ICS issues new Coronavirus guidance

(Posted on 06/03/20)

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued brand new guidance for the global shipping industry to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The comprehensive 22-page document has been produced in collaboration with prominent international bodies including:

•   The World Health Organization (WHO)

•   The International Maritime Organization (IMO)

•   The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

•   The International Maritime Health Association (IMHA)

Among a raft of measures highlighted in the guidance the document contains advice on managing Port Entry Restrictions, offers practical Protective Measures Against COVID-19 for Seafarers, including an Outbreak Management Plan. The guidance document also provides information around important topics including Port Entry Restrictions, Pre-boarding Screening, Education and what to do in Suspected Cases of Infection. There is also straightforward advice on Hygiene Measures for Seafarers on Ships, Managing High Risk Exposure, Case Handling, Isolation and Cleaning, Disinfection and Waste Management. The guidance also comes with posters which can be printed out and placed onboard ships as well as a Sample Pre-Boarding Passenger Locator Form and a WHO COVID-19 Support and Logistics Supplies List.

Speaking at a meeting with Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the IMO, to discuss the ongoing challenges facing the sector, Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping said:

“With no vaccine currently available to tackle the Coronavirus, all industries and governments must take appropriate steps to contain the spread. Shipping is responsible for 90% of global trade and recognises its responsibility in helping tackle this global health issue whilst ensuring that the wheels of global trade continue to turn.

“This document in the result of careful and considered collaboration with international partners. It is intended to be comprehensive, but also easy to understand and implement. Providing shipowners and operators who are dealing with the sharp end of the crisis with the reassurance and guidance needed to continue to carry out their operations.

“We are, however, conscious of the fluid nature of the situation, and will continue to work with international bodies to ensure our guidance is in line with the most up to date developments.”

The guidance document has been designed to support all types of ships which operate in international waters with the most up to date and effective information needed to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. It will be distributed to seafarers through the International Chamber of Shipping’s network of national member associations, is free to download from the ICS website www.ics-shipping.org and will be shared via social media. The International Maritime Organization will circulate the ICS guidance on COVID-19 as an annex to an IMO circular letter and other shipping organisations will also be encouraged to distribute the guidance to ensure that it receives the widest distribution possible.

Latest News

NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime

NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more

IMO delay could spark fragmentation risks, warns EmissionLink

Philippos Ioulianou, Managing Director of EmissionLink, has warned the IMO’s decision to delay... Read more

VIKAND highlights bullying and harassment as major mental health concern

VIKAND has highlighted the need for cultural change in the maritime sector as reports of bullying, harassment... Read more

DNV and WMMF guide to support shipowners' path to net-zero

The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving... Read more

NorthStandard takes prudent position on P&I premiums

NorthStandard has advised Members of a 5% increase in P&I premiums for the marine insurance year... Read more

Anemoi completes Rotor Sail installation on NS United bulk carrier

Anemoi Marine Technologies, the UK-based leading designer of Rotor Sails for wind-assisted ship propulsion... Read more

LR and Marshall Islands certify Helm CONNECT electronic record books

Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been... Read more

Sailors’ Society launches increased support for Chinese seafarers

International maritime welfare charity Sailors’ Society has announced a significant expansion... Read more

NORDEN signs two-year contract with US wood pellet producer

NORDEN has signed a two-year Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Enviva to transport a significant... Read more

Algoma reports strong core results and continued fleet growth

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended 30 September... Read more