INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

To: All IMO Member States, United Nations and specialized agencies, Intergovernmental organizations, Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO

Subject: Joint Statement IMO-WHO-ILO on medical certificates of seafarers, ship sanitation certificates and medical care of seafarers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (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 invited to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of the competent authorities and all relevant stakeholders, especially health, labour, maritime and port State control authorities, at both national and local levels.

Eximir a los inspectores y al personal clave responsable de las inspecciones de los buques y de la expedición de los certificados de sanidad a bordo de las restricciones nacionales al movimiento.

• Exempt surveyors and key personnel responsible for ship inspections and the issuance of ship sanitation certificates from national travel restrictions.
• Ensure that ship inspections can be carried out and health control measures applied under good conditions and with appropriate protective measures against COVID-19.
• Personnel must be provided with sufficient training and resources (personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection products), in accordance with WHO interim guidance.