Guidance around Covid-19 issued by several U.S. bodies
In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, guidance has issued by several US bodies which potentially impact both our US-based Members and those trading there.
The bulletin outlines the remote inspection techniques employed to verify compliance and if needed, to defer the physical inspection of vessels calling at US ports.
Prior to boarding a vessel or immediately prior to conducting a pre-exam/inspection meeting, Marine Inspectors, Port State Control Officers (PSCOs), and Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiners (CFVEs) will first verify with the vessel that there are no ill persons onboard.
A copy of the US Department of Homeland Security Attestation of Hazardous Condition Letter and (MSIB 06-20) Vessel Reporting Requirements for Illness or Death which may be used for verification can be accessed here Attestation Letter.
A copy of MSIB 09-20 can be read here Marine Safety Information Bulletin.
Acting on behalf of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has developed in cooperation with other federal agencies, State and local governments and the private sector, an Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce Advisory List.
While the list is not mandatory, instead leaving each individual jurisdiction to decide which of their workforce is considered essential for the continued safe operation of its ports, its overall aim is to ensure continuity of services throughout the US. Although not an exhaustive list, the following personnel are considered essential for sustaining the continuous flow of maritime commerce:
• Federal and state pilots;
• Stevedores, longshoremen, and line handlers;
• Representatives of seafarers' welfare and labour organizations;
• Marine consultants, naval architects, marine exchanges, surveyors and shipyard workers;
• Classification Society and Recognized Organization surveyors and auditors;
• Vessel owners, operators, shipping agents and marine dispatchers;
• Technical representatives and contractors;
• Bridge operators and bridge repair personnel;
• Lock and dam operators and workers;
• Lighthouse servicing and repair personnel;
• Commercial barge fleeting facility personnel;
• Equipment, cargo, crane and dredging operators;
• Truck drivers, launch/tug/towing operators and other intermodal transportation workers;
• Vendors and ship chandlers providing ship services, husbandry and provisions;
• Federal & State Agency personnel (e.g., Coast Guard, Customs and Boarder Protection, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Army Corps of Engineers, local health & safety organization
Full details of the CISA advisory can be found here CISA Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.
Additional guidance can also be found in the USCGs safety bulletin, (MISB 11-20) entitled Maintaining Maritime Commerce and Identification of Essential Maritime Critical Infrastructure Workers, a copy of which can be found here Identification of Essential Maritime Critical Infrastructure Workers.
Recognized Organizations (ROs) and Third Party Organizations (TPOs) that are conducting surveys and audits may request extensions on a case-by-case basis.
AWO says: “The COVID-19 web-page includes links to official government public health guidance, best practices for safeguarding vessel operators against the virus, and resources to help maritime transportation companies sustain continued business operations. The resources also include template letters that companies can use to identify their employees as "Essential Critical Infrastructure" personnel consistent with recent Department of Homeland Security guidance, to expedite their work travel as shelter-in-place orders continue to proliferate nationwide”.