Circular Nro.4204/Add.27 Protocolos para mitigar los riesgos de que se produzcan casos a bordo de buques
International Maritime Organization
4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR
Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Protocols to Mitigate the Risks of Cases On Board Ships
The Secretary-General has received the Protocols concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19) to mitigate the risks of cases on board ships, developed by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERTANKO, and the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA).
Member States and international organizations are invited to use these protocols as deemed necessary and to distribute them to all relevant stakeholders.
Protocols Overview
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is vital to keep trade moving by ensuring crew can embark and disembark safely. The ICS, IMHA, and INTERTANKO have developed tools to assist ship operators, including a flowchart for managing suspected cases and a PCR testing procedures matrix.
Decision Making for On-Board Suspected or Confirmed Cases
If COVID-19 cannot be satisfactorily excluded, seafarers must be treated as positive cases until further assessment or complete resolution of symptoms and 14 days of isolation. Isolation is critical to control the spread of disease on board.
Annex B: PCR Testing Procedures Matrix
| Procedure | Pre-departure | On arrival (Embarkation) | On arrival (Disembarkation/Repatriation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Test according to rules of the country of origin. Due diligence by company required to ensure validity. | Verification by officials in the country of arrival. If certificate is not accepted, testing needed while isolating ashore. | Negative PCR result required by some countries to avoid quarantine. Available in port of sign-off. |
| Initial Tests | – | Conduct PCR test for suspect cases and contacts as directed by Port Health Authority (PHA). | – |
| Repeated Testing | – | As required by PHA (3-5 days after initial test). | – |
Key Recommendations
- Asymptomatic Transmission: Evidence suggests asymptomatic individuals transmit COVID-19; testing is essential to identify these individuals.
- PCR Reliability: A negative PCR test does not guarantee a seafarer is uninfected.
- Testing Location: Testing should ideally be conducted in the port or terminal before embarkation, isolating the seafarer ashore while awaiting results to reduce risks on board.
- Safety: Affected seafarers should not work. A risk assessment must be undertaken to ensure the ship can safely operate, with due regard to safe manning certification.
