Press release
Minister Ross outlines support measures for Maritime Transport
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross has today (26th March 2020) outlined measures his Department has put in place to ensure that maritime transport can continue to operate as normally as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister stated, “Recognising how important the maritime sector is to us as an island nation, I have put in place a number of temporary contingency measures to provide for flexibility which will allow the sector to continue its work as normally as possible during this extraordinary time. The measures I have set out include a general extension to seafarer documents as well as an extension to ship certificates where it is not possible for a survey to take place before the certificate expires. Shipping services are continuing and Irish ports are open for business."
The temporary contingency measures are set out in a number of marine notices available on the Government’s website here Marine Notices or alternatively, all updates in relation to COVID-19 and the maritime sector are available on https://www.seafarers.ie/Home . Further details of the individual notices are detailed below.
The Minister further stated, “In addition to the maritime transport sector, workers in the freight, haulage and aviation sectors are also vitally important in ensuring the supply of essential goods. It is imperative that the health and safety of these workers is protected while they work to transport goods internationally.” Guidance on COVID-19 and the protection of supply chain workers is available on the Government’s website here - Guidance for Supply Chain Workers
The Minister also noted that the National Health and Emergency Planning Team, at their meeting on Tuesday 24th March 2020, agreed that no cruise ship will be permitted to enter any Irish port or anchor in Irish waters.
The Minister went on to say that, “My Department is in daily contact with maritime stakeholders. In the past few weeks we have significantly ramped up our efforts to ensure we can respond quickly and effectively to all issues as they arise. We are working to anticipate potential challenges before they impact on the supply chain. We are also protecting the men and women who are working hard to keep supply chain moving in these difficult times.”
Any specific queries in relation to COVID-19 and measures to mitigate its impact on the maritime transport sector should be sent to maritimecovid@dttas.gov.ie All other general queries in relation to the maritime sector should be sent through the normal channels of communication.
ENDS
Marine Notice 6 of 2020 issued on 12 February 2020 – last updated on 18 March 2020 sets out procedures to be followed for submission of Maritime Declarations of Health and crew and passengers lists for all ships arriving in Ireland from outside the island of Ireland. In addition, the notice sets out procedures to be followed where there is a suspected case of COVID-19 on board.
Marine Notice 14 of 2020 issued on 20 March 2020 sets out the temporary contingency measures for the extension of seafarer documents. A general extension of 6 months from the date of expiry has been provided for Irish issued seafarer Certificates of Competency and Certificates of Proficiency which expired or are due to expire between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020. An extension of 3 months has been provided for medical certificates where a seafarer is unable to secure an appropriate medical examination by an approved doctor. Flexibility has also been provided to shipowners and seafarers to extend a seafarer’s employment agreement by up to 6 months in agreement with both parties where the maximum period of service has been reached or repatriation is proving too difficult due to travel restrictions.
Marine Notice 15 of 2020 issued on 23 March 2020 sets out temporary contingency measures in relation to surveying and certification of ships. An extension of 3 months is provided to ship certificates for ships involved in international voyages where survey, verification and certification is not possible due to restrictions on personnel movements and travel. The extension also applies to intermediate/renewal surveys. Surveys for vessels involved in domestic voyages will be considered on a case by case basis as will surveys and certifications for new build ships under the Irish flag. The notice also sets out advice on the issuing of ships radio licences and servicing of life saving equipment.