IMO Guidance on Safe Crew Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The IMO have issued new guidance in their Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
It sets out general measures and procedures that should, so far as practicable, be implemented by all the parties involved in facilitating safe ship crew changes during the pandemic. The framework considers both joining a ship and repatriation, comprising a protocol for each step of the journey.
Much of the advice is aimed at governments and national authorities, but there are numerous sections aimed at shipowners and operators, specifically referencing ISM Code and MLC obligations.
The protocols for crew change and repatriation were drawn up by ICS, IAPH, BIMCO, IFSMA, INTERTANKO, P&I Clubs, CLIA, INTERCARGO, InterManager, IPTA, IMCA, INTERFERRY, FONASBA, ITF, and WSC. They also take account of input from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).