The final 22-page paper was developed in cooperation with leading 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 range of measures outlined in the guide, the report provides recommendations on handling Port Entry Controls, including realistic protections against COVID-19 for seafarers, including an epidemic management plan.
The guide also contains flyers that can be reproduced and put on board ships as well as a Sample Pre-Boarding Passenger Locator Form and a WHO COVID-19 Database of Aid and Logistics Availability.
The guidance report was intended to support all classes of ships traveling in international waters with the most up-to-date and relevant information needed to curtail the Coronavirus' spread.
The International Maritime Organisation, as an appendix to an IMO circular note, will publish the ICS guidelines on COVID-19, and other maritime bodies will also be urged to transmit the guideline and insure that it achieves the widest possible circulation.
Maritime Business World