Covid-19: support measures for maritime transport sector
The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has unveiled support measures for the maritime transport sector so it can “continue to operate as normally as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic”.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, said temporary contingency measures would provide flexibility for the sector.
The measures include a general extension to seafarer documents as well as an extension to ship certificates “where it is not possible for a survey to take place before the certificate expires. Shipping services are continuing and Irish ports are open for business,” he said.
Worker safety
“In addition to the maritime transport sector, workers in the freight, haulage and aviation sectors are also vitally important in ensuring the supply of essential goods. It is imperative that the health and safety of these workers is protected while they work to transport goods internationally.
“We have significantly ramped up our efforts to ensure we can respond quickly and effectively to all issues as they arise. We are working to anticipate potential challenges before they impact on the supply chain.
A meeting of the National Health and Emergency Planning Team has however agreed that no cruise ship will be permitted to enter any Irish port or anchor in Irish waters.
Any specific queries in relation to COVID-19 and measures to mitigate its impact on the maritime transport sector should be sent to [email protected]
Guidance on COVID-19 and the protection of supply chain workers.
Marine Notice 6 of 2020 (updated 18/3/2020) sets out procedures to be followed to submit Maritime Declarations of Health and crew and passengers lists for all ships arriving in Ireland from outside the island of Ireland. The notice also sets out procedures to be followed where there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on board.
Marine Notice 14 of 2020 (20/3/2020) sets out the temporary contingency measures for the extension of seafarer documents. A general extension of six months from the date of expiry has been provided for Irish issued seafarer Certificates of Competency and Certificates of Proficiency which expired or are due to expire between March 1 and August 31, 2020.
An extension of three months has been provided for medical certificates where a seafarer is unable to secure an appropriate medical examination by an approved doctor.
Flexibility has also been provided to shipowners and seafarers to extend a seafarer’s employment agreement by up to six months in agreement with both parties where the maximum period of service has been reached or repatriation is proving too difficult due to travel restrictions.
Marine Notice 15 of 2020 (23/3/2020) sets out temporary contingency measures in relation to surveying and certification of ships. An extension of three months is provided to ship certificates for ships involved in international voyages where survey, verification and certification is not possible due to restrictions on personnel movements and travel.
The extension also applies to intermediate/renewal surveys. Surveys for vessels involved in domestic voyages will be considered on a case-by-case basis as will surveys and certifications for new build ships under the Irish flag.
The notice also sets out advice on the issuing of ships radio licences and servicing of life saving equipment.
