Hot Port News from GAC
17-Mar-2020
SPECIAL MEASURES ANNOUNCED, PORTS STILL OPERATIONAL
Costa Rica
BORDERS CLOSED, FLIGHTS SUSPENDED
Peru
COVID-19 CONTROL MEASURES
Uruguay
ENTRY/EXIT OF FOREIGN CITIZENS
Ecuador
FURTHER EXTENSION OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Singapore
DREDGING NORTH OF JURONG DUA BUOY
Singapore
CRUISE SHIP PORT CALLS STOPPED
Oman
RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRY FOR COMMERCIAL VESSELS
Australia
LOCKDOWN ANNOUNCED
Malaysia
UPDATED COVID-19 MEASURES
Sri Lanka
SERVICING OF BABY CAPE/CAPE SIZE VESSELS
Paradip, India
RESTRICTED COUNTRIES UPDATE
Turkey
VISA & TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19
India
SUSPENSION OF TRAFFIC
Dardanelles, Turkey
FOREIGN NATIONALS’ ENTRY BANNED
Russia
SUSPENSION OF CREW CHANGE
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
ENTRY RESTRICTIONS
Qatar
CEREMONY CANCELLED, NO SUSPENSION OF VESSEL TRAFFIC
Dardanelles, Turkey
SUSPENSION OF SHORE LEAVE FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS
Walvis Bay, Namibia
REVISED SOP FOR DRY CARGO VESSELS
Mumbai, India
CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS
Gibraltar
CREW CHANGES AND DISEMBARKING GUIDELINES
Dubai (including Port Rashid & Jebel Ali), United Arab Emirates
COVID-19 REGULATIONS UPDATE
Taiwan
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS – UPDATE (CHANGE 3)
United States
Special measures announced, ports still operational
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Costa Rica
The Costa Rican government has announced special measures to limit the spread of Covid-19. Administrators of the Ports of Costa Rica are facing up to their responsibility and are making it a priority to keep the ports fully operational.
We are working actively to prevent further spread of the coronavirus with various measures:
We constantly follow the advice of the Local Government, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transportation, WHO, EU and other important entities.
All incoming ships must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) before calling at port, in which the ship’s master must declare whether there is any illness or suspected illness on board, together with a list of the last ten ports called at.
(For information about operations in Costa Rica, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Transmares Costa Rica – GAC agent
Borders closed, flights suspended
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Peru
Due to the closing of borders as a precaution against COVID-19 by the Peruvian Government beginning yesterday (16 March), arrival of all domestic and International flights are suspended.
On 14 March, that the entry of cruises was suspended for 30 days as a preventive measure.
(For information about operations in Costa Rica, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Empresa Maritima B&M SAC Peru – GAC agent
COVID-19 control measures
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Uruguay
Checks and controls have been introduced at ports and the airport in Uruguay to check arriving passengers and crew, particularly those arriving from the countries most affected by COVID-19. Any travellers suspected to have the virus will proceed with quarantine. For cases on board vessels, they may not disembark at port, or enter to port to operate.
From Friday (20 March), flights from Europe will not be allowed to land in Uruguay.
The Government has closed schools and universities, and prohibited all public events for 2 weeks. The public is urged not to attend meetings, and private companies were asked to request their employees to work from home.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Uruguay, contact GAC Uruguay at shipping.uruguay@gac.com
Entry/exit of foreign citizens
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Ecuador
National authorities in Ecuador have prohibited the entry/exit by air, maritime and inland of any foreign citizen.
These measures will be in place until 5 April, subject to the development of the virus.
For information about operations in Ecuador, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com
Further extension of precautionary measures
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Singapore
Crew/passengers onboard all arriving vessels that have called at ports in ASEAN countries, mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom within the last 14 days shall remain onboard the vessels.
Crew/passengers with recent travel history to ASEAN countries, mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom within the last 14 days shall remain onboard the vessels during the vessels’ stay in port.
With effect from 13 March 2020, Singapore has ceased port calls for all cruise vessels…
…The MPA advises the shipping community to adhere closely to the health advisory in ANNEX F. The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Port Health requires the following vessels to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health Form:
a. All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to ASEAN countries, mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom within the last 14 days;
or
b. All arriving vessels that have called at ports in ASEAN countries, mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom within the last 14 days…
(For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Extracts from Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No.13 of 2020 dated 16 March 2020
Dredging north of Jurong Dua Buoy
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Singapore
Dredging works are underway north of Jurong Dua Buoy.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No.15 of 2020 dated 16 March 2020, the works are being carried out 24 hours daily – including Sundays & Public Holidays – from 16 to 31 March, within the working area bounded by the following coordinates (WGS 84 Datum):
1) 01 deg. 15.145’N / 103 deg. 39·601’E
2) 01 deg. 15.084’N / 103 deg. 39·626’E
3) 01 deg. 15.069’N / 103 deg. 39·587’E
4) 01 deg. 15.130’N / 103 deg. 39.564’E
Work involves removal and clean-up of high spots at Jurong Island Westward Extension (JIWE) outfall area in two stages. In stage one, dredging will be carried out by crane barge. Stage two, divers will be deployed to support the crane barge performing the dredging.
Safety boat will be deployed to warn other craft in the vicinity of the working area.
Craft involved in the works 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 to enter the work 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
Cruise ship port calls stopped
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Oman
The Supreme Committee formed by the government to deal with the spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19) has decided to stop the entry of the cruise ships to the Omani ports of Muscat, Salalah and Khasab for a period of 30 days from 15 March.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Oman, contact GAC Oman at muscat@gac.com
Restrictions on entry for commercial vessels
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Australia
On 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced that all persons entering Australia from 0001 AEDST 16 March 2020 must undertake a precautionary self-isolation period for up to 14 days upon entry to Australia. This applies to any person entering Australia, inclusive of Australian citizens and permanent residents. For persons who are entering Australia for less than 14 days, they must self-isolate for the entire duration of their stay.
These measures apply to all people entering Australia including via aircraft and vessels.
The travel restrictions for mainland China, Iran, the Republic of Korea and Italy remain in place for all travellers including maritime crew.
All crew will be notified of the precautionary self-isolation requirement through an updated health fact sheet.
Commercial Vessels arriving from any port outside Australia
All vessel masters must answer health screening questions as part of their entry reporting:
ABF and Biosecurity officers remain responsible for border clearance processes. Vessels that report ill persons with relevant symptoms will undergo a human health inspection by a Biosecurity Officer on arrival in Australia, and before the vessel is granted pratique.
Crew members on a vessel
– All crew must remain on-board while the vessel is berthed in Australia.
– Crew are only able to disembark to conduct essential vessel functions and crew must wear personal protective equipment while performing these functions.
– These restrictions apply until 14 days has elapsed since the vessel departed the last port before Australia, unless crew are unwell or there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on-board.
– The period maritime crew spend at sea prior to their arrival in Australia counts towards the 14-day period of self-isolation. In practice, if a vessel has travelled for ten days since last being in a foreign port, the period of precautionary self-isolation for its crew members would be the remaining four days.
– Where a crew member is signing off a vessel (within the 14 day period) and remaining in Australia they must self- isolate at their accommodation for the reaminder of the 14 day self-isolation period.
– Crew members departing Australia may proceed directly to the airport and depart; or they must self isolate at their accommodation until the time they proceed to the airport.
– International crew members joining a commercial vessel voyage are subject to a 14 day self-isolation period. Crew are permitted to transit through Australia but must remain in the port or airport, or self-isolate in accommodation for the duration of their transit. Crew must self isolate at their final destination for the remainder of the 14 days.
For Maritime Industry
– Industry members engaging with commercial maritime vessels subject to the restrictions outlined above should consider the use of personal protective equipment.
– Maritime Pilots will be provided personal protective equipment for the initial engagement with those vessels subject to restrictions…
(For information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com)
Source: Australian Border Force update dated 17 March 2020
Lockdown announced
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Malaysia
Malaysia will be in a nationwide lockdown from 18 March until 31 March, due to the Covid-19 outbreak. All Malaysians will be banned from travelling abroad, and no tourists or foreigners will be allowed to enter the country.
It is understood that ports and airports will function as per requirement.
All business premises have to be shut down, except for outlets such as supermarkets and grocery stores selling daily essentials. All government and private premises would be closed during the lockdown, except for essential services such as utilities, telecommunications, transport, banking, health, pharmacies, ports, airports, cleaning and food supplies.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Malaysia, contact GAC Malaysia at shipping.malaysia@gac.com
Updated COVID-19 measures
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Sri Lanka
In response to developments related to COVID-19, the below measures have been taken by the Government and Port Officials in Sri Lanka, and is applicable to all ports of the country:
DISEMBARKATION PROCESS FOR SEA MARSHALS AND SHIP’S CREW (Foreigners & Sri Lankan Nationals)
As per the letter issued by the Director General of health services, no crew member or a passenger of cruise/passenger ships is allowed to go ashore or disembark at any seaport in Sri Lanka.
For all other vessels, disembarkation of any foreign Sea Marshal or crew member from the vessel will not be permitted if:
(i) The vessel has called at a port in below-mentioned list of countries within 14 days, or
(ii) If there is a Sea Marshal or crew member who has come from/ visited the below-mentioned list of countries within 14 days.
If a Sri Lankan national is to be disembarked from such a vessel, he will be sent for compulsory quarantine for 14 days, from the date of disembarkation.
For all vessels not included in the above category, disembarkation of foreign crew members are permitted subject to arrangements being made for their direct repatriation. When a sea marshal is disembarked and await for an onward vessel, he will have to be kept at the designated location (details will be provided soon) under supervision of Sri Lanka Navy. Sri Lankan nationals are permitted to disembark from such vessels subject to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Transportation of Sea marshals and ship crew to quarantine or designated places should be arranged by the relevant agent under the supervision of Sri Lanka Navy. Quarantine guidelines to be followed at all times.
List of countries as at 16.03.2020 are South Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom and Norway. The countries in the list will be changed according to the global trend of the disease and such changes will be communicated with relevant stakeholders in advance.
ISSUING OF SHORE PASSES
Crew members of all vessels will not be granted shore passes unless for medical reasons.
SUBMISSION OF HEALTH STATUS REPORTS
For all vessels calling any port of Sri Lanka (at berth, anchorage or OPL) it is mandatory for the vessel Master to disclose accurate and timely information regarding crew health, and submitted to Port Health office via GAC Agent. The declarations include
1. Health Status Report of the Vessel (within 12 -24 hours of Berth or OPL operations), and
2. Health Declaration Form for crew members.
This rule requires strict compliance and severely penalties will be imposed for any party providing false or incomplete information.
For further details and updates, or information about operations in Sri Lanka, contact GAC Sri Lanka at srilanka@gac.com
Servicing of Baby Cape/Cape Size vessels
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Paradip, India
It has been observed that the efficiency of handling Baby Cape / Cape Size vessels in the port is affected due to mechanization of EQ berths and constraints in accommodating such vessels at berths other than CQ 1.
Considering the above, it has been decided that PPT [Paradip Port Trust] will not accept any Cape / Baby Cape size vessels, arriving at PPT after 01.04.2020, til further review or til the new Coal Berth of KICT is commissioned, whichever is earliest.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Paradip Port Trust Traffic Department Trade Circular dated 16 March 2020
Restricted countries update
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Turkey
Four countries – Austria, England, Ireland and the UAE – were added to the list Turkey categorises as ‘restricted’ with regards to COVID-19 increased to 20 this morning (17 March). Four other countries – Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan – have been removed.
The list is now:
Italy
China
Austria
England
Ireland
Iran
Iraq
South Korea
UAE
Germany
Sweden
Netherlands
France
Spain
Denmark
Norway
Belgium
Egypt
Switzerland
Saudi Arabia
Flights to Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and Netherlands are suspended until 17 April. Flights to China, Iran, Iraq, South Korea, Nakhchivan, Saudi Arabia are suspended until 1 April.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Turkey, contact GAC Turkey at turkey@gac.com
Visa & travel restrictions related to COVID-19
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, India
In addition to the visa restrictions already in place, the following travel restriction shall come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 18, 2020:
All passengers coming from European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden), European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), Turkey and United Kingdom have been prohibited from entering India from any of the land/air/seaport ICPs. This restriction shall come into effect from 1200 hours GMT on March 18, 2020, and is a temporary measure.
The earlier visa restrictions, as mentioned below, shall also remain in force:
All existing visas issued to national of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Official passport holders, those in UN / international organisations, those on employment, project visas and those who are operating aircrew of scheduled commercial airlines, and who had not yet entered India, stand suspended with effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 till April 15, 2020.
Visas of all foreign nationals already in India remain valid.
The validity of OCI card of foreigners presently in India shall remain.
Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders who are not in India presently has been kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020…
Any foreign national (including OCI cardholder) who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission for fresh visa.
International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated Immigration Checkpoints…
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Indian Bureau of Immigration Notice dated 16 March 2020
Suspension of traffic
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Dardanelles, Turkey
Vessel traffic in the Dardanelles will be suspended in both directions between 14:00 and 18:00 hours local time tomorrow (18 March) for the Canakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Day.
For information about operations in the Turkish Straits, contact GAC Istanbul at turkey@gac.com
Foreign nationals’ entry banned
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Russia
Russian authorities have banned foreign nationals from entering the country from 18 March until 1 May.
Diplomats, crew members, business visa holders and some other categories of people will be exempt from the ban.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Russia, contact GAC Russia at russia@gac.com
Suspension of crew change
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Crew changes in the Port of Fujairah and at Fujairah Offshore Anchorage have been suspended until further notice.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Fujairah, contact GAC Fujairah at fujairah@gac.com)
Source: Port of Fujairah Notice to Agent 36/2020 dated 17 March 2020
Entry restrictions
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Qatar
Effective immediately, entry to the State of Qatar will only be allowed for Qatari nationals, who will be required to enter quarantine for a period of 14 days.
Passport holders of other nations will no longer be granted entry for a period of 14 days, after which the restrictions will be reviewed.
For information about operations in Qatar, contact GAC Qatar at qatar@gac.com
Ceremony cancelled, no suspension of vessel traffic
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Dardanelles, Turkey
Tomorrow’s ceremony for the 18 March Canakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Day has been cancelled. There will therefore be no suspension of vessel traffic in the Dardanelles Strait as previously advised.
For information about operations in Turkey contact GAC Turkey at turkey@gac.com
Suspension of shore leave for foreign nationals
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Walvis Bay, Namibia
In regard to the current worldwide Covid-19 outbreak, timely safety measures and preventive action by the Port of Walvis Bay are to be implemented with immediate effect.
The master of a vessel within the area of Namport’s jurisdiction shall at all times be responsible for the safety of such vessel, and nothing in these regulations shall be construed as relieving the master of such responsibility.
Implementation of the following measures to be noted:
As agreed with the Port health Officer and other relevant government authorities, crew shore leave is suspended until further notice.
Shore leave will only be granted on medical reasons and the patient will be subjected to Covid-19 screening procedures by Port Health before being granted shore leave.
This restriction serves to contain the spread of the disease.
This action is also considered in the best interest of the safety of foreign crew due to current heightened levels of tension and anxiety in town.
No crew changes are allowed within port limits.
Any vessel with sick crew member is required to notify Port Health cellphone: 0812339828, and Port Captain: 0811279259
Any failure to comply with the above measures will lead to the vessel being required to vacate berth immediately.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Namibia, contact GAC Namibia at shipping.walvisbay@gac.com)
Source: Namibian Ports Authority Memorandum dated 15 March 2020
Revised SOP for dry cargo vessels
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Mumbai, India
Mumbai Port has revised its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which states that all dry cargo vessels that have visited COVID-19 affected countries (or have any crew with a travel history to any of the affected countries) vessel will be subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine at anchorage.
This revised SOP does not apply for tanker vessels.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com
Coronavirus restrictions
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Gibraltar
Under regulations issued by the HM Government of Gibraltar, any person arriving in Gibraltar within 14 days of their departure (including transit) from an at-risk country may be:
– refused entry to Gibraltar;
– detained for screening, assessment or any other restriction; or
– kept in isolation (14 days) to reduce/remove the risk of infecting or contaminating others.
The countries currently considered to be at risk are: China, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Iran, Italy, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Vessels with any crew member on board who has visited above list of countries shall be monitored under the following special conditions listed below:
Remote pilotage requirements will be applied to the vessel.
No crew members will be allowed to disembark the vessel during its call at Gibraltar.
For ongoing operations shore personnel embarking/attending the vessel, will later not be allowed to disembark.
Shore/barge personnel to minimise all interaction with the crew as much as practically possible.
The Gibraltar Port Authority reserves the right to further scrutinise any incoming vessel if it deems necessary in the interest of public health.
If applicable:
We propose that visiting vessels carry out their own anchoring in Gibraltar Bay under strict guidance and assistance from the duty Gibraltar Pilot on arrival at the pilot station.
The Pilot will be onboard the pilot boat and lead the vessel into the Bay, staying close to the vessel and providing instruction to the vessel’s bridge team throughout the entire operation until it is safely anchored in a pre-determined anchorage slot.
Request vessel owners/charterers to inform all concerned of the special conditions that have been applied to reduce the risk of the spread of coronavirus.
Bunker suppliers and any other service providers also need to be advised accordingly.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Gibraltar, contact GAC Gibraltar at agency.gibraltar@gac.com
Crew changes and disembarking guidelines
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Dubai (including Port Rashid & Jebel Ali), United Arab Emirates
In line with the precautionary strategies laid down by the Government of the UAE to limit the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and to safeguard the wellbeing of the Port Users and Workers, we request to kindly follow the below guidelines for vessel crew changes and disembarking:
Crew change is strictly prohibited for vessels arriving from outside the United Arab Emirates.
Any crewmember will not be allowed to disembark the vessel during its call at DP World’s Ports. This includes access to the berth/jetty. Shore leave will not be permitted including access to the Seafarers Club.
A crewmember will only be allowed to disembark in case of emergency with the Port Authority’s approval.
Boarding on any vessel by vessel agents/owners/representatives will be permitted only in exceptional circumstances and will be subject to prior approval from the Port Authority.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Dubai, contact GAC Dubai at dubai@gac.com
COVID-19 regulations update
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Taiwan
In response to the international spread of COVID-19, the Taiwan CECC (Central Epidemic Center) has listed below countries for travel notice warning as of 17 March:
LEVEL 3 – WARNING: Avoid all unnecessary travel
Travelers from these countries will be required to follow a 14-day period of home quarantine after entering Taiwan:
China (including Hong Kong and Macao), South Korea, Italy, Iran, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Estonia, Malta, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Ireland and Dubai (including transit in Dubai), Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Japan, Singapore, North Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, East Timor, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives Moldova and U.S.A. (Washington State, New York State, California State).
LEVEL 2 – ALERT
Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, French Polynesia (Tahiti), Wallis and Futuna, Australia, New Zealand and U.S.A. (others states)
LEVEL 1 – WATCH
Other Balkans and countries that do not list tourist outbreak recommendations are promoted to Level 1.
All personnel entering Taiwan from the level 1 and level 2 countries must implement autonomous health management for 14 days.
Starting from today (17 March), foreign tourist can be quarantined at centralized quarantine station at additional cost.
MEDICAL COSTS:
From March 17, for foreign national (without travel history from level 3 countries and without NHI cards) who develops symptoms after entering Taiwan, will have to pay for costs of COVID-19 testing, and other medical related costs. If a foreign national is subject to home quarantine/home isolation after being identified as a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, he meets criteria of reporting, and costs of testing and medical treatment in isolation will be covered by Taiwan government. Other medical costs will depend on own coverage by NHI program.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Taiwan, contact GAC Taiwan at taiwan@gac.com
Novel Coronavirus – Update (Change 3)
Tuesday, March 17, 2020, United States
Presidential Proclamations have placed entry restrictions from persons arriving from or through the following countries: Iran, China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau), the European states within the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland), and beginning at 11:59 p.m. eastern standard daylight savings time on March 16, 2020, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
Vessel owners/operators and local stakeholders should be aware of the following:
1. On March 13, 2020, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that member companies were voluntarily suspending cruise ship operations from U.S. ports of call for 30 days. The CDC issued a No Sail Order on March 14, 2020 to all cruise ships that had not voluntarily suspended operations. The Coast Guard will closely coordinate with CDC to facilitate a safe and expeditious return of passengers onboard cruise ships that are underway and bound for U.S. ports.
2. Maritime commerce is vital to the U.S. economy and the Coast Guard has the responsibility to safely enable the uninterrupted flow of maritime cargo.
Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to the countries noted above or embarked crewmembers from the countries noted above within the last 14 days, with no sick crewmembers, will be permitted to enter the U.S. and conduct normal operations, provided that crewmembers remain aboard the vessel except to conduct specific activities directly related to vessel cargo or provisioning operations. U.S. citizens or any other persons listed in Section 2 of Presidential Proclamation “Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus”, for example crewmembers with a transit and/or crewmember visa, may be permitted to disembark the vessel to conduct vessel operations pier side or for the immediate and continuous transit through the U.S. to another country. When entering the U.S. all persons must be cleared by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and, if applicable, CDC. Crewmembers without the appropriate visas will generally be required to remain onboard unless otherwise cleared for entry by CBP and, if applicable, CDC.
Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to the countries noted above or embarked crewmembers from the countries noted above within the last 14 days, and do have sick crewmembers should expect delays and need to work with local health and port officials prior to entry.
All persons that have been in or through a country listed above may be subject to CDC screening prior to disembarkation.
Vessel owners and operators should be aware of the following:
The Coast Guard will continue to review all “Notice of Arrivals” in accordance with current policies and will communicate any concerns stemming from sick or deceased crew or passengers to their Coast Guard chain of command and the cognizant CDC quarantine station, who will coordinate with local health authorities.
All commercial vessel operators and mariners are encouraged to exercise due diligence during daily operations and highly encouraged to follow the CDC Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Diseases 2019.
Vessel masters shall inform Coast Guard boarding teams of any ill crewmembers on their vessel prior to embarking the team.
Local industry stakeholders, in partnership with their Coast Guard COTP, should review and be familiar with section 5310 Procedures for Vessel Quarantine and Isolation, and Section 5320 – Procedures for Security Segregation of Vessels in their Area Maritime Security Plan.
Local industry stakeholders, in partnership with their Coast Guard COTP, should review and be familiar with their Marine Transportation System Recovery Plan.
Maritime facility operators are reminded that they are not permitted to impede the embarkation/ disembarkation of crew members as permitted under Seafarer’s access regulations. This authority resides with CBP, Coast Guard, or the CDC for medical matters. Facility operators should contact their local CBP, Coast Guard, or CDC/health department offices if they have a specific request to restrict a crew member’s access…
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America, at usa@gac.com)
Source: U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Information Bulletin No.02-20 (Change 3) dated March 16, 2020
