- Seafarers ask for the access to PPE.
- HRAS says that at present, high quality PPE may not be widely available.
- The Master of ship refuses off-loading alongside the port of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
- The UK law states that shipowners must provide the requisite PPE.
Safety4Sea in a recently published article discusses the safety of seafarers, their demand for PPE and the existing reality. There has been an increased global response following the declaration of an outbreak of coronavirus by WHO. In the case of seafarers, Regulation 4.3 of the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention applies and which covers ‘Health and safety protection and accident prevention‘ highlighting that:
“Each Member shall ensure that seafarers on ships that fly its flag are provided with occupational health protection and live, work and train on board ship in a safe and hygienic environment”.
Seafarers’ reaction towards the outbreak of coronavirus across the world has been very strong and serious. They have put safety of life as their priority. As a result, they want to have access to PPE.
In the UK, Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association commented that PPE supplies are beginning to run low in some ports and this may soon start to have a knock-on effect.
An apt example of a master asking for PPE
- The Master of the MV Tomini Destiny refused to off-load alongside the port of Chittagong, Bangladesh.
- The Master asked for PPE for crew use during ongoing shipboard operations.
- The PPE comprised of gloves and face masks.
- He also asked for remote off-loading by barges away from port wharves.
- The owners issued the crew with comprehensive PPE.
- And the off-loading was also sanctioned in outer anchorages as part of the compromise.
Face Masks
With regard to face masks, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) advises that:
“Although face masks may provide some protection – especially if there is a risk of exposure when interacting with persons from outside the ship – the routine use of face masks is not generally recommended as protection against COVID-19. WHO advises that it is appropriate to use a mask when coughing or sneezing. If an individual is healthy, it is only necessary to wear a mask if the person is taking care of a person with the suspected COVID-19 infection”.
Both the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) have highlighted the proper protection of seafarers. While the IMHA stated in an online document that there should be “facial protection for all crew“.
UK law recommends the following safety measures for seafarers
- Shipowners must provide the requisite PPE at no cost to the employee mariner.
- Use of FFP3 respirators when caring for patients in areas where high risk aerosol generating procedures are being performed.
- When FFP3 respirators are not available, then FFP2 respirators may be used.
At present, the seafarers have been asking for the wide access of PPE. And they are not widely available, recommended individually nor realistic use by crew, views HRAS in a statement.
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Source: Safety4Sea
