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Standard Operating Procedures / Protocols (SOP) for vessels at port / anchorages with confirmed COVID - 19 positive seafarer on-board-reg
Applicable to:
All Indian seafarers, ship owners, and port authorities
Effective Date:
12th August 2020
Superseded Circulars:
None
Key Changes and Requirements
1. COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Sign-off
For seafarers signing off from Indian coastal trade vessels, COVID-19 testing is not required in the following cases:
- a) Seafarer has been on board for a minimum of 14 days
- b) Seafarer has a 14-day record of normal health parameters
- c) No COVID-19 cases reported on board in the last 14 days
- d) Seafarer is asymptomatic at disembarkation
- e) Seafarer travels directly to their hometown
2. COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Sign-on
For seafarers joining Indian coastal trade vessels, the following conditions apply:
- a) A negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of embarkation is acceptable
- b) Seafarer joins the vessel within 72 hours of testing negative
- c) Seafarer submits a self-declaration of travel history
- d) Seafarer downloads and uses the Aarogya Setu app
- e) Seafarer is declared asymptomatic by port health officials
3. Steps for COVID-19 Positive Cases on Board
In case of a COVID-19 positive case on board an Indian coastal trade vessel, the following steps should be taken:
- a) Isolate the affected seafarer and follow local health guidelines
- b) Sanitize the vessel thoroughly
- c) Provide a list of close contacts to port health officials
- d) Test all remaining crew members for COVID-19
- e) Allow the vessel to operate normally, with no outsiders except medical personnel
II/4 Ministry of Home Affairs' Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-(A) dated 21.04.2020
Important Note
This order supersedes all previous orders and circulars on the subject. Non-compliance may result in penalties under relevant laws.
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