Measures to prevent spread of coronavirus

29 Jan 2020 / South Africa

South African ports are issuing instructions about additional measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

DURBAN
Durban Port Health has advised that all vessels arriving directly from China will be brought under quarantine as a precautionary measure to prevent the possible spread of infection due to the fact that carriers of the corona virus can be asymptomatic.

CAPE TOWN
The Harbour Master at Cape Town has issued instructions about the procedures, as follows:

  • Prior to boarding a vessel, Port Control should be contacted to confirm Free Pratique has been received and enquire about the last three ports of call. Security to also check with ISPS pre-arrival notification.
  • Upon boarding, Health Status of crew to be conformed with the Master.
  • For high risk vessels (those that have been to China, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United States potts), boarding officers to wear face mask and gloves.
  • For the warning period, all South African citizens should refrain from consuming foods or liquids on board vessels from high risk areas. Gifts of food should not be accepted.
  • All off port limit crew from affected areas to be carefully screened – no crew to be taken off vessel without Port Health clearance.
  • Port Health declaration also required for all Off Port Limit transfers.
  • Medical evacuations from vessels from affected areas to be screened by Port Health before the person is taken off the vessel.
  • Captain to confirm in writing stowaway sweep was conducted before departing last port. Stowaway search may be requested when alongside, at the vessel’s cost, using specialist companies whose staff have undergone Corona Virus Disease training and/or awareness.
  • Security to inform Port Control of any reported stowaways from vessels calling from affected areas. If reported, vessel must remain at anchor until cleared by Port Health for entry or advised otherwise.
  • Masters must report stowaways on board if vessel calling from an affected area. Vessel to remain at anchor until stowaways are examined and cleared by Port Health or otherwise advised.
  • Strict gangway watches to be maintained at all times.
  • All involved in evacuation of infected crew or stowaways must be trained by Port Health on Corona Virus.
  • Separate lists of vessels calling from Corona-affected areas to be maintained for record purposes.
  • All galley waste of vessels from affected areas to be incinerated and should not be accepted ashore.
  • Additional security to be deployed by the agent for contaminated vessels and no-one to be allowed on board a contaminated vessel except Port Health. Only after clearance can anyone be permitted to enter the vessel.
  • If possible, contaminated vessels should be allocated an isolated berth away from other vessels.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in South Africa, contact GAC South Africa at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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