Standard Operating Procedures Protocols (SOP) for vessels at port anchorages with confirmed COVID-19

Source: Directorate General of Shipping - India

Original Date Posted: 8/13/2020

"The Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA), Govt. of India vide Order No.40-3/2020-DM-l(A) dated 21.04.2020 by Sub-Clause (iii) under Clause 17 had included the movement of persons to allow sign-on and sign-off of Indian seafarers at Indian ports and their movement for the aforesaid purpose as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The SOP has also noted that DG (Shipping) will prescribe the detailed protocol with regard to sign-on and sign-off to be followed. Accordingly the Directorate had issued DGS Order No. 12 of 2020 dated 22.04.2020 prescribing the Standard Operating Procedures I Protocols (SOP) for controlled crew change of Indian seafarers at Indian ports to facilitate and regulate crew change for seafarers so that the safe environment on the ship is not compromised or no contamination is brought from ship to shore.

Since the issue of SOP on 22.04.2020 the protocol for domestic movement has been relaxed substantially. Representations have now been received from industry to simplify the existing requirements of testing of seafarers in view of opening up of lockdown measures and ease of travel restrictions across the country and to prescribe standard process to be followed for ships and ports in case of seafarer on-board any vessel is tested positive for COVID-19."

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