Circular No. 06 dated March 13, 2020. Regarding the establishment of “Security Level 1” in all port facilities, maritime terminals, passenger terminals, shipping agencies, and marinas, in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
| Circular No. 06 dated March 13, 2020. Regarding the establishment of “Security Level 1” in all port facilities, maritime terminals, passenger terminals, shipping agencies, and marinas, in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). |
CIRCULAR No 08
(Special Notice-02 COVID-19)
The President of the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by article 78, numerals 1 and 14 of the Decree with Rank, Value, and Force of the Organic Law of Aquatic Spaces, in accordance with article 74 numeral 22; the General Law of Ports in articles 22 and 23, concatenated with the provisions of Article 4.1 of the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS Code) and article 17 of the Organic Law of Administrative Procedures.
Considering that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as a Coastal State, must establish Security levels and likewise provide guidance on how to protect against incidents that affect maritime security, in accordance with the health emergency measures issued by the citizen President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in response to the Global Pandemic caused by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) virus, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).
By means of this circular, the entire National Aquatic Sector is informed that, as of the present date, “Security Level 1” is established in all port facilities, maritime terminals, passenger terminals, shipping agencies, marinas, among others; this level does not imply militarization or delay in port activities, and the regulations established in the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL-65) remain in force, which shall adopt the following preventive measures:
- Once the notice of arrival is made, the Master of the vessel will be requested to provide the list of the last three (03) destination ports.
- Article 37 of the Law of Marinas and Connected Activities establishes: Health inspection upon arrival of a vessel at port. This visit will apply to all National and International Flag vessels, whether in transit or performing cabotage navigation.
- In the event that any crew member presents symptoms of Covid-19, the vessel will be sent to the quarantine area designated by each aquatic jurisdiction, and the health authorities will be dispatched to perform the respective medical evaluation of the entire crew.
- Measures will be taken to restrict or control the crew members of vessels arriving at Venezuelan Ports from abroad so that they do not go ashore.
- Instructions will be given to the Master of the vessel so that during their stay in Venezuelan waters, the crew members use protective masks.
- The authorities carrying out the official legal visit must mandatory use the protective equipment established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for this Pandemic.
- The crew members of vessels providing passenger transport services must mandatory use protective masks and antiseptic gel.
- Every public service official must mandatory use protective masks and require visitors to comply with the basic standards for virus prevention.
- Likewise, it should be suggested to the Master of the vessel to comply with all publicly disclosed prevention measures to avoid contagion, such as the use of protective masks, antiseptic gel, and effective, frequent hand washing.
- The duration of these measures will be reviewed as events unfold, always prioritizing the health of our aquatic community.
The Aquatic Authority, through the General Management of Operations and by means of the Port Captaincies, will ensure compliance with this Circular.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF INTEREST:
Circular No. 4204/add.4 COVID 19 Guidance from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for ship operators for the protection of the health of seafarers.
https://www.inea.gob.ve/action/getblob?random=0.15948832986783446&id=2400
In Caracas, on the 13th day of the month of March 2020.
CÉSAR VLADIMIR ROMERO SALAZAR
President of the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces
Decree No. 2,874 dated May 18, 2017.
Reprinted due to a material error, according to Official Gazette No. 41,166 dated June 06, 2017.
Reprinted due to a material error, according to Official Gazette No. 41,166 dated June 06, 2017.
