Hot Port News from GAC
13-Mar-2020
PROCEDURE FOR TESTING CREW
Libya
MARINE SOIL INVESTIGATION OFF POLICE COAST GUARD LIM CHU KANG BASE
Singapore
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Toamasina, Madagascar
UPDATED COVID-19 MEASURES
New Zealand
COVID 19 TRAVEL ADVISORY
Jaigad, India
UPDATED DISEASE CONTROL MEASURES
Uruguay
CRUISE PORT CALLS HALTED AS PART OF NEW RESTRICTIONS ANNOUNCED
Singapore
BAN ON CRUISE SHIP CALLS
India
MARITIME DECLARATION OF HEALTH
Singapore
EXTENSION OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Singapore
SUSPENSION OF CREW CHANGES & SHORE LEAVE
Pembroke/Milford Haven, United Kingdom
RESTRICTIONS FOR CREW CHANGES OPL
Singapore
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FRESH WATER SUPPLY
Paradip, India
PROHIBITION OF DISEMBARKATION FROM PASSENGER VESSELS
Maryland, United States
Procedure for testing crew
Friday, March 13, 2020, Libya
The Libyan Ministry of Health has directed the Ministry of Transportation to arrange proper testing for COVID-19 of vessels’ crews calling at Libyan ports.
The procedure to be followed are:
A medical team to be moved with the proper equipment and tests on the anchorage area prior to the pilot boarding to test the crew and give the green light for the pilot board or not.
Pilot to be provided with all proper protection suits before boarding to avoid any infection.
(For information about operations in Libya contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com)
Source: Arroban International Shipping Company, Tripoli, Libya – GAC agent
Marine soil investigation off Police Coast Guard Lim Chu Kang Base
Friday, March 13, 2020, Singapore
From 12 March to 31 May, marine soil investigation works are being carried out off the Police Coast Guard (PCG) Lim Chu Kang Base.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Notice No.014 of 2020 dated 12 March 2020, the works are being conducted 24 hours daily – including Sundays & Public Holidays – at the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum):
MBH 1) 1 deg. 26.713’N / 103 deg. 42.379’E
MBH 2) 1 deg. 26.734’N / 103 deg. 42.362’E
MBH 3) 1 deg. 26.750’N / 103 deg. 42.348’E
MBH 4) 1 deg. 26.777’N / 103 deg. 42.341’E
MBH 5) 1 deg. 26.777’N / 103 deg. 42.312’E
MBH 6) 1 deg. 26.805’N / 103 deg. 42.347’E
MBH 7) 1 deg. 26.762’N / 103 deg. 42.323’E
MBH 8) 1 deg. 26.791’N / 103 deg. 42.330’E
MBH 9) 1 deg. 26.791’N / 103 deg. 42.359’E
A jack-up barge with a rotary drilling rig will be used to carry out the soil investigation work. Movement of the jack-up barge will be assisted by tug and done during daylight hours only. The jack-up barge will be held in place by steel legs anchored into the seabed.
Craft involved in the works will exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.
When in the vicinity of the working area, mariners are reminded to:
a) Keep well clear and not to enter the working area;
b) Maintain a proper lookout;
c) Proceed at a safe speed and navigate with caution;
d) Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 22 (Jurong Control);
and
e) Communicate with Jurong Control for assistance, if required.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
COVID-19 precautions
Friday, March 13, 2020, Toamasina, Madagascar
Until further notice, all ships coming into Toamasina less than 14 days after leaving a port in a COVID-19 affected country will be guarded at anchorage. Only on the 15th day will the pilot be able to board the vessel and lead her alongside.
The same procedures apply for ship embarking crew coming from or transiting an affected country less than 14 days before arrival.
COVID-19 affected country in this refers to a country where the virus is spreading.
(For information about operations in Madagascar, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com)
Source: MASM Madagascar – GAC agent
Updated COVID-19 measures
Friday, March 13, 2020, New Zealand
New Zealand has implemented temporary border measures to reduce the chances of COVID-19 spreading within New Zealand. People who have left or transited through mainland China or Iran (Category 1a countries) in the 14 days prior to boarding are denied entry into New Zealand. This includes transit passengers.
People who are exempt from the temporary restrictions are:
New Zealand citizens (including those from the three Countries of the Realm: Tokelau, Niue and the Cook Islands), permanent residents and their immediate family
Australian citizens and permanent residents whose primary place of established residence is New Zealand
Air crews who have been using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
People exempt from the temporary restrictions register with Healthline and self-isolate for 14 days after they return to New Zealand if they have been in, or transited through, mainland China, or Iran (excluding airport transfers), or have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Countries in Category 1b are Italy, the city of Seattle, and the Republic of Korea. People who have travelled in these countries in the past 14 days may enter New Zealand but are requested to undertake 14 days self-isolation and register with Healthline… …For transit passengers, the recommendation to self-isolate should take into account the traveller’s chance of being exposed to a case.
Category 2 countries are Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, the western seaboard states of the United States (California, Oregon and the remainder of Washington State) and Europe. Europe is defined as the Schengen Visa Area and those countries subject to the European Union freedom of movement of people rules (i.e. currently including the UK) with the exception of Italy (which is category 1b). People who have travelled from or via these countries in the past 14 days do not need to self-isolate but will be given advice about symptoms of concern (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and how to seek advice if they become unwell.
The new border measures relating to the United States and Europe will be effective as at midnight on Friday 13 March 2020…
…From 11 March 2020, novel coronavirus capable of causing severe respiratory illness and COVID-19 were scheduled as ‘quarantinable diseases’ under the Health Act 1956. This means that the quarantinable disease provisions in the Health Act 1956 and the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 can be used if necessary.
As a result, vessels or aircraft may be quarantined when they come into New Zealand, where there are grounds to believe there may be cases of novel coronavirus capable of causing severe respiratory illness or COVID-19 on board. The public health units will activate their public health emergency contingency plans if a person on board the aircraft or vessel is suspected of having novel coronovirus capable of causing severe respiratory illness or COVID-19…
…Illness is expected to be reported as part of the advance notice of arrival process submitted at least 48 hours before the vessel arrives and the health status update 12 to 24 hours before arrival.
…Additional questions are now being asked as part of the health clearance process (advance notice of arrival and no change of health status messages). The three questions are included in the no change of health status from:
Has the vessel departed or transited through mainland China, Iran, Italy, the city of Seattle, or the Republic of Korea in the last 14 days?
Are there any passengers or crew on board who have departed, or transited through, mainland China, Iran, Italy, the city of Seattle, or the Republic of Korea in the last 14 days?
Are there any passengers or crew on board who have been had contact with a person who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
If any illness is reported, public health staff will
inform the Harbour Master and border agencies of all reports of ill travellers
withhold pratique (health clearance) if a quarantinable disease is suspected (note from 11 March 2020, COVID-19 will be a quarantinable disease)
follow normal processes for ill travellers if there is no reasonable suspicion of a quarantinable disease risk, AND the symptoms are not consistent with COVID-19 OR there is no history of travel to, or transiting through mainland China, Iran, Italy, the city of Seattle, or the Republic of Korea in the last 14 days (vessel or passengers): i.e. gather information, undertake a risk assessment and take actions to mitigate risk as necessary.
withhold pratique, inform the Ministry of Health (0800 GETMOH) urgently, and meet the vessel on arrival, if there is history of travel to, or transiting through, mainland China, Iran, Italy, the city of Seattle, or the Republic of Korea in the last 14 days (vessel, crew or passengers), OR a suspicion of COVID -19 infection.
implement the public health border contingency emergency response plan for managing suspected quarantinable diseases
complete a risk assessment
manage cases and contacts as laid out in this Framework
ensure appropriate treatment for ill traveller
require close contacts to self-isolate until suspected case is cleared or 14 days if suspected case is confirmed…
…There is no expectation that vessels with ill crew or passengers should be held at anchor. Crew and passengers cannot disembark before pratique is issued and any risk management procedures will be discussed with the Master and Agent…
The COVID-19 webpages are updated daily: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
(For information about operations in New Zealand, contact the GAC Singapore Hub Agency Centre at hub.sg@gac.com)
Source: Extracts from New Zealand COVID-19 Border Advisory (12) dated 12 March 2020
COVID 19 travel advisory
Friday, March 13, 2020, Jaigad, India
Any vessel coming from COVID -19 virus affected countries will staying at JSW Jaigarh Port anchorage till the completion of 14 days period from the departure date of such countries.
Throughout the period at anchorage, the health of seafarers should be monitored on a day-to-day basis. Agents are required to send temperature report of the crew members on a daily basis.
After completing the 14 days from the last port of departure from affected countries, vessels will be required to submit Free Pratique from Ratnagiri PHO for acceptance at berth.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com
Updated disease control measures
Friday, March 13, 2020, Uruguay
In addition to the People’s Republic of China, the following countries and areas in which sustained transmission of the [COVID-19] virus is verified: South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy.
The following measures apply to the five countries:
a. If in the last 30 days the ship has landed at ports in any of these countries, it must identify the crew or passengers that embarked in any of them.
b. If it has been fulfilled that they have arrived at ports in the countries or areas mentioned, not earlier than 8 hours after arrival in the Uruguayan port, the Maritime Health Declaration signed by the Captain must attach a body temperature report of each traveler during the previous 48 hours, taken every 8 hours.
c. If it is suspected about the health status of one or more crew members, passengers or travelers, about the possibility of having an acute respiratory disease.
i) Boarding of port personnel for service will not be allowed, without the recommended personal protective equipment (protective glasses, mask to cover the mouth and nose, gloves).
ii) Fever and symptoms or signs of acute upper and / or lower respiratory disease such as: cough, rhinitis, sore throat, dyspnea, increased respiratory rate.
iii) When the ship arrives at the port, only Maritime and River Health personnel will ascend, who, depending on the traveler’s health, may accompany a doctor for their assistance.
d. If the epidemiological clinical evaluation of the traveler carried out on board:
i) discharges the suspicion of infectious disease, the ship may start operation in port
ii) keep the suspicion of SARS CoV-2, a diagnostic sample will be taken
iii) as long as the laboratory diagnostic results are not available, the ship will not be able to operate
iv) If the diagnosis is positive, the ship will not be able to operate in the Uruguayan port.
In the event that the sick crew member does not have symptoms that require their hospitalization, he will continue on board the ship, with the recommendations to reduce the probability of the virus spreading.
Otherwise, the disembarking will be coordinated with the recommended biological protection measures.
Medical review requirements prior embarking is suspended in the case of crew changes coming from affected countries or areas mentioned above.
a. The recommendation to receive assistance in the presence of a crew member with any symptom of infectious contagious disease, particularly respiratory disease, is maintained prior boarding the ship.
(For information about operations in Uruguay, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Uruguay Ministry of Health notice dated 9 March 2020
Cruise port calls halted as part of new restrictions announced
Friday, March 13, 2020, Singapore
Singapore is ceasing port calls for all cruise ships with immediate effect, as part of new restrictions announced to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.
It will also block entry or transit for visitors with travel history to Italy, France, Spain and Germany within the last 14 days, effective from 11.59pm on Sunday 15 March.
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders who travelled to Italy, France, Spain and Germany within the last 14 days will be issued with a Stay-Home Notice.
With immediate effect, all visitors entering Singapore with fever or symptoms of respiratory illness will also be issued with a 14-day Stay-Home Notice, regardless of their travel history.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Ban on cruise ship calls
Friday, March 13, 2020, India
The Government of India has decided that no cruise ships from any foreign destination are allowed to call at Indian ports until 31 March.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com
Maritime Declaration of Health
Friday, March 13, 2020, Singapore
This circular supersedes Port Marine Circular 08 of 2020 dated 04 Mar 2020, and brings to the attention of the National Environment Agency’s (Port Health Office) requirements to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office.
These requirements are applicable for the following vessels:
a) All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days;
or
b) All arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days.
This declaration is part of the measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) into Singapore and will come into effect from 15 Mar 2020, 2359hrs. It must be submitted to the National Environment Agency’s (Port Health Office) 12 hours before arrival at Singapore Port.
The master of the ship is recommended to implement the following additional precautionary measures:
a) Educate crew/passengers of the symptoms of COVID-19, which are:
i. Fever (i.e. temperature above 37.5 degree Celsius);
ii. Runny nose;
iii. Cough; and
iv. Shortness of breath
b) Carry out daily temperature checks for all crew/passengers at least twice daily;
c) Isolate unwell crew/passengers when his/her temperature is above 37.5 degree Celsius. The unwell crew/passengers should also wear a mask;
and
d) Disinfect common areas and rooms in the vessel before arrival in Singapore. The disinfection may be conducted by the ship’s crew en-route to Singapore.
(For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No.10 of 2020 dated 13 March 2020
Extension of precautionary measures
Friday, March 13, 2020, Singapore
In line with Singapore Ministry of Health’s press releases dated 31 January 2020, 25 February 2020, 03 March 2020, and 13 March 2020 the MPA will extend the precautionary measures to all ships calling the Port of Singapore.
BORDER RESTRICTIONS
Crew/passengers onboard all arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days shall remain onboard the vessels.
Crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days onboard all arriving vessels shall remain onboard during the vessels’ stay in port.
With immediate effect, Singapore will cease port calls for all cruise vessels.
PRECAUTIONARY TESTING FOR SYMPTOMATIC TRAVELLERS AT REGIONAL FERRY TERMINALS
Since 4 March 2020, travellers entering Singapore and exhibiting fever (i.e. temperature above 37.5 degree Celsius) and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness may be required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at the regional ferry terminals, regardless of travel history. With immediate effect, all such travellers may be issued a 14-day Stay Home Notice or returned to their point of origin.
MPA advises the shipping community to adhere closely to the health advisory. The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Port Health requires the following vessels to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health Form (refer to Port Marine Circular 10 of 2020):
a. All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days;
or
b. All arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days.
MPA also urges all crew members onboard to have their temperature taken twice daily. There are also guidelines on how to isolate unwell crew and passengers. For guidance on the disinfection protocols of common areas and rooms in the vessel, please refer to the NEA’s website for the Interim Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection of Areas Exposed to Confirmed Case(s) of COVID-19 in Non-Healthcare Premises, and the Interim Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection of Premises with Transient Exposure to Confirmed Case(s) of COVID-19, if needed. If any of their crew or passengers are unwell, they should report the incident to the Marine Safety Control Centre at 6325 2488/2489.
Managers/supervisors of terminal operators, agents, contractors and service providers are to take note of the health advisory and bring it to the attention of staff who are required to work on board ships.
ADVICE FOR SINGAPORE-REGISTERED VESSELS
Ship owners, managers, operators, agents and masters of Singapore-registered vessels should monitor the health of their crew closely. Masters of such vessels are required to report to their company, MPA and destination port authorities, if their crew are unwell, experience respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose, shortness of breath) or feel feverish. They should also make the necessary arrangements to seek medical attention.
INDUSTRY-LED INITIATIVES
Temperature Screening at Ferry Terminals. Since 08 February 2020, 2359hrs, ferry terminal operators have implemented centralised outbound temperature screening for departing passengers. This is an additional precautionary measure by the terminal operators to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and crew.
Cleaning and Disinfection. Ferry operators have also stepped up their cleaning and disinfection regime on board the ferries, especially in common or public areas to help prevent the widespread transmission of COVID-19.
MEASURES BY PORT TERMINAL OPERATORS
PSA and Jurong Port are also taking precautionary measures for employees returning to Singapore. Some of these measures include allowing eligible staff to telecommute and providing frontline staff with paid Leave of Absence where they are unable to work remotely.
This circular supersedes Port Marine Circular No. 09 of 2020.
(For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No.11 of 2020 dated 13 March 2020
Suspension of crew changes & shore leave
Friday, March 13, 2020, Pembroke/Milford Haven, United Kingdom
In light of COVID-19, Valero will stop all crew changes and shore leave at their Pembroke and Milford Haven sites for an indefinite period starting at 12am on Sunday 15 March.
This decision has been taken to protect crew members and staff and restrict the chances of spreading the virus.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com
Restrictions for crew changes OPL
Friday, March 13, 2020, Singapore
The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore has placed restrictions for crew changes for vessels outside of Singapore harbour limits more commonly known as OPL.
No sign-off or medical evacuation is permitted while vessel is at OPL, be it while in transit or at anchor. If owners or vessel intend to sign off crew / personnel, vessel must be prepared to:
– enter Singapore port limits and be subjected to the current port control measures
– submit the Maritime Health Declaration
Personnel that hold passports that can clear Singapore airport or land immigration entry checkpoints may still visit or sign-on vessel at OPL.
Delivery of ship spares, provisions, stores to vessel and off-landing of items/equipment from vessel at OPL is still permitted at this point.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Temporary suspension of fresh water supply
Friday, March 13, 2020, Paradip, India
Due to stoppage of water supply in the River Mahanadi, supply of fresh water to Port Township has been restricted. Hence, it has been decided to temporarily suspend supply of fresh water to waters/crafts in the Harbour until 31 May 2020.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Paradip Port Trust Marine Department Notice No.: MD/SPG-I/7/12/2013/346 dated 13 March 2020
Prohibition of disembarkation from passenger vessels
Friday, March 13, 2020, Maryland, United States
The Governor of the State of Maryland yesterday (12 March) issued an Order stating that no passenger or crew member shall disembark at any terminal or port facility in the State’s ports and harbors (including, without limitation, the Cruise Maryland Terminal) from any passenger vessel that has, since January 31, 2020, made a call at any port outside the United States.
The Order does not prohibit the disembarkation of the passengers from the following vessels at the end of their respective voyages, provided that no person on board is diagnosed with COVID-19 or under investigation for COVID-19:
– Carnival Pride
– RCL Grandeur of the Seas
If anyone onboard the above vessels has a confirmed diagnosis or is under investigation for COVID-19, the vessels shall be subject to the prohibition.
Unless necessary to perform a duty required by law, no person shall board any covered passenger vessel at any terminal or port facility in the State.
Owners of terminals and port facilities in the State that receive cargo vessels shall develop and implement procedures for screening and controlling the movement of crew members who desire to disembark from cargo vessels that have, since January 31, made a call to any port outside the United States, in accordance with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection, the Maryland Department of Health, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to deter the spread of COVID-19.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at usa@gac.com
