Sub Menu

ECSA follow up on social issues related to COVID-19

ECSA have sent through some additional information on several issues mentioned in a meeting they held with national associations on 9th April.

Follow up on social issues related to COVID-19:

  1. How to manage the mental health of seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic
  2. Testing of seafarers for COVID-19
  3. Contacts between Crew and Shore based workers and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  4. EU HEALTHY GATEWAYS has issued:

  • a guidance document giving an overview of Personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for staff at points of entry and crew on board conveyances in the context of COVID-19, including guidance for PPE in a maritime context
  • Advice on the use of face masks on board any type of conveyance. which can be accessed here. 

       5. Other advice by EU Healthy Gateways on health and safety protection in maritime transport in view of COVID-19

  • Advice for ship operators on preparedness and response to the outbreak of COVID-19
  • Advice for health authorities and ship operators who have decided to suspend sailings and for the long-term docking of ships at the ports of EU/EEA MS during COVID-19 pandemic
  • Public health measures at points of entry
  • Questions and Answers

    https://www.healthygateways.eu/Novel-coronavirus

  • They are also working on guidance for cleaning and the disinfection of ships during COVID-19
       6.  Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/Ship Sanitation Control Certificate

       7.  Guidelines on protection of health, repatriation and travel arrangements for seafarers, passengers and other persons on board ships

  • ECSA and ETF have on 14 April  jointly sent a letter to four European Commissioners and the High Representative of the EU  “calling upon the EU institutions and Member States to support the industry and its workforce with the challenges they are facing”.
  • On 16 April, another letter was sent to the EU Member States urging them to ensure the continuing functioning of the global maritime transportation system by following the Commission guidance.

       8. Passenger Rights Regulation (1177/2010) and Package Travel Directive (2015/2302)  

  • Calling for amended guidance/legislation to allow use of vouchers and delay cash reimbursements a joint letter (Annex V) was sent by ECSA, Interferry and CLIA to the Commissioner of Transport, Ms Adina Vălean and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Didier Reynders, to Permanent Representatives of the Member States and MEPs.