The International Group and its 13 constituent P&I Clubs, have become extremely concerned about the detrimental effect upon the mental well-being of seafarers as a result of the prolongation of their contracts of employment due to the pandemic
The Club has been working with the Innovative Maritime Emotional Intelligence Center (I.M.E.Q) to create this important downloadable advice titled, living with lockdown at sea
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.
Press Release: Crew Changes
08/07/2020
Global governments must act decisively to improve crew changes during the pandemic – UK P&I Club comments
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;
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
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)
South Korea - Coronavirus update
07/02/2020
The UK P&I Club have received the below advice from our local correspondents, HS Corporation, regarding the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and the affect on the region.