PMA MMN02/2020 - Coronavirus Prevention Measures

    The purpose of this Merchant Marine Noticeis to provide all vessels owners/operators and local interested parties anupdate of the situation on the outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV.

    In view of the Novel Coronavirus(2019-nCoV) Situation Report by WHO and the latest IMO Circular Letter, the Panama Maritime Authority recommends to implement the following measures onboard ships：

1. Seafarers calling at China ports areadvised to wear masks and take precautionary measures to avoid getting infectedwith a new coronavirus and prevent its potential spreading.

2. When entering China ports, seafarers areexpected to remain onboard their ships and disembark their vessels only when itis absolutely necessary.

3. In case of any suspected case ofcoronavirus is found onboard, the ship it should reported to the localauthorities and owners immediately and arranges to seek professional medicalassistance from ashore for the affected crewmember /s as early as possible.

4. At the same time, proper prevention andseparation measures should be taken to avoid contact with other crewmembers toreduce the possibility of any virus being spread.

5. Avoid close contact with anyone showingsymptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing onboard orashore.

6.Strictly enforce the ISPS requirementson ensuring that unauthorized personnel do not board the ship throughout theships port calls.

7. Frequent hand washing.

8. Shipping agencies in Panama, must informthe Ministry of Health (MINSA) and Harbor Master (captaincy of ports) if anycrew member or passenger is reported with any of the symptoms of the coronavirusand must coordinate with local health authorities.

9. In the event that the operating companyhas coordinated an inspection or audit in the affected ports of China and if itcannot be carried out by prevention measures, for that reason, it may requestan authorization from   thisAdministration to postpone it to the next port.