COVID-19
To: All Vessels, Vessel Owners, Managers, Charterers and Port Partners
Date: March 19, 2020 Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Safety Protocols Amidst the threat of transmitting/contracting the Coronavirus, New England Steamship Agents, Inc. is instituting the following protective measures for vessel arrivals and boardings: One hour prior to boarding, wipe down handrails, ladders, staircases, tabletop surfaces and chairs to be utilized by boarding agents and officials. A solution of 5% bleach water or equivalent disinfecting solution is acceptable. Similar disinfecting may be required during your port stay. A one – person escort will be sufficient. All personnel should refrain from handshaking, A minimum of Six feet or a 2 Meter distance (otherwise known as the “safety zone”) should be maintained at all times as recommended by the CDC. Gloves and masks are to be worn if available. Hand sanitizer should be readily available to agents and officials. All interaction, including but not limited to, documentation, vessel entrance/clearance, crew changes etc. may be facilitated on shore at the discretion of the agent. One crew member might be asked to retrieve and deliver required paperwork. Report crewmember illnesses immediately to the agent representative a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival and or as they occur during your port stay. As a reminder, the U.S. Coast Guard has their own guidelines for reporting crew illness which should be adhered to as well. We at New England Steamship Agents, Inc. take the Coronavirus pandemic very seriously. For the safety of our employees, as well as yours, we remain hopeful for a speedy resolve. Thank you in advance for complying with our preventative protocols. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Operations Department.