China - Covid-19 nucleic acid tests compulsory for crew joining vessels calling at Chinese ports
30/09/2020
On 24 September, the Chinese Ministry of Transport, General Administration of Customs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly issued an Announcement (Announcement of the Ministry of Transport No
UK Club correspondents in South Korea have provided the following two updates regarding strict regulations for vessels arriving at South Korea with crew joining from certain countries.
On the 29th September 2020 the ICS published the attached guidelines for ship operators for protecting seafarers during Covid-19, this publication has been supported by the International Group.
On 11 September 2020, the IMO posted a Joint Statement by the United Nations Specialized Agencies calling on all Governments to immediately recognise seafarers as key workers and to take swift and effective action to eliminate obstacles to crew changes
Covid-19 control measures at Chinese ports
09/09/2020
Recently, Chinese ports are strengthening epidemic prevention and control measures on vessels having changed crew overseas within 14 days, especially for Pilipino seafarers or vessels that have changed crew members in the Philippines.
In the following article, ‘Shame on port states’ in the July 2020 edition of the Maritime Reporter & Engineering News, the author, Dennis L. Bryant of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting, adds his voice to the maritime industry’s pleasfor safe crew changes.
The UK hosted an international maritime virtual summit on 9 July on the impact of COVID-19 on crew changes, attended by 15 countries.
The additional cover is offered at no additional premium.
Under the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), port states must ensure that seafarers on board ships in their territory who are in need of immediate medical care are given access to medical facilities on shore.
The Club recently reported on calls made by various organisations including the IMO, the ILO and the ICAO for urgent action to be taken on crew changes.
BIMCO publishes COVID-19 crew change clause
25/06/2020
BIMCO has produced a COVID-19 Crew Change Clause for Time Charter Parties in response to local lockdowns.
ICS: Updated Coronavirus Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers
03/06/2020
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has updated its COVID-19 guidance.
The USCG in its Marine Safety Information Bulletin (IMSB) dated 9 April 2020, notes that disruptions to supply chains and workforce availability in the current COVID-19 pandemic can lead to delays in the installation and the commissioning of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS). The Coast Guard is, therefore, adjusting its extension policy under the US Ballast Water Management Regulations for vessels which may be impacted by the pandemic, with BWTS compliance dates before 1 April 2021. In instances where the pandemic has made it impractical to perform necessary or scheduled work on a vessel;
On 29 March, China MSA issued their updated Guidance on the Prevention and Control of Covid-19 Onboard. This is an update on Version 1.0 issued on 17 March. The UK Club's Correspondents, Messrs Huatai, have helpfully summarised the amendments in their Circular Ref No.: PNI [2020] 05. The main amendments are the introduction of guidance on crew change operations and precautionary measures to minimise an "overseas epidemic".
Covid-19 & Club Cover - FAQs
06/04/2020
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has generated a significant number of enquiries and questions from Members in recent weeks
Oasis P&I: Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
03/04/2020
Oasis P&I have issued the following update on the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus in China, advising on port operations and measures taken by the authorities to contain the spread of the outbreak.
The UK Club's network partners, the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), have issued the following advice for seafarers and shipping companies on coronavirus.
Huatai: Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
17/03/2020
Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultancy Service Ltd, the Club's local correspondents in China, are continuing to monitor the situation closely so that we can keep Members closely updated on this developing situation.
USCG - Novel Coronavirus update
13/03/2020
The US Coast Guard issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB 02-20 (Change 1) entitled 'Novel Coronavirus - Update'. Among other things, it states that the Coast Guard considers it a hazardous condition under 33 CFR 160.216 if a crewmember who was in Iran or China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the past 14-days is brought aboard the vessel during transit. This requires immediate notification to the nearest Coast Guard COTP. (3/9/20)
COVID-19 - Portugal Containment
13/03/2020
Our correspondent in Portugal Pinto Basto have provided the following update regarding the containment of the coronavirus in Portugal.