Global health emergency guide for shipping companies
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications is proud to announce the launch of the ‘Global Health Emergency Guide: Helping Shipping Companies Prepare, Act and Recover,’ designed to aid shipping companies and crew in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from global health emergencies.
The guide draws on the critical lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and other global health emergencies that have significantly impacted shipping operations.
It sets out a step-by-step action plan that can be implemented within a company’s safety management system (SMS) and incorporated into their crisis management plan (CMP).
The guide features extensive insights from global agencies, shipping companies, crews, medical professionals, and welfare organisations. These combined perspectives ensure that companies are well-equipped to prepare for, act on, and recover from global health emergencies, thereby maintaining operational continuity and safeguarding the wellbeing of their crews.
Key content areas include:
- Roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders
- Seafarer health and wellness, including mental health support
- Strategies to reduce the risk of an outbreak on board
- Crew change protocols for both crewing managers and seafarers
- Procedures for managing outbreaks in port and at sea
- Access to medical care on board and at port
- Emergency communications planning
- Re-assessing protocols and implementing lessons learned post-emergency
- Maintaining compliance with international regulations, including the WHO International Health Regulations 2005, the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006, and the FAL Convention.
