CIRCULAR N° 008/2024

DECIDES

1. Once the notice of arrival to port is made, the Captain of the vessel shall inform in advance to the Aquatic Authority the list of the last three (03) ports of destination.
2. If the last (03) ports of destination of the vessel were in countries where there is no confirmation of the outbreak, the sanitary inspection will be carried out in the sector designated by the Aquatic Authority of the corresponding Aquatic District, after the free plan has been granted.
3. In case the vessel has arrived in countries where there is confirmation of the outbreak or any member of the crew shows any symptoms similar to the disease, the vessel will be sent to a quarantine area designated by the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, and must report the news to the authorities of the Ministry of People’s Power for Health and/or other designated authority, in order to carry out the respective evaluation and medical inspections of all personnel on board, leaving the vessel without free passage. Therefore, only medical personnel may board and no crew member may leave the vessel, except when under the instructions of the medical personnel it is required to transfer a crew member to a medical center on land under the corresponding health protocols.
4. The crew members of vessels coming from countries where there is confirmation of the outbreak will be followed up at the national ports. Therefore, in order to enter the country, they must report in the epidemiological surveillance form issued by the Ministry of People’s Power for Health, their health status and personal data for medical follow-up, with the objective of early detection of any suspected case.
5. The authorities carrying out the legal visit must use the protective equipment established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
6. Shipmasters must abide by all the prevention measures that have been made public to avoid contagion, being the recommendations addressed to the population and health workers issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), especially on what to do and not to do during contagion, in order to avoid infecting other people.
7. All Shipping Agencies, Shipping Companies, Crew Manning Companies, Travel Agencies, Port Operators and, in general, all companies operating in the aquatic sector, are urged to disseminate information on the preventive measures related to the outbreak of Monkey-Pox (MPOX), in order to ensure that seafarers, passengers, tourists and other persons on board ships have correct, timely and relevant information on this outbreak, as well as measures to reduce the risk of exposure on board ships, ports and maritime terminals.
8. In compliance with the provisions of this Circular, the Shipping Agencies shall submit to the Masters of Vessels, the Maritime Declaration of Health for the information of the health status of the crew members for the arrival in Venezuelan waters, as provided for in Article 37 of the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO), model annex 8 and form, which shall be attached to this circular, and shall be filled out and sent forty-eight (48) hours prior to arrival at the Port of Destination of the corresponding Aquatic District, without detriment to the actions that correspond to the Health Authority in accordance with the law.The duration of this measure will be reviewed according to the development of events, always taking into account the health of our aquatic community and Seafarers, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization.
9. To take into consideration the information and recommendations regarding the new outbreak of monkeypox (MPOX), issued by the Ministry of People’s Power for Health, as well as those issued by the World Health Organization, which are available at the following web links:
   • Official Statement, MPOX outbreak, August 19, 2024. http://mpps.gob.ve/venezuela-se-encuentra-preparada-ante-posible-brote-de-la-viruela-del-mono-comunicado/
   • Circular No. 4575 dated May 31, 2022 issued by the General Secretariat of the IMO, which disseminates information and guidance on smallpox disease, based on the recommendations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/es/MediaCentre/Hot_Topics/Documents/Circular%20n%C2%BA%204575%2020Brote%20De%20Viruela%20S%C3%ADmica%20En%20M%C3%BAltiples%20Pa%C3%ADses%20No%20End%C3%A9micos%20%28Secretar%C3%ADa%29.pdf
10. Coordinate with the health authority to collaborate with the transportation of goods and people, as well as the tourism sector, to provide travelers with information on the outbreak of monkeypox (Monkey-Pox).
11. The National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, through the General Management of Operations, through the Port Captaincies and the General Management of the Navy, shall ensure compliance with the instructions of this Circular.
12. The contents of this Circular should be notified and disseminated by all available means.