The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is threatening the global health. The epidemic is grim, and the task of epidemic prevention is arduous.. Everyone sticks to their duty, and try to win the epidemic as soon as possible.
Due to the high mobility of ships, the small and enclosed space on board, the intensive crew activities, and the lack of effective medical support and protection ashore, it will be difficult to be effectively controlled once an epidemic occurs. The prevention and control conditions of ships on international voyages are more important! Today, let’s take a look at the most basic prevention and control conditions that ships on international voyages should have from the perspective of the requirements of International Convention.
Convention Requirements
- For Personnel
Section A-VI/4 of STCW
Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Medical First Aid and Care
Standards of Competence for Seafarers Designated to Provide Medical First Aid on Board
1 Each seafarer designated to provide medical first aid on board shall demonstrate his competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-VI/4-1. (Column 1- Competence: Provide first aid immediately in the event of an accident or illness on board.)
2 The knowledge of the subjects listed in column 2 of table A-VI/4-1 shall be sufficient to enable designated seafarers to take immediate and effective actions in the event of a possible accident or illness on board. (Column 2-Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency: Radio medical advice, disinfection, etc.)
3 Paragraph 1 of Article VI / 4 of STCW stipulates that each applicant for a certificate shall provide evidence that they meet the competence standards in accordance with the methods for performing competence and the criteria for assessing performance of competence set out in columns 3 and 4 of table A-VI/4-1. (Column 3 - Methods for Performing Competence: Assess evidence obtained from actual training; Column 4 - Criteria for Assessing Performance of Competence: Always minimize risk to yourself and others, etc.)
Standards of Competence for Seafarers Designated to Medical Care on Board
4 Each seafarer designated to provide medical care on board shall demonstrate his competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A-VI/4-2. (Column 1- Competence: Provide medical care for the sick and wounded on board and participate in the coordinated plan for medical assistance to ships.)
5 The knowledge of the subjects listed in column 2 of table A-VI/4-2 shall be sufficient to enable designated seafarers to take immediate and effective actions in the event of a possible accident or illness on board. (Column 2 - Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency: tropical and infectious diseases, disease prevention, maintenance of copies of medical records and regulations, external assistance, etc.)
6 Paragraph 2 of Article VI / 4 of STCW stipulates that each applicant for a certificate shall provide evidence that they meet the competence standards in accordance with the methods for performing competence and the criteria for assessing performance of competence set out in columns 3 and 4 of table A-VI/4-2. (Column 3 - Methods for Performing Competence: Assess evidence obtained from actual training and demonstrations; practical experience in a recognized hospital or institution, if practical; Column 4 - Criteria for Assessing Performance of Competence: Prevention of infection and spread of disease is sufficient and effective; immediate recognition of the significance of disease changes; the procedures for seeking radio medical consultation are in line with established practices and suggestions.)
MLC A4.3
Protection of Health and Safety and Prevention of Accidents
1. Laws and regulations or other measures adopted in accordance with paragraph 3 of MLC A4.3 shall include the following subjects:
Adopt, effectively implement and promote occupational safety and health policies and plans on ships that fly its flag, including risk assessment as well as training and guidance for seafarers.
- For Equipment
MLC B3.1.2
Ventilation
1.The ventilation system of bedrooms and restaurants shall be controlled to make the air condition satisfactory and to ensure adequate air circulation in any season and in any climate.
2.The air conditioning system, whether it is a central or single air conditioner, shall be designed as follows:
(a)According to outdoor atmosphere condition, the indoor air shall be kept at appropriate temperature and relative humidity, and all sufficient air exchange should be ensured at all air conditioning places, and the characteristics of offshore operation shall be considered to avoid excessive noise or vibration; and
(b)Make it easy to clean and sterilize to prevent or control the spread of disease.
MLC B3.1.8
Medical Premises
1. The design of medical premises shall facilitate consultation and medical first aid, and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
2. The design and arrangement of entrances, beds, lighting, ventilation, heating and water supply shall aim at ensuring the comfort of patients and facilitating treatment.
4. Dedicated toilets shall be provided for the users of medical premises either as part of the medical premises or nearby. Such toilets shall include at least a urinal, a washbasin and a bathtub or shower.
MLC A4.3
Protection of Health and Safety and Prevention of Accidents
1. Laws and regulations or other measures adopted in accordance with paragraph 3 of MLC A4.3 shall include the following subjects:
(c) Make representatives of seafarers and all other relevant personnel in the implementation of plans to prevent occupational accidents, injuries and diseases and ensure continuous improvement of occupational safety and health protection on ships. At the same time, preventive measures shall be taken into consideration, including engineering and design control, alternative processes or procedures for group or independent tasks, and the use of personal protective equipment.
- For Mechanism
MLC B4.1
Medical Care on Board and Ashore
4. National laws or regulations shall provide, as a minimum, the following requirements: (d) the competent authority shall ensure, through a pre-arranged mechanism, medical guidance, including expert guidance, provided by radio or satellite communications 24 hours a day at sea. Medical guidance, including communication of medical information between the ship and the institutions providing medical advice on shore through radio or satellite communication, shall be used free of charge by all vessels, regardless of the flag of the country they fly.
MLC B4.1.1
Provision of Medical Care
6. All ships should have a complete and up-to-date list of radio stations capable of obtaining medical guidance, and, if equipped with satellite communication systems, a complete list of shore-based ground stations which can obtain medical guidance shall be prepared. Seafarers who are responsible for medical care or medical first aid on board shall be instructed to use the ship's medical guidelines and the medical part of the latest International Code of Signals so that they can understand the type of information required by the physician providing the guidance and the guidance received.
MLC B4.1.2
Medical Report Form
1. The standard seafarer's medical report forms required by part A of this code shall be designed to facilitate the exchanges of seafarers’ medical and related information between the ship and the shore in the event of illness or injury.
Suggestions
International ships, as the means of transportation between ports around the world, are more important in the battle to prevent the further expansion of the epidemic. Their own prevention and control conditions, the company's epidemic prevention mechanism and the implementation of the crew's epidemic prevention work are important factors for the success of the epidemic prevention and control. Therefore, for international ships, we make the following suggestions from three aspects of the requirements of the Convention:
- For Personnel
Companies should immediately set up a special agency to deal with the epidemic which is responsible for the work related to the epidemic prevention and control, and pay attention to the epidemic prevention manual issued by the state at any time;
Distribute COVID-19 prevention and control manuals to its ships in a timely manner, increase guidance, update response measures, guide ships to prevent COVID-19, and improve the ship's medical care, prevention, and treatment capabilities;
The crew shall carefully study relevant precautionary guidelines, strengthen self-monitoring and protection, ensure personal hygiene, adequate sleep, proper exercise, and measure body temperature every day;
The crew should strengthen the gangway watching, wear masks throughout the berthing period and avoid close contact with anyone with suspected symptoms, and try to avoid going out to public places and contacting with livestock and wild animals during berthing;
Actively cooperate with port quarantine work, do not neglect, do not evade, do not conceal. Before berthing, the captain shall inquire about the quarantine requirements of the agent port in advance, and be ready for quarantine inspection before arriving at the port.
- For Equipment
The crew shall ensure that the ship’s ventilation system is in good condition, and strengthen the cleaning and sterilization to ensure that the living area, dining room, entertainment room, crew cabin and other places are adequately ventilated and disinfected;
The crew members shall ensure that the infirmary is in good condition. Under normal circumstances, the ship's infirmary is basically uninhabited and idle. Due to the long-term non-use, it leads to the lack of necessary attention, resulting in the failure of water supply and drainage system of ship infirmaries such as shower, wash basin and toilet cannot be found in time. The crew shall strengthen troubleshooting of the condition of infirmaries;
Company shall reserve goods and materials, and provide protective goods such as masks, gloves, thermometers, medical alcohol, disinfectants that meet the requirements.
- For Mechanism
Companies shall establish an epidemic prevention and control system and an epidemic reporting and handling system, and strictly implement various prevention and control measures;
In strict accordance with the requirements of the system, ships shall ensure that the mechanism is unblocked 24 hours a day, and the radio or satellite communication can be available to contact people in time;
Keep high vigilance, do a good job in monitoring, investigating and early warning. Body temperature shall be regularly measured, and special personnel shall make records to strengthen the safety investigation of suspected cases. If the crew have similar symptoms, they should be reported to the company and the competent authority immediately and isolate them as soon as possible for follow-up treatment;
Reasonably adjust the crew shift system, fully explain the special situation of the epidemic to the crew on board, suspend crew shifts, suspend crew disembarkation, and suspend crew’s family members’ application for visiting, and timely report on special circumstances.
In addition, as a special and independent means of transportation, ships have relatively blocked news and slightly delayed communication. Shipping companies should inform shore-based and ships of the progress of the epidemic in a timely manner so that the staff and crew can fully understand the risks of the COVID-19. Companies shall also do well in comforting the crew's emotions so as to avoid panic on ships.
Life is weightier than Mountain Tai. Life is of paramount importance. When an epidemic breaks out, a command is issued. It is our responsibility to prevent and control it. Make concerted efforts to take effective measures to ensure healthy navigation of ships! (source: China PSC Official Wechat Account)