Liability issues arising from vaccination of seafarers
ICS publishes COVID-19 Legal, Liability and Insurance Issues arising from Vaccination of Seafarers
ICS Guidance addresses legal, liability and insurance issues that could potentially arise for shipowners from or in connection with vaccinations of crew for coronavirus (COVID-19).
It considers questions that have been raised by members such as: whether and under what conditions a shipowner can require crew to have vaccination, what vaccines may be safely given and what might be the potential liabilities for shipowners in requiring crew to be vaccinated.
Some of the frequently asked questions:
- Can a shipowner require/mandate seafarers to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
- Can a shipowner amend/vary existing contracts of employment to require the seafarer to get a
vaccine as a condition of employment? - Can a COVID-19 vaccination be made mandatory for seafarers as a contractual condition in a new
contract of employment? - Is the shipowner liable for the costs of vaccinating seafarers?
- Is the shipowner liable for the consequences of vaccinating seafarers, including any side effects
It provides guidance on best employment practice to protect against such liabilities and information on insurance cover for such liabilities under the shipowner’s standard Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance.
The full document can be downloaded below.
Download COVID-19 Legal Liability Issues Vaccination of Seafarers
