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COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 ‘coronavirus’, has left very few countries in the world unaffected. Over 150 million cases of infection and more than 3 million deaths have been reported, with the true figures likely to be much greater. Most nations have introduced measures to combat the pandemic and many are in lockdown. Here we provide a roundup of available resources.
Guidance Available
North
We continue to provide you with updates on the restrictions imposed and the measures taken by ports and countries around the world here. You can find this advice and track the affected areas on GlobeView. North Members can access all this and more at MyGlobeView.
We’ve also published a number of useful factsheets, FAQs and briefings which can be downloaded from our publications section below.
The WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued the guidance documents:
- Operational considerations for managing COVID-19 cases/outbreak on board ships (March 2020) to be used in conjunction with the published WHO handbook for management of public health events on board ships.
- Promoting public health measures in response to COVID-19 on cargo ships and fishing vessels (August 2020)
- An implementation guide for the management of COVID-19 on board cargo ships and fishing vessels (December 2021)
International Group (IG)
In July 2021, the IG published a document in collaboration with the 13 P&I Clubs to answer a number of questions that are frequently asked about P&I Club cover relating to the vaccination of seafarers. View the FAQs.
In April 2020, the IG launched a COVID-19 Dashboard to help shipowners, charterers & operators in the maritime sector to during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re proud to support the IG in the launch of this tool. View the dashboard.
The IMO
The IMO has received and circulated communications from Member States which can found here. Additionally, the IMO has issued a number of Circular Letters, all of which can be accessed here and includes:
- MSC.1/Circ.1636/Rev.1 (22 April 2021) Industry recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
- National Focal Points on Crew Change and Repatriation of Seafarers, which can be found via the GISIS module on crew change and repatriation of seafarers (registration required)
IMHA
The International Maritime Health Association has a dedicated COVID-19 information section. This includes Getting healthy seafarers to a ship: Mitigating the risk with quarantine and testing which addresses quarantine and testing requirements for seafarers joining a ship.
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
The ICS have numerous resources on their COVID-19 webpage, including translations into French, Arabic and Spanish.
In December 2021, the ICS published the Second Edition of Coronavirus (COVID-19): Legal, Liability and Insurance Issues arising from Vaccination of Seafarers.
On 13 May 2021, the ICS published Coronavirus (COVID-19) Roadmap for Vaccination of International Seafarers.
On 7 June 2021, the ICS published version 4 of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers.
On 13 September 2021, the ICS published version 2 of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination for Seafarers and Shipping Companies: A Practical Guide.
Covid-19: Coronavirus FAQ's
How has COVID-19 affected global shipping?
The impact of Coronavirus on global shipping has been significant for shipowners, ship managers, charterers and crew. From the vaccination of seafarers, quarantine restrictions, difficulties when performing crew changes, a rise in crew and third party claims, vessel lay-ups, port restrictions and associated delays, increased legal requirements to name just a few, the pandemic brought a wide range of challenges. In response, the shipping industry has become more agile and adaptable to this ever-changing situation and focus on building effective response strategies and plans. At North, we are here to help shipowners and charterers with the COVID-19 challenges they face now and in the future.
How can I stay up to date with COVID-19 and its effect on global shipping?
Through our dedicated COVID-19 expertise area, you can stay up to date with all the latest COVID-19 developments.. We have a detailed, online publication providing the latest guidance for all major countries and regions in the world, alongside our expert news, articles, publications, and industry resources. You can also track the impact of the virus through our maritime intelligence platforms, GlobeView, MyGlobeView and Route Risk Advice. We offer webinar support for our Members and our expert panel discusses the challenges and the available support. Take a look at the series through your MyNorth area.
How is COVID-19 covered under P&I Insurance?
COVID-19 is covered in the same way as any crew illness in the P&I insurance. For club purposes, coronavirus will be treated no differently from other types of illnesses. Despite the possibilities of delays, additional complexities, and treatments being more expensive, COVID-19 is still covered. Members must act responsibly and check the situation, to ensure necessary precautions are taken. Take a look at the guidance available on North’s website, including our comprehensive P&I and FD&D FAQs.
What safety regulations do vessels need to follow as a result of COVID-19?
Policies and procedures must be put in place to identify the risks of COVID-19 by a scenario planning process, as well as looking into any legal or regulatory requirements. North, has rounded up a wide range of available resources to ensure your crew and officers are protected when travelling.
COVID-19 & Impact on Crew Changes
To help shipowners with the challenges of carrying out crew changes during COVID-19, we've collated all our guidance, articles, publications and industry resources in one place.
Take a lookLatest News & Articles
Latest Publications
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COVID-19: Coronavirus Outbreak – Impact on Shipping
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COVID-19 Vaccinations for Seafarers
- Briefing
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Signals Issue 122: Winter 2021
- Signals
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Country Briefing: Trading to China During COVID-19
- Briefing
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Signals Issue 121: Autumn 2020
- Signals
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Vessel Lay-Up - Briefing
- Briefing
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Signals Issue 120: Summer 2020
- Signals
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COVID-19 FAQ's FD&D
- FAQ
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Working Through COVID-19: Steel Pre-Load Surveys
- Briefing
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COVID-19 FAQ's
- FAQ
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Dealing with Ship Visitors and Social Distancing - Information Sheet
- Information Sheet
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Performing a Crew Change During COVID-19
- Briefing
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Novel Coronavirus - Information Sheet
- Information Sheet
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Member Benefit: SureNav Remote Navigation Audits - FAQ's
- Brochure
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Member Benefit: SureNav Remote Navigation Audits
- Brochure
You can track the ongoing outbreak of 2019-nCoV Novel coronavirus through our GlobeView platform. Here we report the number of confirmed cases and provide country and port specific advice, detailing the measures being put in place.
Access GlobeViewAdapting to COVID-19
Useful Resources
- World health organization (WHO)
- USA CDC
- International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Guidance
- The IMO resources on COVID-19
- United Kingdom NHS
- Map of global cases by John Hopkins University
- Coronavirus- How to Beat it – Video from Seagull and Videotel
- Best practice precautions for carrying out the pre-transfer conference during the COVID 19 Pandemic
- International Group – COVID-19 Dashboard.
- Steamship Mutual’s ‘Stay Safe on Board’ video
- Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Diving Medicine (NCMDM) tool, designed to assist seafarers managing and assessing COVID-19 cases on board.