Circular No. 4204/Add.6 Coronavirus COVID-19 Preliminary list of recommendations for Governments and relevant national authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDRES SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44(0)20 7735 7611 | Facsimile: +44(0)20 587 3210
Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Preliminary list of recommendations for Governments and relevant national authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Secretary-General refers to the results of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit on COVID-19, held on 26 March 2020, which addressed disruptions to international trade. Leaders committed to working to ensure the flow of vital medical supplies, critical agricultural products, and other goods across borders.
Recommendations for port authorities and the sector
In order to protect the health of seafarers and port personnel, the following operational measures are established:
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Restriction of movement | Limit the movement of seafarers on board ships, allowing only crew changes or emergency medical care. |
| Ship-to-shore interface | Limit, to the extent possible, interactions between shipboard personnel and shore-based entities to those that are critical and essential. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Ensure that those working in ports and having access to ships have adequate PPE (masks, disinfectants, etc.) before coming into contact with the crew. |
| Health protocols | Comply with the investigations and procedures introduced by visiting ships to address COVID-19. |
| Medical care | Provide seafarers with access to emergency medical treatment ashore. |
| Information | Provide port workers with information on basic protection measures against COVID-19 based on WHO advice. |
