin after use.
Use different chopping boards and knives for raw meat and
cooked foods.
2 High Risk Immediatly arrange carantine and inform company.
Immedialy need to contact doctors asap
DOC.NO. : FO7.702
PAGE : 2 OF 2
EDITION : 2
Is a Work Permit necessary for this type of activity? YES NO
Next date of Review: In case of situation will be changed
Assessor: Captain _____________

(Name + Signature)
COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers
17
Protect yourself and

others from getting sick
When coughing and Throw the tissue
sneezing, cover your nose into a closed bin
and mouth with immediately
a tissue or a after use
flexed elbow
Clean your hands with an alcohol- Avoid touching

based hand rub or with soap and eyes, nose
hot water for at least 20 seconds: and mouth
• After coughing or sneezing
• When caring for the sick
• Before, during and after
preparing food
• Before eating
• After toilet use
• When hands are
visibly dirty
COVID-19
18
Practise
Food Safety
Meat products can be safely Do not eat sick or
consumed if they are diseased animals
cooked thoroughly and
properly handled
during food
preparation
Use different Wash your hands with soap

chopping boards and hot water for at least
and knives for 20 seconds between
raw meat and handling raw and
cooked foods cooked food
COVID-19
19
Stay healthy
while travelling
Avoid these modes of travel if
you have a fever or a cough
Eat only Avoid spitting

well-cooked food in public
Avoid close contact and travel with

sick animals, particularly in wet markets
When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and

nose with a tissue or flexed elbow. Throw the tissue into a
closed bin immediately after use and clean your hands
Frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand

rub or with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Avoid close contact with people suffering from a fever or a cough
If wearing a face mask, be sure it covers your mouth and nose

and do not touch it once on. Immediately discard single-use
masks after each use and clean your hands after removing masks
If you become sick while travelling, tell crew or ground staff
Seek medical care early if you become sick,

and share your history with your health provider
Operational considerations for managing
COVID-19 cases or outbreaks on board ships
Interim guidance
25 March 2020
Background Prior to boarding

This document has been prepared based on current evidence Pre-boarding information
about the transmission of COVID-19, that is, Passengers and crew members should receive information in
human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets or accordance with WHO’s advice for international traffic in
direct contact with an infected person. It is recommended relation to the outbreak of COVID-19.
that this guidance be used with the World Health
Organization (WHO) Handbook for management of public Pre-disembarkation information
health events on board ships.1 Until the COVID-19 public health emergency of international
concern is terminated, it is recommended that all passengers
The target audience for this document is any authority and crew members complete their PLF, and this should be
involved in the public health response to a COVID-19 public kept on board for at least 1 month after their disembarkation.
health event on board a ship, including International Health Information in the completed PLF should be provided upon
Regulations (IHR) National Focal Points (NFPs), port health request to health authorities to facilitate contact tracing if a
authorities, and local, provincial, and national health confirmed case is detected after disembarkation or after the
surveillance and response systems, as well as port operators voyage has ended.
and ship operators.
Pre-boarding screening
Until the COVID-19 outbreak is over, passenger ships on an
Management plan for outbreaks of COVID-19 international voyage are advised to provide passengers with
general information on COVID-19 and preventive measures
Passenger ships sailing on an international voyage are advised and to implement pre-boarding screening with the purpose of
to develop a written plan for disease outbreak management deferring or rescheduling the boarding of any traveller
that covers the definitions of a suspected case of COVID-19, identified through a questionnaire (Annex I) as being a
the definition of contacts and an isolation plan. contact of someone with COVID-19 to ensure proper
management by port health authorities.
The outbreak management plan should include descriptions
of the following: WHO defines a contact as a person who experienced any one
 the location or locations where suspected cases will of the following exposures during the 2 days before and the
be isolated individually until disembarkation and 14 days after the onset of symptoms of a probable or
transfer to a health care facility; confirmed case:
 how the necessary communications between  Face-to-face contact with a probable or confirmed
departments (for example, medical, housekeeping, case within 1 meter and for more than 15 minutes;
laundry, room service) about persons in isolation  Direct physical contact with a probable or confirmed
will be managed; case;
 the clinical management of suspected cases while  Direct care for a patient with probable or confirmed
they remain on board; COVID-19 disease without using proper personal
 cleaning and disinfection procedures for potentially protective equipment; OR
contaminated areas, including the isolation cabins or  Other situations as indicated by local risk
areas; assessments.2
 how contacts of the suspected case will be managed;
 procedures to collect Passenger/Crew Locator Education
Forms (PLF); Ship owners should provide guidance to the crew about how
 how food service and utensils, waste management to recognize the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
services, and laundry will be provided to the isolated
travellers. Crew should be reminded of the procedures to be followed
when a passenger or a crew member on board displays signs
Staff on board should have knowledge of the outbreak and symptoms indicative of acute respiratory disease.
management plan and should implement it as required.
Country-specific guidance for crew members about
prevention measures may be available.3
-1-
Operational considerations for managing COVID-19 cases or outbreaks on board ships: interim guidance
Additional guidance is available in WHO’s interim guidance  When loading patients into the ambulance, transport
about home care for patients with suspected COVID-19 staff, including medical staff, should routinely
infection who have mild symptoms and how to manage their perform hand hygiene and wear a medical mask, eye
contacts4 and about the use of medical masks.5 protection (goggles or a face shield), a long-sleeved
gown, and gloves.
Health care staff on board ships should be informed and  Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be
updated about the outbreak of COVID-19 and any new changed after loading each patient and disposed of
evidence and guidance available for health care staff. appropriately in containers with a lid and in
accordance with national regulations for disposing
of infectious waste.
 The driver of the ambulance must remain separate
Managing a suspected case on board a ship from the cases (keeping at least 1 m distance). No
Case definitions PPE is required if distance can be maintained or a
physical separation exists. If drivers must also help
Please see WHO case definitions for suspect case of load the patients into the ambulance, they should
COVID-19.2 follow the PPE recommendations in the previous
Activate the outbreak management plan point.
 Transport vehicles must have as high a volume of air
If it is determined that there is a suspect case of COVID-19 exchange as possible (for example, by opening the
on board, the outbreak management plan should be activated. windows).
The suspected case should be immediately instructed to wear  Transport staff should frequently clean their hands
a medical mask, follow cough etiquette, and practice hand with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
hygiene; the suspected case should be isolated in a predefined and ensure that they clean their hands before putting
isolation ward, cabin, room or quarters, with the door closed. on PPE and after removing it.
Infection control measures should be applied in accordance  Ambulances and transport vehicles should be
with WHO guidance.2,6 The disembarkation and transfer of cleaned and disinfected, with particular attention
the suspected case to an onshore health care facility for paid to the areas in contact with the suspected case.
further assessment and laboratory testing should be arranged Cleaning should be done with regular household
as soon as possible in cooperation with the health authorities soap or detergent first and then, after rinsing, regular
at the port. household disinfectant containing 0.5% sodium
hypochlorite (that is, equivalent to 5000 ppm or
In addition to the medical personnel providing health care, all 1-part bleach to 99 parts water) should be applied.
persons entering the isolation area should be appropriately
trained before entering that area, should apply standard Notification and reporting requirements
precautions and contact and droplet precautions as described for WHO State Parties
in WHO’s guidance for infection prevention and control.6
The authority at the port must inform immediately its
Obligations of ship owners IHR NFP if a suspected case of COVID-19 has been
identified. When the laboratory testing has been completed
In accordance with the IHR, the master of the ship must and if the suspected case is positive for the virus that causes
immediately inform the port health authority at the next port COVID-19, then the IHR NFP shall inform WHO.
of call about any suspected case of COVID-19.7 For ships on
an international voyage, the Maritime Declaration of Health The IHR NFP will pay attention to IHR Article 43, which
should be completed and sent to the port authority in concerns additional health measures. It states that State
accordance with local requirements at the port of call. Parties implementing any additional health measure that
significantly interferes with international traffic (such as
Ship owners must facilitate the use of health measures and refusal of entry or departure of international travellers and/or
provide all public health information requested by the health ships, or their delay for more than 24 hours) shall provide to
authority at the port. Ship operators shall provide to the port WHO the public health rationale and relevant scientific
health authorities all essential information (that is, PLFs, the information for it.
crew list, and the passenger list ) to conduct contact tracing
when a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been identified on
board or when a traveller who has been on board and possibly
was exposed during the voyage is diagnosed as a confirmed Managing contacts
case after the end of the voyage.
To avoid delays in implementing health measures, contact
Disembarkation of suspected cases tracing should begin immediately after a suspected case has
been identified on board without waiting for laboratory
During the disembarkation of suspected cases, every effort results. Every effort should be made to minimize the exposure
should be made to minimize the exposure of other persons of other travellers to and on-board environmental exposures
and environmental contamination. Suspect cases should be of the suspected case, and contacts must be separated from
provided with a surgical mask to minimize the risk of other travellers as soon as possible
transmission. Staff involved in transporting suspected
cases should apply infection control practices by following
WHO’s guidance.5,6 These practices are summarized below.
-2-
The WHO definition of a contact is provided above (see Prior place), in accordance with instructions received from the port
to boarding). In the context of a suspect case identified on health authorities.
board a ship, a contact could be considered as an individual
who:
If the laboratory result is positive, then all contacts should be
 stayed in the same cabin as a suspected or confirmed quarantined in specially designated onshore facilities and not
COVID‑19 case; allowed to travel internationally, unless this has been
 had physical contact (face to face contact within arranged following WHO’s advice for repatriation, which
1 metre for more than 15 min) or were in a closed also discusses quarantine measures.9 Persons in quarantine
environment with a suspected or confirmed who had close contact with a confirmed case should
COVID-19 case: immediately inform health services if they develop any
– for passengers, this may include symptoms within 14 days of their last contact with the
participating in common activities on confirmed case. If no symptoms appear within 14 days of
board the ship or while ashore, if within their last exposure, the contact is no longer considered to be
1 metre for more than 15 minutes, such as at risk of developing COVID-19.10 The implementation of
travelling together, dining at the same these specific precautions may be modified depending on the
table; risk assessments for individual cases and their contacts as
– for crew members, this may include, for conducted by the public health authorities.
example, cabin stewards who cleaned the
cabin where patients were identified, or If the laboratory result is positive, then all other travellers
restaurant staff who delivered food to the who do not fulfil the definition of a close contact will be
cabin where patients were identified, as considered as having had a low-risk exposure; they should
well as gym trainers who provided close complete the PLF with their contact details and the locations
instruction to the case; crew working in the where they will be staying for the following 14 days. The
same work area of the ship as the suspected implementation of these precautions may be modified
or confirmed COVID-19 case who is a depending on the risk assessments conducted by the public
member of a crew. health authorities. Further instructions may be given by the
 is a health care worker or another person who health authorities.
provided care for a suspected or confirmed
COVID‑19 case. Travellers should be provided with information and advice
about:9
WHO recommends that all contacts of COVID-19 patients be  the symptoms of COVID-19 and how it can be
quarantined for 14 days from the last time they were exposed transmitted;
to the patient.8
 the need to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
Contacts should be informed in advance about when and for 14 days from their last exposure to the confirmed
where to seek care if they become ill, the most appropriate case, including fever of any grade, cough, or
mode of transportation to use once on land, when and where difficulty breathing;
to enter the designated health care facility, and which  the need to immediately self-isolate and contact
IPC precautions should be followed. health services if any symptoms appear within the
14 days. If no symptoms appear within 14 days of
If a contact develops symptoms, the contact should wear a
their last exposure, the traveller is no longer
medical mask, considered as suspect case, and treated as such.
considered to be at risk of developing COVID-19.
Any surfaces that become soiled with respiratory secretions
or other body fluids during transport should be cleaned with
soap or detergent and then disinfected with a regular Measures on board the ship
household product containing a 0.5% diluted bleach solution.
If the affected ship calls at a port other than the turnaround
port, the port health authority should conduct a risk
Follow-up of contacts assessment and may decide in consultation with the ship’s
If a large outbreak occurs as a result of ongoing transmission owner to end the cruise. The ship should be inspected
on board a ship, crew members and passengers should be according to Article 27 of the IHR (2005), which discusses
assessed to determine whether they were exposed to the affected conveyances, and then health measures (such as
suspected or confirmed case. If it is difficult to identify the cleaning and disinfection) should be applied based on the
contacts and if widespread transmission is identified, then all findings of the inspection. Detailed guidance from WHO is
travellers (passengers and crew) on board could be considered available in the Handbook for inspection of ships and
contacts. issuance of ship sanitation certificates.11 For more details
about the inspection, see the section on environmental
investigation in this document. Infectious waste should be
Until the laboratory result for the suspected case is available, disposed of in accordance with the port authority’s
all travellers who fulfil the definition of a close contact should procedures. Health measures implemented on the ship should
be asked to complete the PLF (Annex II) and remain on board be noted in the Ship Sanitation Certificate.
the ship in their cabins or, preferably, at a specially designated
onshore facility (if feasible and when the ship is at the The next voyage can start after thorough cleaning and
turnaround port where the embarkation or disembarkation of disinfection have been completed. Active surveillance should
passengers or discharge or loading of cargo and stores takes take place on board the ship for the following 14 days. The
ship’s owner could also explore the possibility of starting the
next voyage with a new crew on board, if feasible.
-3-
participation in on-board events or in the ship’s public areas

Cleaning and disinfection (such as gym, theatre, cinema, casino, spa, recreational water
facilities); the deck of the cabin where the cases and contacts
In accordance with WHO’s guidance about infection
stayed; and the fire zone and air handling units. Records to be
prevention and control during health care when COVID-19 is
reviewed in the investigation are the ship manifest, the ship
suspected,6 medical facilities, cabins and quarters occupied
schematics, cabin reservation lists, activities reservation lists,
by patients and close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case
records of vomiting incidence, accidental faecal release
should be cleaned and disinfected daily, and cleaning and
records for pools, dining reservation lists, medical logs of
disinfection should be carried out after they have
passengers and crew with gastrointestinal issues, cabin plans,
disembarked. The remainder of the ship should also be
the cabin stewards assigned to each cabin and their shifts, and
cleaned and disinfected.
any records about the demographic characteristics of the
travellers. The minimum data requirements are included in
Detailed information about cleaning and disinfecting cabins the Public Health Passenger/Crew Locator Form (Annex II).
can be found in WHO’s interim guidance about home care for
patients with suspected COVID-19 and how to manage their Environmental investigation
contacts.4.
A focused inspection should be conducted to assess whether
the isolation procedures and other measures on board the ship
Laundry, food service utensils, and waste from the cabins of were applied properly, sufficient PPE supplies were available,
suspected cases and their contacts should be handled as if and staff were trained in the use of PPE. Housekeeping,
infectious and according to the outbreak management plan cleaning and disinfection procedures (such as protocols,
provided on board for other infectious diseases (for example, products, concentrations, contact times, use of PPE, mixing
for norovirus gastroenteritis). processes), and the frequency of cleaning and disinfection
(especially of areas that are frequently touched) should be
It is essential that the ship remains at the port while the ship checked during the inspection. The focused inspection should
is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. also determine whether any crew might have been working
while symptomatic, including food handlers, housekeeping
staff, and spa staff.
A ship considered to have been affected shall cease to be
regarded as such when the port health authority is satisfied If feasible, samples from environmental surfaces and
with the health measures undertaken and when there are no materials could be collected and sent to a laboratory for
conditions on board that could constitute a public health risk.7 testing both before and after the cleaning and disinfection
procedures. Staff should use PPE to avoid becoming infected.
The following environmental samples might be collected:
Outbreak investigation surface swabs from cabins where cases stayed, frequently
touched surfaces in public areas, and food preparation areas,
Efforts to control the COVID-19 epidemic focus on
including pantries close to the cabins of affected travellers;
containing the disease and preventing new cases. On board
air from cabins where cases stayed and medical rooms where
ships it is essential to identify the most likely mode or modes
cases were isolated; air from the sewage treatment unit
of transmission and the initial source or sources of the
exhaust and engine exhaust; air ducts; air filters in the air
outbreak. Because the outbreak may have international
handling units of the cabin; and sewage and recreational
ramifications, on large ships, including cruise ships that carry
water buffer tanks.
nationals from many countries or areas, the outbreak
investigation requires coordinated efforts.
Article 6 of IHR (2005) provides that a State Party shall

communicate to WHO all timely, accurate, and sufficiently References
detailed public health information available to it about the 1. Handbook for management of public health events
notified event (such as case definitions, laboratory results, on board ships. Geneva: World Health
source and type of the risk, number of cases and deaths, Organization; 2016
conditions affecting the spread of the disease, and the health (https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/20
measures employed) and report any difficulties in responding 5796/9789241549462_eng.pdf, accessed
to the public health emergency of international concern and 24 February 2020).
the support needed.7 2. Global surveillance for COVID-19 caused by
human infection with COVID-19 virus : interim
Epidemiological investigation
guidance. Geneva: World Health Organization;
The field investigation team should take all necessary 2020 (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/
precautions and use PPE appropriately to avoid becoming novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-
infected. guidance/surveillance-and-case-definitions).
3. Interim guidance for ships on managing suspected
For close contacts, the analyses should consider the following coronavirus disease 2019. Atlanta (GA): Centers
risk factors, where applicable: who shared cabins, their for Disease Control and Prevention; 2020
companions, groups travelling together, and their (https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/maritime/recomm
participation in onshore activities; the restaurants and bars endations-for-ships.html, accessed
they attended, seating arrangements at meals based on 24 February 2020).
reservation lists, buffet service seating locations (schematics);
-4-
4. Home care for patients with COVID-19 presenting 8. Considerations for quarantine of individuals in the
with mild symptoms and management of their context of containment for coronavirus disease
contacts: interim guidance. Geneva: World Health (COVID-19): interim guidance. Geneva: World
Organization; 2020 Health Organization;2020
(https://www.who.int/publications-detail/home- (https://www.who.int/publications-
care-for-patients-with-suspected-novel- detail/considerations-for-quarantine-of-individuals-
coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-presenting-with-mild- in-the-context-of-containment-for-coronavirus-
symptoms-and-management-of-contacts). disease-(covid-19).
5. Advice on the use of masks in the community, 9. Key considerations for repatriation and quarantine
during home care and in health care settings in the of travellers in relation to the outbreak of novel
context of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) coronavirus 2019-nCoV 2020 [updated 11
outbreak: interim guidance. Geneva: World Health February 202013/2/2020]. Geneva: World Health
Organization; 2020 Organization; 2020
(https://www.who.int/publications-detail/advice- (https://www.who.int/ith/Repatriation_Quarantine_
on-the-use-of-masks-in-the-community-during- nCoV-key-considerations_HQ-final11Feb.pdf,
home-care-and-in-healthcare-settings-in-the- accessed 24 February 2020).
context-of-the-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)- 10. Public health management of persons having had
outbreak). contact with novel coronavirus cases in the
6. Infection prevention and control during health care European Union. Stockholm: European Centre for
when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is Disease Prevention and Control; 2020
suspected: interim guidance. Geneva: World Health (https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-
Organization;2020 data/public-health-management-persons-having-
(https://www.who.int/publications-detail/infection- had-contact-novel-coronavirus-cases, accessed
prevention-and-control-during-health-care-when- 24 February 2020).
novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected- 11. International Health Regulations (2005): handbook
20200125). for inspection of ships and issuance of ship
7. International Health Regulations (2005), third sanitation certificates. Geneva: World Health
edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016 Organization; 2011 (WHO/HSE/IHR/LYO/2011.3;
(http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/246107/1/ https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44594,
9789241580496-eng.pdf, accessed accessed 24 February 2020).
24 February 2020).
Acknowledgements
WHO gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the
WHO Collaborating Centre For The International Health
Regulations: Points Of Entry, University of Thessaly, Greece,
for its help in developing this document..
-5-
Annex I
Sample pre-boarding questionnaire
The questionnaire is to be completed by all adults before embarkation.
Name as shown in the passport:
_______________________________
Names of all children travelling with you who are under 18 years old:
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Questions
Within the past 14 days:
 have you, or has any person listed above, had close contact with anyone diagnosed as having coronavirus COVID-19?
 have you, or has any person listed above, provided care for someone with COVID-19 or worked with a health care
worker infected with COVID-19?
 have you, or has any person listed above, visited or stayed in close proximity to anyone with COVID-19?
 have you, or has any person listed above, worked in close proximity to or shared the same classroom environment with
someone with COVID-19?
 have you, or has any person listed above, travelled with a patient with COVID-19 in any kind of conveyance?
 have you, or has any person listed above, lived in the same household as a patient with COVID-19?
-6-
Annex II
Public Health Passenger/Crew Locator Form
-7-
© World Health Organization 2020. Some rights reserved. This work is available under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO
licence.
WHO reference number: WHO/2019-nCoV/Ships/2020.2
-8-
Home care for patients with COVID-19 presenting with mild
symptoms and management of their contacts
Interim guidance
17 March 2020
Background those with mild disease and risk for poor outcome (age >60
years, cases with underlying co-morbidities, e.g., chronic
cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes,
WHO has developed this interim guidance to meet the need
cancer).
for recommendations on safe home care for patients with
suspected COVID-19 who present with mild symptomsa and If all mild cases cannot be isolated in health facilities, then
on public health measures related to the management of their those with mild illness and no risk factors may need to be
contacts. isolated in non-traditional facilities, such as repurposed hotels,
stadiums or gymnasiums where they can remain until their
This document was adapted from the interim guidance on
symptoms resolve and laboratory tests for COVID-19 virus
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
are negative. Alternatively, patients with mild disease and no
infection that was published in June 20181 and is informed by
risk factors can be managed at home.
evidence-based guidelines published by WHO, including
Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-
prone acute respiratory diseases in health care,2 and based on
current information on COVID-19. Home care for patients with suspected
This rapid advice has been updated with the latest information COVID-19 who present with mild symptoms
and is intended to guide public health and infection
prevention and control (IPC) professionals, health care
managers and health care workers (HCWs) when addressing For those presenting with mild illness, hospitalization may
issues related to home care for patients with suspected not be possible because of the burden on the health care
COVID-19 who present with mild symptoms and when system, or required unless there is concern about rapid
managing their contacts. This guidance is based on evidence deterioration.3 If there are patients with only mild illness,
about COVID-19 and the feasibility of implementing IPC providing care at home may be considered, as long as they
measures at home. For the purpose of this document, can be followed up and cared for by family members. Home
“caregivers” refers to parents, spouses, and other family care may also be considered when inpatient care is
members or friends without formal health care training. unavailable or unsafe (e.g. capacity is limited, and resources
are unable to meet the demand for health care services).
In any of these situations, patients with mild symptoms1 and
Please refer to the Global Surveillance for human infection
without underlying chronic conditions − such as lung or heart
with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for case definitions.
disease, renal failure, or immunocompromising conditions
Please refer to Infection prevention and control during health
that place the patient at increased risk of developing
care when COVID-19 is suspected for guidance on IPC at the
complications − may be cared for at home. This decision
health care facility level.
requires careful clinical judgment and should be informed by
an assessment of the safety of the patient’s home
environment.b2
Where to manage COVID-19 patients In cases in which care is to be provided at home, if and where
WHO recommends that all laboratory confirmed cases be feasible, a trained HCW should conduct an assessment to
isolated and cared for in a health care facility. WHO verify whether the residential setting is suitable for providing
recommends that all persons with suspected COVID-19 who care; the HCW must assess whether the patient and the family
have severe acute respiratory infection be triaged at the first are capable of adhering to the precautions that will be
point of contact with the health care system and that recommended as part of home care isolation (e.g., hand
emergency treatment should be started based on disease hygiene, respiratory hygiene, environmental cleaning,
severity. WHO has updated treatment guidelines for patients limitations on movement around or from the house) and can
with ARI associated with COVID-19, which includes address safety concerns (e.g., accidental ingestion of and fire
guidance for vulnerable populations (e.g., older adults, hazards associated with using alcohol-based hand rubs).
pregnant women and children). In situations where isolation If and where feasible, a communication link with health care
in a health care facility of all cases is not possible, WHO provider or public health personnel, or both, should be
emphasizes the prioritization of those with highest probability established for the duration of the home care period – that is,
of poor outcomes: patients with severe and critical illness and until the patient’s symptoms have completely resolved. More
a Mild illness may include: uncomplicated upper respiratory tract throat, dyspnea, nasal congestion, or headache. Rarely, patients may
viral infection symptoms such as fever, fatigue, cough (with or also present with diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.
without sputum production), anorexia, malaise, muscle pain, sore b A sample checklist for assessing environmental conditions in the
home is available in the Annex C of reference 2.
1
Home care for patients with COVID-19 presenting with mild symptoms and management of their contacts
comprehensive information about COVID-19 and its Remove the mask using the appropriate technique – that
transmission is required to define the duration of home is, do not touch the front, but instead untie it. Discard the
isolation precautions. mask immediately after use and perform hand hygiene.
• Avoid direct contact with body fluids, particularly oral or
Patients and household members should be educated about respiratory secretions, and stool. Use disposable gloves
personal hygiene, basic IPC measures, and how to care as and a mask when providing oral or respiratory care and
safely as possible for the person suspected of having COVID- when handling stool, urine, and other waste. Perform
19 to prevent the infection from spreading to household hand hygiene before and after removing gloves and the
contacts. The patient and household members should be mask.
provided with ongoing support and education, and monitoring • Do not reuse masks or gloves.
should continue for the duration of home care. Household
members should adhere to the following recommendations. • Use dedicated linen and eating utensils for the patient;
these items should be cleaned with soap and water after
• Place the patient in a well-ventilated single room use and may be re-used instead of being discarded.
(i.e. with open windows and an open door).
• Daily clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently
• Limit the movement of the patient in the house and touched in the room where the patient is being cared for,
minimize shared space. Ensure that shared spaces such as bedside tables, bedframes, and other bedroom
(e.g. kitchen, bathroom) are well ventilated (keep furniture. Regular household soap or detergent should be
windows open). used first for cleaning, and then, after rinsing, regular
• Household members should stay in a different room or, household disinfectant containing 0.1% sodium
if that is not possible, maintain a distance of at least 1 hypochlorite (i.e. equivalent to 1000 ppm) should be
metre from the ill person (e.g. sleep in a separate bed).c3 applied.
• Limit the number of caregivers. Ideally, assign one • Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least
person who is in good health and has no underlying once daily. Regular household soap or detergent should
chronic or immunocompromising conditions.3 Visitors be used first for cleaning, and then, after rinsing, regular
should not be allowed until the patient has completely household disinfectant containing 0.1% sodium
recovered and has no signs or symptoms of COVID-19. hypochlorite should be applied.
• Perform hand hygiene after any type of contact with • Clean the patient’s clothes, bed linen, and bath and hand
patients or their immediate environment.4 Hand hygiene towels using regular laundry soap and water or machine
should also be performed before and after preparing food, wash at 60–90 °C (140–194 °F) with common household
before eating, after using the toilet, and whenever hands detergent, and dry thoroughly. Place contaminated linen
look dirty. If hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based into a laundry bag. Do not shake soiled laundry and avoid
hand rub can be used. For visibly dirty hands, use soap contaminated materials coming into contact with skin
and water. and clothes.
• When washing hands with soap and water, it is preferable • Gloves and protective clothing (e.g. plastic aprons)
to use disposable paper towels to dry hands. If these are should be used when cleaning surfaces or handling
not available, use clean cloth towels and replace them clothing or linen soiled with body fluids. Depending on
frequently. the context, either utility or single-use gloves can be used.
After use, utility gloves should be cleaned with soap and
• To contain respiratory secretions, a medical maskd 4 water and decontaminated with 0.1% sodium
should be provided to the patient and worn as much as hypochlorite solution. Single-use gloves (e.g. nitrile or
possible, and changed daily. Individuals who cannot latex) should be discarded after each use. Perform hand
tolerate a medical mask should use rigorous respiratory hygiene before putting on and after removing gloves.
hygiene; that is, the mouth and nose should be covered
with a disposable paper tissue when coughing or • Gloves, masks, and other waste generated during home
sneezing. Materials used to cover the mouth and nose care should be placed into a waste bin with a lid in the
should be discarded or cleaned appropriately after use patient’s room before disposing of it as infectious
(e.g. wash handkerchiefs using regular soap or detergent waste.e5The onus of disposal of infectious waste resides
and water). with the local sanitary authority.
• Avoid other types of exposure to contaminated items
• Caregivers should wear a medical mask that covers their from the patient’s immediate environment (e.g. do not
mouth and nose when in the same room as the patient. share toothbrushes, cigarettes, eating utensils, dishes,
Masks should not be touched or handled during use. If drinks, towels, washcloths, or bed linen).
the mask gets wet or dirty from secretions, it must be
replaced immediately with a new clean, dry mask.
cAn exception may be made for breastfeeding mothers. Considering d Medical masks are surgical or procedure masks that are flat or
the benefits of breastfeeding and the insignificant role of breast milk pleated (some are shaped like a cup); they are held in place by
in the transmission of other respiratory viruses, a mother could can strings that tie around the back of the head.
continue breastfeeding. The mother should wear a medical mask e The local sanitary authority should adopt measures to ensure that
when she is near her baby and perform hand hygiene before and after the waste is disposed of at a sanitary landfill and not at an
having close contact with the baby. She will also need to follow the unmonitored open dump.
other hygiene measures described in this document.
2
• When HCWs provide home care, they should perform a as far away from others as possible (at least 1 metre)
risk assessment to select the appropriate personal when in transit and when in the health care facility.
protective equipment and follow the recommendations • Any surfaces that become soiled with respiratory
for droplet and contact precautions. secretions or other body fluids during transport should be
• For mild laboratory confirmed patients who are cared for cleaned with soap or detergent and then disinfected with
at home, to be released from home isolation, cases must a regular household product containing a 0.5% diluted
test negative using PCR testing twice from samples bleach solution.
collected at least 24 hours apart. Where testing is not
possible, WHO recommends that confirmed patients Acknowledgements
remain isolated for an additional two weeks after
symptoms resolve. The original version of the MERS-CoV IPC guidance (1) that
constituted the basis for this document was developed in
consultation with WHO’s Global Infection Prevention and
Management of contacts Control Network and other international experts.
WHO thanks those who were involved in developing the
Persons (including caregivers and HCWs) who have been IPC documents for MERS-CoV.
exposed to individuals with suspected COVID-19 are
considered contacts and should be advised to monitor their
WHO thanks the following individuals for providing review:
health for 14 days from the last day of possible contact.
Abdullah M Assiri, Director General, Infection Control,
A contact is a person who is involved in any of the following Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia; Michael Bell, Deputy
from 2 days before and up to 14 days after the onset of Director of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion,
symptoms in the patient:5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA,
USA; Gail Carson, ISARIC Global Support Centre, Director
• Having face-to-face contact with a COVID-19 patient
of Network Development, Consultant in Infectious
within 1 meter and for >15 minutes;
Diseases, and Honorary Consultant with Public Health
• Providing direct care for patients with COVID-19
England, United Kingdom; John M Conly, Department of
disease without using proper personal protective
Medicine, Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious
equipment;
Diseases, Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for
• Staying in the same close environment as a COVID-19
Chronic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary,
patient (including sharing a workplace, classroom or
Calgary, Canada; Barry Cookson, Division of Infection and
household or being at the same gathering) for any amount
Immunity, University College London, United Kingdom;
of time;
Babacar NDoye, Board Member, Infection Control Network,
• Travelling in close proximity with (that is, within 1 m
Dakar, Senegal; Kathleen Dunn, Manager,
separation from) a COVID-19 patient in any kind of
Healthcare-Associated Infections and Infection Prevention
conveyance;
and Control Section, Centre for Communicable Disease
• and other situations, as indicated by local risk
Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada;
assessments.
Dale Fisher, Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network
A way for caregivers to communicate with a health care Steering Committee; Fernanda Lessa, Epidemiologist,
provider should be established for the duration of the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for
observation period. Also, health care personnel should review Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Moi Lin
the health of contacts regularly by phone but, ideally and if Ling, Director, Infection Control Department, Singapore
feasible, through daily in-person visits, so specific diagnostic General Hospital, Singapore, and President of Asia Pacific
tests can be performed as necessary. Society of Infection Control; Didier Pittet, Director, Infection
Control Program and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient
The health care provider should give instructions to contacts Safety, University of Geneva Hospitals, and Faculty of
in advance about when and where to seek care if they become Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland;
ill, the most appropriate mode of transportation to use, when
Fernando Otaiza O’Ryan, Head, National IPC Program,
and where to enter the designated health care facility, and
Ministry of Health, Santiago, Chile; Diamantis Plachouras,
which IPC precautions should be followed.
Unit of Surveillance and Response Support, European Centre
If a contact develops symptoms, the following steps should for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden;
be taken. Wing Hong Seto, Department of Community Medicine,
School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, China,
• Notify the receiving medical facility that a symptomatic Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Nandini Shetty,
contact will be arriving. Consultant Microbiologist, Reference Microbiology Services,
• While traveling to seek care, the contact should wear a Health Protection Agency, Colindale, United Kingdom;
medical mask. Rachel M. Smith, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion,
• The contact should avoid taking public transportation to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta,
the facility if possible; an ambulance can be called, or the GA, USA.
ill contact can be transported in a private vehicle with all
windows open, if possible.
• The symptomatic contact should be advised to perform
respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene and to stand or sit
3
From WHO we also thank: Health Organization; 2009

Benedetta Allegranzi, Gertrude Avortri, April Baller, Ana (http://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44167, accessed
Paula Coutinho, Nino Dal Dayanghirang, Christine Francis, 20 January 2020).
Pierre Clave Kariyo, Maria Clara Padoveze, Joao Paulo
Toledo, Nahoko Shindo, Valeska Stempliuk, and
Laboratory testing for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Maria Van Kerkhove.
in suspected human cases: interim guidance, 17 January 2020.
Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020
(https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/330676, accessed
References 20 January 2020).
1. World Health Organization. Home care for patients with Chan JF, Yuan S, Kok KH, To KK, Chu H, Yang J, et al.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS- A familial cluster of pneumonia associated with the 2019
CoV) infection presenting with mild symptoms and novel coronavirus indicating person-to-person transmission:
management of contacts: interim guidance (accessed a study of a family cluster. Lancet. 2020. doi:
26 January 2020). 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30154-9.
2. World Health Organization. Infection prevention and
control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute Drosten C, Meyer B, Müller MA, Corman VM, Al-Masri M,
respiratory diseases in health care. (accessed 26 January Hossain R, et al. Transmission of MERS-coronavirus in
2020). household contacts. N Engl J Med. 2014;371:828-35.
doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1405858.
3. World Health Organization. Clinical management of
severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) when COVID- Health Protection Agency (HPA) UK Novel Coronavirus
19 disease is suspected. Geneva: World Health Investigation Team. Evidence of person-to-person
Organization; 2020 (accessed 17 March 2020). transmission within a family cluster of novel coronavirus
4. World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on hand infections, United Kingdom, February 2013. Euro Surveill.
hygiene in health care: first global patient safety 2013; 18(11): 20427. doi:10.2807/ese.18.11.20427-en.
challenge. (accessed 20 January 2020).
5. World Health Organization. Global surveillance for Hung C, Wang Y, Li X, Ren L, Yhao J, Hu Y, et al. Clinical
human infection with novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): features of patients infected with 2019 coronavirus in Wuhan,
interim guidance (accessed 17 March 2020). China. Lancet. 2020. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30183-5.
Li Q, Guan X, Wu P, Zhou L, Tong Y, Ren R, et al. Early

transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel
Further references coronavirus−infected pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2020.
World Health Organization. Management of asymptomatic doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2001316.
persons who are RT-PCR positive for Middle East
respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): interim Omrani AS, Matin MA, Haddad Q, Al-Nakhli D, Memish
guidance, (accessed 20 January 2020). ZA, Albarrak AM. A family cluster of Middle East
respiratory syndrome coronavirus infections related to a
likely unrecognized asymptomatic or mild case. Int J Infect
World Health Organization. Clinical management of severe Dis. 2013;17(9):e668-72. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2013.07.001.
acute respiratory infection when Middle East respiratory
syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection is suspected:
interim guidance, (accessed 20 January 2020). Ren LL, Wang YM, Wu YQ, Xiang YC, Guo L, Xu T, et al.
Identification of a novel coronavirus causing severe
pneumonia in human: a descriptive study. Chin Med J (Engl).
World Health Organization. Infection prevention and control 2020. doi:10.1097/CM9.0000000000000722.
during health care for probable or confirmed cases of
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-
CoV) infection: interim guidance. (accessed 20 January WHO continues to monitor the situation closely for any
2020). changes that may affect this interim guidance. Should any
factors change, WHO will issue a further update. Otherwise,
Atkinson J, Chartier Y, Pessoa-Silva CL, Jensen P, Li Y, this interim guidance document will expire 2 years after the
Seto WH, editors. Natural ventilation for infection control in date of publication.
health-care settings: WHO guidelines 2009. Geneva: World
© World Health Organization 2020. Some rights reserved. This work is available under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO licence.
WHO reference number: WHO/nCov/IPC/HomeCare/2020.3

4
Guidance for Ship Operators for the
Protection of the Health of Seafarers
Version 1.0 – 3 March 2020

Published by
Marisec Publications
38 St Mary Axe
London EC3A 8BH
Tel: +44 20 7090 1460
Email: publications@marisec.org
Web: www.ics-shipping.org
© Marisec Publications 2020
While the advice given in this Guidance has been developed using the best information available,
it is intended purely as guidance to be used at the user’s own risk. No responsibility is accepted
by Marisec Publications or by the International Chamber of Shipping or by any person, firm,
corporation or organisation who or which has been in any way concerned with the furnishing of
information or data, the compilation, publication or any translation, supply or sale of this Guidance
for the accuracy of any information or advice given herein or for any omission herefrom or from
any consequences whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly from compliance with or adoption of
guidance contained therein even if caused by a failure to exercise reasonable care.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the global trade association representing national
shipowners’ associations from Asia, the Americas and Europe and more than 80% of the world
merchant fleet.
Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all aspects of maritime affairs particularly maritime
safety, environmental protection, maritime law and employment affairs.
ICS enjoys consultative status with the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO).
3
Guidance for Ship Operators for the
Protection of the Health of Seafarers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) 4
Contents
1 Introduction 5
2 Port Entry Restrictions 6
3 Protective Measures Against COVID-19 for Seafarers 7
4 Outbreak Management Plan for COVID-19 8
5 Pre-Boarding Information 8
6 Pre-boarding Screening 8
7 Information and Awareness 8
8 Suspected Cases of Infection 9
9 Close Contacts (High Risk Exposure) 10
10 Hygiene Measures for Seafarers on Ships 10
11 Management of Suspect Cases by Medical Support Providers 11
12 Precautions at the Ship Medical Facility 11
13 Laboratory Testing 11
14 Case Handling 12
15 Isolation 12
16 Reporting to the Next Port of Call 13
17 Disembarkation of a Suspect and a Confirmed Case 13
18 Cleaning, Disinfection and Waste Management 14
19 Management of Contacts of a Suspect Case 14
20 Supplies and Equipment 15
Annex A – Posters 17
Annex B – Sample Pre-Boarding Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 21
Annex C – WHO COVID-19 Support and Logistics Supplies List,
with availability advice provided by IMHA 22
1 Introduction
In response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, this Guidance has been produced by the
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to support all types of ships which operate in international waters.
The purpose is to help shipping companies follow advice provided by United Nations agencies including
the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International
Labour Organization (ILO), as well as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
COVID-19 – a virus which can lead to respiratory disease and pneumonia – was first reported in December
2019 in Wuhan, China. More than 90,000 cases have been reported at the time of going to print, including
several thousand deaths. While most of these have been concentrated in China, the virus now appears to be
spreading globally. No vaccine is currently available, and the focus of health authorities worldwide has been
containment of the virus through preventative measures to limit and slow down widespread transmission.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the WHO
International Health Regulations (IHR).
This severe public health challenge requires close co-operation between governments and shipping
companies engaged in maritime trade, in order to protect the health of seafarers (and passengers) as well as
the general public.
ICS is grateful for the support of the following organisations in preparing this Guidance: IMO, ILO, WHO,
International Maritime Health Association (IMHA), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
(ECDC), Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) and Wilhelmsen Ships Service.
2 Port Entry Restrictions

WHO, as at 3rd March 2020, has not currently recommended any international travel or trade restrictions, and
according to the IHR (and other international regulations) ships shall not be refused ‘free pratique’ by the IHR
state parties for public health reasons, i.e. permission to enter a port, embark or disembark discharge or load
cargo or stores. The IHR states Parties may subject granting free pratique to inspection, and, if a source of
infection or contamination is found on board, conduct necessary, disinfection, decontamination, disinsection
or deratting, or other measures necessary to prevent spread of the infection or contamination.
The WHO IHR can be available at www.who.int/ihr/publications/9789241580496/en/
Nevertheless, many governments have now introduced national and local restrictions including:
• Delayed port clearance;
• Prevention of crew or passengers from embarking or disembarking (preventing shore leave and
crew changes);
• Prevention of discharging or loading cargo or stores, or taking on fuel, water, food and supplies; and
• Imposition of quarantine or refusal of port entry to ships (in extreme cases).
While such measures can severely disrupt maritime traffic – and may well be in breach of the IHR, the
Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention) and other maritime principles
regarding the rights and treatment of seafarers and passengers – the reality is that shipping companies may
have little choice but to adhere to these national and local restrictions due to the serious concern about
COVID-19 and the potential risk to public health.
However, it is very important for port States to accept all ships (both cargo and passenger), for docking
and to disembark suspected cases on board, as it is difficult to treat suspect cases on board and it could
endanger others.
If any infection or contamination is found on board visiting ships, port States may take additional measures
to prevent spread of the infection or contamination.
Together with flag States, companies and Masters should co-operate with port State authorities to ensure,
where appropriate, that:
• Seafarers can be changed;
• Passengers can embark and disembark;
• Shore leave can continue if safe to do so;
• Cargo operations can occur;
• Ships can enter and depart shipyards for repair and survey;
• Stores and supplies can be loaded; and
• Necessary certificates and documentation can be issued.
ILO has advised that during the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, effective protection of the health and safety of
seafarers must remain a priority. Under the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), flag States must ensure
all seafarers on ships flying their flag are covered by adequate measures to protect their health and that
they have access to prompt and adequate medical care while working on board.
Port States must ensure that any seafarers on board ships in their territory who need immediate medical
care are given access to medical facilities on shore.
Wilhelmsen Ships Service has developed an interactive map on current port restrictions which is available at
https://wilhelmsen.com/ships-agency/campaigns/coronavirus/coronavirus-map
3 Protective Measures Against

COVID-19 for Seafarers
Human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 is understood to occur primarily through droplets from a
person with COVID-19, e.g. from coughing and sneezing, landing on objects and surfaces around the person.
Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose
or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who
coughs, sneezes or breathes out droplets.
Seafarers (on board ship or on leave) should inform their healthcare providers if they have visited an area
where COVID-19 has been reported within the past 14 days, or if they have been in close contact with
someone with respiratory symptoms who has been to a place which has COVID-19.
If seafarers have fever, cough or difficulty breathing it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
When someone infected with a respiratory disease, such as COVID-19, coughs or sneezes they project
small droplets containing the virus. Sneezing or coughing into hands may contaminate objects, surfaces or
people that are touched. Standard Infection Protection and Control (IPC) precautions emphasise the vital
importance of hand and respiratory hygiene. In particular:
• Frequent hand washing by crew (and passengers) using soap and hot water or alcohol-based (at least
65–70%) hand rub for 20 seconds;
• Avoidance of touching the face including mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands (in case hands have
touched surfaces contaminated with the virus);
• Seafarers (and passengers) should be encouraged to cover their nose and mouth with a disposable tissue
when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing the nose then dispose of the used tissue immediately;
• If a tissue is not available, crew should cover their nose and mouth and cough or sneeze into a flexed elbow;
• All used tissues should be disposed of promptly into a waste bin;
• Seafarers should aim to keep at least one metre (3 feet) distance from other people, particularly those
that cough or sneeze or may have a fever. If they are too close, other crew members can potentially
breathe in the virus; and
• Meat, milk or animal products should always be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with
uncooked foods, consistent with good food safety practices.
It is important that seafarers should be given the time and opportunity to clean their hands after coughing,
sneezing, using tissues, or after possible contact with respiratory secretions or objects or surfaces that
might be contaminated.
Although face masks may provide some protection – especially if there is a risk of exposure when
interacting with persons from outside the ship – the routine use of face masks is not generally
recommended as protection against COVID-19. WHO advises that it is appropriate to use a mask when
coughing or sneezing. If an individual is healthy, it is only necessary to wear a mask if the person is taking
care of a person with the suspected COVID-19 infection.
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
Hand and respiratory hygiene are considered far more important.
Safety posters for ships are provided in Annex A.
4 Outbreak Management Plan for COVID-19

Ships should develop a written outbreak management plan. Seafarers on board should have knowledge of
the outbreak management plan and implement it as required.
Passengers and Seafarers should receive information in accordance with the WHO advice for international
traffic regarding the outbreak of COVID-19.
Advice is available on the WHO website for COVID-19 at www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
5 Pre-Boarding Information
This Guidance uses information contained in the WHO Operational considerations for managing COVID-19
cases/outbreak on board ships, interim guidance 24 February 2020. It is also recommended to use this
alongside the WHO Handbook for Management of Public Health Events on Board Ships.
www.who.int/publications-detail/operational-considerations-for-managing-covid-19-cases-outbreak-on-
board-ships
6 Pre-boarding Screening
Until the end of the COVID-19 outbreak, all ships are advised to provide passengers and seafarers with
general information on COVID-19 and its preventative measures and implement pre-boarding screening.
A sample pre-boarding Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is provided in Annex B. The purpose is to
identify passengers who may need to have their boarding deferred or rescheduled and to ensure proper
management by competent health authorities.
7 Information and Awareness

Ship Operators should provide guidance to crew on how to recognise the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Crew should be reminded of the plan and procedures to follow if a passenger or crew member on board
displays signs and symptoms of acute respiratory disease.
Country-specific guidance about prevention measures may be available, such as at
www.cdc.gov/quarantine/maritime/recommendations-for-ships.html
Medical staff on board ships should be informed and updated about the outbreak of COVID-19 and any new
evidence and guidance available. It is recommended to review the WHO website for COVID-19. Information
about the use of medical masks can also be found on the website.
The posters provided at Annex A can also be used onboard to provide a gentle reminder of best practices
for seafarers to adopt. They are also available for download from the ICS website at
www.ics-shipping.org/free-resources
8 Suspected Cases of Infection

If people only have mild respiratory symptoms and have not visited an area where COVID-19 has been
reported within the past 14 days, or if they have been in close contact with someone with respiratory
symptoms who has been to a place which has COVID-19, they should still carefully practise basic hand and
respiratory hygiene and isolate themselves, if possible, until fit.
If the virus spreads more widely this definition may change, but a suspect case requiring diagnostic testing
is generally considered to be:
A patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease (e.g.
cough, shortness of breath), and with no other set of causes that fully explains the clinical presentation
and a history of travel to or residence in a country/ area or territory reporting local transmission of
(COVID-19) during the 14 days prior to the onset of the symptoms.
Or
A patient with any acute respiratory illness and having been in contact with a confirmed or suspected
COVID-19 case during the 14 days prior to the onset of the symptoms.
Or
A patient with severe acute respiratory infection (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory
disease e.g. cough, shortness of breath and requiring hospitalization and with no other set of causes that
fully explain the symptoms.
Any person on board that may have been in close contact with a suspect case should be:
• Traced immediately after the suspect case is identified;
• Asked to remain on board until laboratory results of the suspect case are available (measures that apply
following positive laboratory results are described below); and
• Categorised as either contacts with high risk exposure or with low risk exposure.
Further guidance can be found at
www.who.int/publications-detail/global-surveillance-for-human-infection-with-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)
All persons on board that fulfil the definition of a ‘close contact’ (see below) should be asked to complete
a PLF (see Annex B) and remain on board the ship in their cabins or preferably at a specially designated
facility ashore (if feasible and in case that the ship is at the turnaround port where embarking/disembarking
passengers or discharging/loading cargos/stores takes place), in accordance with instructions received by the
competent health authorities, until the laboratory result for the suspect case is available. Persons on board who
do not fulfil the definition of a ‘close contact’ will be considered as having low risk exposure and should:
• Be requested to complete PLFs with their contact details and the locations where they will be staying for
the following 14 days;
• Be provided with the following information and advice on the details of symptoms and how the disease
can be transmitted;
• Be asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, including fever of any grade, cough or difficulty
breathing, for 14 days from their last exposure; and
• Be asked to immediately self-isolate and contact health services in the event of any symptom appearing
within 14 days. If no symptoms appear within 14 days of their last exposure, the contact person is no longer
considered likely to develop COVID-19.
9 Close Contacts (High Risk Exposure)

A ‘close contact’ is a person who, for example:
• Has stayed in the same cabin with a suspect/confirmed COVID-19 case;
• Has had close contact within one metre or was in a closed environment with a suspect/confirmed
COVID-19 case (for passengers this may include sharing a cabin);
• Participated in common activities on board or ashore;
• Participated in the same immediate travelling group;
• Dined at the same table (for crew members this may include working together in the same ship area);
• Is a cabin steward who cleaned the cabin;
• Is restaurant staff who delivered food to the cabin;
• Is a gym trainer who provided close instruction to a case; or
• Is a medical support worker or other person providing direct care for a COVID-19 suspect or confirmed case.
Close contacts may be difficult to define on board a confined space such as a passenger ship, and if
widespread transmission is identified then all persons on board could be considered as ‘close contacts’
having had high risk exposure.
10 Hygiene Measures for Seafarers on Ships

Ship operators should provide specific guidance and training for their seafarers regarding:
• Hand washing (using soap and hot water, rubbing hands for at least 20 seconds; one way to know how
long 20 seconds is would be to silently sing “happy birthday to you!” twice);
• When hand washing is essential (e.g. after assisting an ill traveller or after contact with surfaces they may
have contaminated, etc);
• When to hand rub with an antiseptic instead of hand washing, and how to do this;
• How to cough and sneeze hygienically (e.g. using disposable tissues or a flexed elbow);
• Appropriate waste disposal;
• When and how to use masks; and
• Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
11 Management of Suspect Cases by

Medical Support Providers
If someone on board is suspected to have COVID-19, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for interview and
assessment may be used by medical support providers.
Key outbreak control activities will include supportive treatment, e.g. giving oxygen, antibiotics, hydration
and fever/pain relief.
12 Precautions at the Ship Medical Facility

The following precautions should be taken:
• Patients must cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; or a flexed elbow if not
wearing a mask. This should be followed by performing hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub (at
least 65–70%) or soap and hot water for 20 seconds.
• Careful hand washing should occur after contact with respiratory secretions.
• Suspect cases must wear a medical mask once identified and evaluated in a private room with the door
closed, ideally an isolation room;
• Any person, including healthcare workers, entering the room should apply appropriate precautions in
accordance with the requirements of WHO infection prevention and control during healthcare when
COVID-19 is suspected; and
• After preliminary medical examination, if the ship’s medical officer or person responsible for the provision
of medical care believes a suspect case exists, the patient should be isolated.
If the illness is not considered a suspect case but the person has respiratory symptoms, the person should still
not return to any places where they will be in contact with others onboard either seafarers or passengers..
13 Laboratory Testing
Laboratory examination of clinical specimens for suspect cases should be made with the competent
authorities at the port who will then inform the ship’s officers about test results.
14 Case Handling
Case handling should:
• Be initiated by the ship’s medical care providers in order to detect any new suspect cases;
• Include directly contacting crew and passengers, asking about current and recent illnesses, and checking
if any person meets the criteria for a suspect case; and
• Be recorded in the appropriate medical log book.
Medical care providers should:
• Ensure a suspect case is interviewed and provide information about the places they have visited within
the last 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms and their contacts, including the period from one day
before the onset of symptoms on board the ship or ashore; and
• Keep records regarding:
– Anyone on board who has visited the medical facility as a suspect case and the isolation and hygiene
measures taken;
– Any close contact or casual contact with low risk exposure to monitor their health;
– Contact details of casual contacts with low risk exposure who will disembark and the locations where
they will be staying in the next 14 days (completed PLFs or Maritime Declarations of Health (MDHs); and
– Results of active surveillance.
15 Isolation
Isolate suspect cases on board immediately and inform the next port of call of suspect cases:
• With acute respiratory infection, either a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, whether requiring
hospitalisation or not;
• Who in the 14 days before onset of symptoms met the definition of a suspect case as outlined in
sections 8 and 9.
Patients should be isolated in either an isolation ward, cabin, room or quarters with precautionary measures.
Anyone entering an isolation room should wear gloves, impermeable gowns, goggles and medical masks.
16 Reporting to the Next Port of Call

The competent authority of the next port of call must always be informed if there is a suspect case on board.
For ships on an international voyage, if someone has died on board the International Health Regulations
(IHR) state that the MDH should be completed and sent to the competent authority in accordance with
local requirements.
The Master should immediately alert the competent authority at the next port of call about any suspect
case to determine if the necessary capacity to transport, isolate, and care for the individual is available.
The ship may need to proceed, at its own risk, to another nearby port if capacity is not available, or if
warranted by the critical medical status of the suspect case.
After measures applied are considered by the port health authority to be completed satisfactorily, the
ship should be allowed to continue the voyage. The measures taken should be recorded in the valid ship
sanitation certificates. Both embarking and disembarking ports must be notified of contacts on board and
any measures taken.
17 Disembarkation of a Suspect and

a Confirmed Case
The ship should take the following precautions:
• Control disembarkation to avoid any contact with other persons on board;
• The patient should wear a surgical mask; and
• Personnel escorting the patient should wear suitable PPE (gloves, impermeable gown, goggles and
medical mask).
The ship may proceed to its next port of call once the health authority has determined that public health
measures have been completed satisfactorily in particular the measures as follows:
• Management of the suspect case or cases and close contacts;
• Completion of contact tracing forms, disembarkation of close contacts; until the termination of COVID-19
Public Health Emergency of International Concern is declared. All passengers and crew members should
fill in a PLF to be kept on board for at least one month after disembarkation;
• Information in the completed PLF should be provided upon the request of health authorities to facilitate
contact tracing if a confirmed case is detected after the disembarkation and after the voyage has ended;
• Information has been provided to everyone on board about the symptoms and signs of the disease and
who to contact in case the relevant symptoms develop in the following 14 days; and
• Cleaning and disinfection, and disposal of infectious waste.
18 Cleaning, Disinfection and

Waste Management
Maintain high level cleaning and disinfection measures during ongoing on board case management.
Patients and ‘close contacts’’ cabins and quarters should be cleaned and using cleaning and disinfection
protocols for infected cabins (as per Norovirus or other communicable diseases).
Environmental surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly with hot water, detergent and applying common
disinfectants (e.g. sodium hypochlorite).
Once a patient has left the ship, the isolation cabin or quarters should be thoroughly cleaned
and disinfected by staff using PPE who are trained to clean surfaces contaminated with infectious agents.
Laundry, food service utensils and waste from cabins of suspect cases and contacts should be treated as
infectious, in accordance with procedures for handling infectious materials on board.
There should be regular communications between departments in all ships (medical, housekeeping, laundry,
room service, etc) about the persons in isolation.
19 Management of Contacts of a Suspect Case

Port health authorities will conduct risk assessments to identify all contacts, and issue instructions to follow
until laboratory results are available.
All close contacts should either complete PLFs or MDHs and remain in their cabins or at a facility ashore
and follow the competent authority’s instructions until laboratory results are available. The forms should
contain contact details and locations where the suspect case will stay for the following 14 days.
All close contacts should be informed about the suspect case on board.
If the laboratory examination results are positive:
• All close contacts should be quarantined for 14 days; and
• The patient should disembark and be isolated ashore in accordance with the competent
authority’s instructions.
Quarantine measures should follow WHO guidance of considerations for quarantine of individuals in the
context of COVID-19 and are also likely to include:
• Active monitoring by the port health authorities for 14 days from last exposure;
• Daily monitoring (including fever of any grade, cough or difficulty breathing);
• Avoiding social contact and travel; and
• Remaining reachable for active monitoring.
Contacts of a confirmed case should immediately self-isolate and contact health services if symptoms
appear within 14 days of last exposure. If no symptoms appear, the contact is not considered at risk.
Implementation of specific precautions may be modified following risk assessment of individual cases and
advice from port health authorities.
20 Supplies and Equipment

Flag States regulate medical supply carriage requirements. Plentiful supplies and equipment should be
available to handle an outbreak as described in the International Medical Guide for Ships 3rd edition.
Reviewing the latest WHO suggested list of supplies for COVID 19, the International Maritime Health
Association (IMHA) has advised that most equipment should already be on board. However, WHO also
recommends other equipment that is unlikely to already be on board which IMHA suggest could be provided
by a port health authority.
A table is attached at Annex C outlining the supplies and equipment required in a situation of COVID-19.
This is based on information provided by WHO and the IMHA.
www.who.int/publications-detail/disease-commodity-package---novel-coronavirus-(ncov)
Annex A
Posters
WHO and ECDC, among others, have provided advice to avoid the spread of COVID-19. To highlight their
key messages and to help seafarers know how best to protect themselves and those they meet, ICS has
produced the following three posters for ships.
The posters are also available to download from the ICS website at:
http://www.ics-shipping.org/free-resources
COVID-19
17
Protect yourself and

others from getting sick
When coughing and Throw the tissue
sneezing, cover your nose into a closed bin
and mouth with immediately
a tissue or a after use
flexed elbow
Clean your hands with an alcohol- Avoid touching

based hand rub or with soap and eyes, nose
hot water for at least 20 seconds: and mouth
• After coughing or sneezing
• When caring for the sick
• Before, during and after
preparing food
• Before eating
• After toilet use
• When hands are
visibly dirty
COVID-19
18
Practise
Food Safety
Meat products can be safely Do not eat sick or
consumed if they are diseased animals
cooked thoroughly and
properly handled
during food
preparation
Use different Wash your hands with soap

chopping boards and hot water for at least
and knives for 20 seconds between
raw meat and handling raw and
cooked foods cooked food
COVID-19
19
Stay healthy
while travelling
Avoid these modes of travel if
you have a fever or a cough
Eat only Avoid spitting

well-cooked food in public
Avoid close contact and travel with

sick animals, particularly in wet markets
When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and

nose with a tissue or flexed elbow. Throw the tissue into a
closed bin immediately after use and clean your hands
Frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand

rub or with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Avoid close contact with people suffering from a fever or a cough
If wearing a face mask, be sure it covers your mouth and nose

and do not touch it once on. Immediately discard single-use
masks after each use and clean your hands after removing masks
If you become sick while travelling, tell crew or ground staff
Seek medical care early if you become sick,

and share your history with your health provider
Annex B
Sample Pre-Boarding Passenger
Locator Form (PLF)
To be completed by any adult
Name as shown in the passport or other ID:
Names of all children travelling with you under 18 years old:
Within the past 14 days, have you, or any person listed above: Yes No
– had close contact with anyone diagnosed as having

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? ......................................................................................................................................
– provided direct care for COVID-19 patients, working

with healthcare workers infected with novel coronavirus?...................................................................................
– visited or stayed in a closed environment with any patient

having Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? ......................................................................................................................
– worked together in close proximity, or sharing the same

classroom environment, with a COVID-19 patient? ..................................................................................................
– traveled together with COVID-19 patient in any kind of conveyance?...........................................................
– lived in the same household as a COVID-19 patient?...............................................................................................

Annex C
WHO COVID-19 Support
and Logistics Supplies List,
with availability advice provided by IMHA
Items Comment Already carried
on board?
CHEMICALS
Antibiotics Yes
Chlorine Yes
Fever and pain medication Yes
Sodium lactate solution Yes
Alcohol-based hand rub Bottle of 100ml and 500ml Yes
Chlorine NaDCC, granules, 1kg, 65 to 70% + dosage information Yes
Paracetamol 500mg tablets Yes
Sodium lactate compound solution Ringer's lactate, injection solution, w/o IV set and needle, 1000ml Yes
PPE
Examination Gloves, EU MDD directive Nitrile, powder-free, non-sterile. Cuff length preferably reaching above the wrist Yes
93/42/EEC Category III, EU PPE (e.g. minimum 230mm total length. Sizes, S, M, L). Plentiful supplies required.
Regulation 2016/425 Category III, EN 455,
EN 374, ANSI/ISEA 105, ASTM D6319, or
equivalent standards
Surgical Gloves, EU MDD directive Nitrile, powder-free, single use. Gloves should have long cuffs, reaching well Yes
93/42/EEC Category III, EU PPE above the wrist, ideally to mid-forearm. (Sizes 5.0–9.0)
Regulation 2016/425 Category III, EN 455,
EN 374, ANSI/ISEA 105, ASTM D6319, or
equivalent standards
Gloves, cleaning Outer glove should have long cuffs, reaching well above the wrist, ideally to mid- Yes
forearm. Cuff length preferably reach mid-forearm (e.g. minimum 280mm total
length. Sizes, S, M, L), reusable, puncture resistant, FDA compliant
Impermeable gowns single use Disposable, length mid-calf. - EU PPE Regulation 2016/425 and EU MDD Yes, but check
directive 93/42/EEC• FDA class I or II medical device, or equivalent, EN 13795 supplies are plentiful
any performance level, or AAMI PB70 all levels acceptable, or equivalent.
Scrubs - Tunic/tops Woven, scrubs, reusable or single use, short sleeved (tunic/tops), worn Yes, but check
underneath the coveralls or gown supplies are plentiful
Scrubs - Trouser/pants Woven, scrubs, reusable or single use, short sleeved (tunic/tops), worn Yes, but check
underneath the coveralls or gown supplies are plentiful
Aprons Heavy duty, straight apron with bib. Fabric: 100% polyester with PVC coating, Yes, but check
or 100% PVC, or 100% rubber, or other fluid resistant coated material, supplies are plentiful
Waterproof, sewn strap for neck and back fastening. Minimum basis weight:
300g/m2covering size: 70-90 cm (width) X 120-150cm (height). Reusable (if
decontamination arrangements exist) EN ISO 13688, EN 14126-B and partial
body protection (EN 13034 or EN 14605), EN 343 for water and breathability or
equivalent.
Goggles, protective Good seal with facial skin, flexible PVC frame to easily fit all face contours Yes, but check
EU PPE Regulation 2016/425, with even pressure. Enclose eyes and surrounding areas. Accommodate supplies are plentiful
EN 166, ANSI/ISEA Z87.1, or equivalent prescription glasses wearers. Clear plastic lens with fog and scratch
resistant treatments, Adjustable band to secure firmly and not become loose
during clinical activity. Indirect venting to avoid fogging. May be reused (if
decontamination arrangements exist) or disposable.
Surgical masks for medics Good breathability, clear internal and external faces. EU MDD directive 93/42/ Yes, but check
ASTM F2100 minimum level 1 or EEC Category III, or equivalent, EN 14683 Type II, IR, IIR supplies are plentiful
equivalent*
Patient masks EN 14683 any type Good breathability, clear internal and external faces Yes, but check
including Type I* supplies are plentiful
Face shield (PPE) Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
* Currently in short supply

Items Comment Already carried

on board?
MEDICAL KIT
Sample medium and packaging Plentiful supplies required Yes
Disinfectants Plentiful supplies required Yes
Hand hygiene supplies Plentiful supplies required Yes
Containers For disposable sharps and needles Yes
Guedel tubes Yes
Infusion sets Yes
Nose masks Yes
Facial oxygen masks Yes
Oximeter Yes
Oxygen splitters Yes
Safety bag and box Yes
Commercial testing materials for samples Ideally a third party should take samples for suspected cases. Specific Unlikely
materials needed to transport samples and to minimise infection
Should be provided by Port Health Authority"
Fit test kit Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
Laryngoscope, with depressors and tubes Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
Oxygen concentrator Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
Portable ventilators Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
Portable ultrasound scanner Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
Resuscitator, child Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
Viral transport medium – to transport Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
laboratory specimens
Viral transport medium with Swab 3 ml Should be provided by Port Health Authority Unlikely
Bio-hazardous bag Disposal bag for bio-hazardous waste, 30 x 50cm, with "Biohazard" print, Yes
autoclavable polypropylene. 50 or 70 micron thickness
Carbon dioxide detector "Disposable, colorimetric, sizes compatible with adult endotracheal tube (or Unlikely
child if applicable), unlikely to be in medical cabin but usually on board a ship.
If not available ask Port Health Authority to provide along with appropriate
guidance and accessories"
Endotracheal tube, without cuff Open distal end and Magill-type point with oral angle of 37.5º, standard Yes
connector (ext. Ø 15mm) at the proximal end to connect the tube to the
ventilation system, radio opaque mark, Murphy's eye, graduations, size: Ø
internal 3mm or 3.5mm, material: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), disposable, sterile,
initial sterilisation method: ethylene oxide gas or gamma radiation
Endotracheal tube with cuff Same specification as for endotracheal tube, without cuff except size: Ø internal Yes
6.5mm, 7mm, 7.5mm or 8mm
Hand drying tissue 50–100m roll Yes
Infusion giving set With air inlet and needle, sterile, single-use Yes
Pulse oximeter Compact portable device measures arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), Yes
heart rate and signal strength. Measuring range: SpO2 30 - 100% (minimum
graduation 1%), heart rate 20–250 bpm (minimum graduation 1bpm). Line-
powered, or extra batteries/rechargeable batteries needed at least one year.
ISO 80601-2-61:2011 or equivalent
Resuscitator, adult To ventilate adult (body weight > 30kg), with compressible self-refilling Yes
ventilation bag, capacity: 1475–2000ml. Resuscitator operated by hand,
ventilation with ambient air, resuscitator shall be easy to disassemble and
reassemble, to clean and disinfect, and be autoclavable. All parts must be of
high-strength, long-life materials not requiring special maintenance or storage
conditions
Sample collection triple packaging boxes For transport as defined by the Guidance on Regulations for the Transport of Yes
Infectious Substances 2019–2020
Safety box Needles/syringes, 5l - cardboard for incineration, box-25. Biohazard label as per Yes
WHO PQS E010/011
Stainless steel depressor sets Miller Straight Nr 1, length approx. 100mm Yes
Stainless steel depressor sets Macintosh Curved Nr 2, length approx. 110mm Yes
Soap Liquid (preferred), powder and bar Yes
Contact a telemedicine provider to assist if you have difficulty accessing any equipment.
International Chamber of Shipping
38 St Mary Axe London EC3A 8BH
Telephone + 44 20 7090 1460
info@ics-shipping.org
www.ics-shipping.org
E
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210
Circular Letter No.4204

31 January 2020
To: All IMO Member States

Intergovernmental organizations
Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO
Subject: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Introduction
1 The purpose of this circular is to provide information and guidance, based on

recommendations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), on the precautions to
be taken to minimize risks to seafarers, passengers and others on board ships from novel
coronavirus (2019-nCoV).*
Background
2 On 31 December 2019, WHO was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan

City, Hubei Province of China. Subsequently, on 7 January 2020, Chinese authorities
confirmed that they had identified a new virus in the coronavirus family of viruses, which
includes the common cold and viruses such as SARS and MERS. This new virus was
temporarily named "2019-nCoV".
3 WHO has been working with the Chinese authorities, governments and global experts
to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on the new virus, track its spread and virulence, and
provide advice on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
4 As of 29 January 2020, a total of 130 tests have been concluded in the United Kingdom,
all of which were confirmed negative. The latest information regarding the situation in the
United Kingdom can be obtained at the following address:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
5 On 30 January 2020, WHO declared that the outbreak of novel coronavirus

(2019-nCoV) constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
*
For information and guidance on precautions for delegates attending IMO meetings, please refer to Circular
Letter No.4203.
I:\C_L\CL.4204.docx
Page 2
Symptoms
6 Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of

breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe
acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Infection from humans to humans
may occur during the incubation period (before persons show signs of sickness). Coronavirus
can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people,
and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.
Risks
7 The current outbreak originated in Wuhan City, which is a major domestic and
international transport hub. Given the large population movements and the observed
human-to-human transmission, it is not unexpected that new confirmed cases will continue to
appear in other areas and countries.
WHO advice
8 It is prudent to remind populations and health workers of the basic principles to reduce
the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections by following the
below-mentioned key preventative measures:
.1 avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;
.2 frequent handwashing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their
environment;
.3 avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals;
.4 people with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practise cough

etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable
tissues or clothing, and wash hands); and
.5 within healthcare facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and

control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.
9 WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travellers. In case of
symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness either during or after travel, travellers are
encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare
provider. Health authorities should work with travel, transport and tourism sectors to provide
travellers with information to reduce the general risk of acute respiratory infections via travel
health clinics, travel agencies, conveyance operators and at points of entry.
10 Travellers who had contact with confirmed cases or direct exposure to a potential
source of infection should be placed under medical observation. High-risk contacts should
avoid travel for the duration of the incubation period (up to 14 days).
11 Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public published on the WHO website
contains WHO standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and
transmission of a range of illnesses, to protect yourself and others from getting sick, and to
stay healthy while travelling. WHO provides novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) travel advice here:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice
I:\C_L\CL.4204.docx
Page 3
12 With the information currently available for the novel coronavirus, WHO advises that
measures to limit the risk of exportation or importation of the disease should be implemented,
without unnecessary restrictions on international traffic.
13 Member States are advised to urge all stakeholders (companies, managers, crewing
agents, etc.) to promulgate information to ensure that seafarers, passengers and others
on board ships are provided with accurate and relevant information on the coronavirus
outbreak and on the measures to reduce the risk of exposure if they are likely to be engaged
on ships trading to and from ports in coronavirus-affected States.
Guidance available
14 The following links provide advice and guidance to seafarers and shipping
(non-exhaustive list):
International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) advice for shipping companies on

the new type of coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
USCG Novel Coronavirus Precautions
15 WHO issues advice on international travel and health. This information is regularly
reviewed and updated by WHO and can be found at the following address:
www.who.int/ith/updates
Additional information can also be found at:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056031
https://www.who.int/ith/other_health_risks/en/
16 The publications listed below may also be helpful:
WHO International Health Regulations

WHO Guide to ship sanitation
International Medical Guide for Ships
___________
I:\C_L\CL.4204.docx
E
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210
Circular Letter No.4204/Add.1

19 February 2020
United Nations and specialized agencies
Subject: COVID-19 – Implementation and enforcement of relevant IMO

instruments
The Secretary-General informs that he has received reports regarding the impacts on the
shipping industry resulting from the sudden and rapid outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
In response to this situation, the Secretary-General has issued guidance through
Circular Letter No.4204.
Flag State authorities, port State authorities and control regimes, companies and shipmasters
should cooperate, in the current context of the outbreak, to ensure that, where appropriate,
passengers can be embarked and disembarked, cargo operations can occur, ships can enter
and depart shipyards for repair and survey, stores and supplies can be loaded, certificates can
be issued and crews can be exchanged.
The principles of avoiding unnecessary restrictions or delay on port entry to ships, persons
and property on board are also embodied in articles I and V and section 6 of the annex of the
FAL Convention.
Several IMO instruments contain provisions that may be relevant to the impact on shipping
caused by the outbreak of COVID-19. These include, but are not limited to:
• the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974;
• the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973;
• the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast
Water and Sediments, 2004;
• the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and

Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978; and
• resolution A.1119(30), Procedures for port State control, 2017.
I:\C_L\CL.4204-Add.1.docx
Page 2
In addition, the Secretariat has received the following communication from the International
Labour Organization (ILO):
"In the context of the evolving coronavirus outbreak, the effective protection of the
health and safety of seafarers should be a priority. Under the International Labour
Organization's (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, flag States must ensure that
all seafarers on ships flying their flag are covered by adequate measures for the
protection of their health and that they have access to prompt and adequate medical
care whilst working on board. The Convention also requires port States to ensure that
seafarers on board ships in their territory who are in need of immediate medical care
are given access to medical facilities on shore."
COVID-19 is a severe public health challenge that requires understanding and close
cooperation among all Member States to overcome challenges related to the implementation
and enforcement of the relevant IMO instruments.
The Organization will continue to closely monitor the situation and the Secretary-General will
provide additional information as appropriate and will bring these matters to the attention of
the relevant organs of the Organization, in particular the Maritime Safety Committee, the
Marine Environment Protection Committee, the Facilitation Committee and the Legal
Committee.
___________
E
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210

21 February 2020

United Nations and specialized agencies
Subject: Joint Statement IMO-WHO on the Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
The Director-General of WHO and the Secretary-General of IMO have jointly issued the
attached statement to assist States in ensuring that health measures are implemented in ways
that minimize unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.
Member States and international organizations are encouraged to disseminate this joint
statement as widely as possible.
***
Annex, page 1
ANNEX
Annex, page 2
___________
International Medical Guide for Ships
Infectious diseases
MANAGEMENT OF INFECTIOUS
DISEASES – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Isolation (see also Chapter 26, Nursing care and
medical procedures)
Isolation of a patient with an infectious disease is time-consuming and makes caring
for the patient much more difficult. Isolation is generally required with diseases such as
tuberculosis and whooping cough that spread via droplets. By contrast, there is no rea-
son to isolate patients with sexually transmitted infections or with infections carried by
vectors, such as malaria. With many infections, particularly viral infections, the patient
is most likely to transmit the infection before becoming obviously ill: isolating such a
patient once symptoms have appeared may not stop transmission.
What to do – precautions against spread of infection

■ Hand-washing is the best way to reduce the risk of infection being transmitted from
one person to another:
● hands should be washed before and after every contact with a patient, using
alcohol-based gels or liquids rather than soap to disinfect the hands;

● the use of gloves does not replace the need for hand-washing.
■ Masks prevent spread of infection via droplets:

● cloth and paper masks become ineffective if they are worn long enough to be
dampened by the wearer’s breath.

● The precautions needed to prevent infection depend on the way each infection is
spread (see Table 23.2).
Table 23.2 Precautions required to reduce risk of spreading infection on board.1
How Infection Precautions required

transmitted
By air ■ tuberculosis Isolation in a single-berth cabin with door closed;

■ varicella mask for anyone entering the patient’s cabin
By droplet ■ meningitis Isolation in a single-berth cabin: door may be open;

■ pertussis masks to be worn within one metre of patient
■ plague
■ diphtheria
■ rubella
■ mumps
By direct ■ enteric Contacts to wear disposable gloves; for close contact (e.g. to bathe or turn
(human) (gastrointestinal) the patient);
contact infections plastic overalls or aprons also essential
■ scabies
■ impetigo
251

COVID-19 Shipboard Contingency Plan - Rev.1 - FULL VERSION - UPDATED 24.05.2020 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

COVID-19 Shipboard Contingency Plan - Rev.1 - FULL VERSION - UPDATED 24.05.2020 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

COVID-19

Shipboard Contingency Plan

Place Date Master

Company Identification Number

It is always important to consider whether it is likely that the patient - within

 The case must be reported to International SOS immediately.

 Masters to initiate quarantine measures as described in this procedure immediately.

Contact tracing and close contacts

Limit exposure to others onboard

 Ensure sufficient ventilation, especially in closed areas.

 Mop the floors with the prepared bleach solution or disinfectant.

The Caregiver should be:

 Fit and have no underlying medical conditions; and

 Able to be removed from normal work responsibilities, as Caregiver is required to

 Isolation areas and zones are described in section 6 in this plan

Caregiver(s) PPE and Caregivers guidance to giving care:

 Full Body Protection Suit, e.g. Tyvek

 Caregivers must maintain distance to the patient when possible

 Gloves must be changed when moving from a dirty to a clean task.

 Maintain a log listing of all personnel who enters the cabin.

1. Red zone, where the suspected patient is confined; and

Following guidelines for isolation and Caregiving:

1. Isolation room door(s) must be closed.

7. DAILY CLEANING ROUTINES

Cleaning of Airconditioning and ventilation system

Cleaning and disinfection procedures:

 Cleaning of yellow zones (isolation area) must be performed by the designated

 Surgical Masks (For general purpose use / shore visitors)

Definition for Surgical Masks:

Definition for Respirators

 N95 is an American standard managed by NIOSH

Below is the difference between these standards:

Respirator Filter Capacity (removes x% of all particles

When to wear mask:

 Caregivers are to wear respirators of N95/FFP2 standards or higher to prevent them

Correct usage of masks:

 Surgical Masks must be changed

 Disposable Respirators must be replaced:

9. OPEATIONAL GUIDANCE FOR THE VESSEL

“SAFETY MEASURES FOR ALL VESSELS’

‘ROUTINE BUSINESS CRITICAL VISITS ARE ALLOWED ON BOARD

Routine business critical visits include (No approval required):

‘PROTECTION FROM COVID-19 STARTS AT THE GANGWAY’

 Is it necessary to have the gangway lowered to the quay or can it be lowered

 Is social distance kept to all visitors (at least 2 meters)?

 Are Hand Sanitizers readily available at the gangway?

 Are surgical masks provided to all visitors at the gangway?

 Are temperature screenings of all visitors carried out?

PLANNING OF PORT CALLS ARE ESSENTIAL

 Local COVID-19 requirements and measures taken by local authorities, pilots

 If a Visitor is not on considered ‘Routine Business Critical Visit’ OR a government

3. Structure of the operational guidance

1. ‘PREPARATION & CONTINGENCY’

2. ‘HEALTH MONITORING, AWARENESS, PROTECTION & PPE’

4. “WHEN IN PORT / AT ANCHOR”

6. DETAILED GUIDANCE FACIAL MASKS & RESPIRATORS

PREPARATION & CONTINGENCY

HEALTH MONITORING, AWARENESS, PROTECTION & PPE

WHEN IN PORT / AT ANCHOR

DETAILED GUIDANCE FACIAL MASKS & RESPIRATORS

1. PREPARATION & CONTINGENCY

Stores / Spare parts / Services

 Service attendance, e.g. garbage/slop removal, technicians, etc. will also

Date__ Port / Terminal _ Vessel _______