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Instructions to all major & minor ports for dealing with Novel Coronavirus (COVID - 19) pandemic - reg.
**Summary of DGS Order No. 04 of 2020**
Applicable to:
All major and minor ports in India
Effective Date:
20.03.2020
Superseded Circulars:
DGS Order No. 02 & 03 of 2020, M.S. Notice 02, 03 & 06 of 2020
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Vessel Health Declaration
Before arrival, the master must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) to port health authorities and the port.
- MDH Format: Annex 8 of the International Health Regulations 2005 (also adopted by IMO)
- Submission Time: At least 72 hours before arrival, or immediately upon departure from the last port if the voyage is less than 72 hours
- Additional Information: Temperature chart and individual health declarations as required by local health authorities
2. Suspected COVID-19 Cases
If a person on board exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, the master must:
- Inform: Health authorities and the port in the MDH
- Isolate: The suspected person and those who may have come into contact
- Comply with: Instructions from MoHFW, WHO, IMO, and other relevant bodies
3. Additional Measures for High-Risk Vessels
Vessels arriving from infected countries within 14 days of departure, or having seafarers who have been in infected regions within 14 days, must comply with additional measures as outlined in Annex 1.
Annex 1
- Pratique: Granted prior to berthing
- Sanitization: Mooring ropes, pilot ladders, and full body protection suit for the pilot
- Gangway: Kept raised at all times
- Boarding: No unauthorized personnel allowed on board
- Cargo Operations: Personnel to wear full body protection suits and maintain a safe distance
- Vessel Sanitization: After completion of cargo operations
Important Note
Vessels that have arrived at Indian ports after 14 days of departure from an infected port need not comply with the additional requirements specified in Annex 1.
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