Additional pilot embarkation procedures

19 Mar 2020 / Montrose, United Kingdom

Montrose Port Authority has instigated the following Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure for the embarkation of pilots and subsequent vessel transit. This Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure applies to all vessels as from 0600 hours on 20 March
(a) arriving from ports in a country in respect of which the UK Government has issued a virus alert;
(b) arriving from countries for which there is currently no virus alert, but which has a crew member on board who was in a country subject to a virus alert within 14 days prior to the date of proposed pilot embarkation;
(c) highlighted by the local Port Health Authority, following the submission of a Maritime Declaration of Health (which is mandatory before embarkation of a pilot), as having reported a suspected COVID-19 case on board and/or having taken the precautionary measure of isolating a potentially affected crew member(s).

Responsibility for carrying out the following Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure rests with the vessel’s master assisted by the shipowner and local ship agent as appropriate.

Additional Pilot Embarkation Procedure:

  • All vessels must have submitted the required Maritime Declaration of Health to Montrose Port Authority.
  • The embarking pilot will provide a Pilot’s Medical Declaration to the ship agent prior to embarkation.
  • Where possible, one hour before the pilot embarkation time, non-essential crew should remain clear of the designated route from the pilot embarkation point (either pilot ladder, accommodation ladder etc.) to the wheelhouse, especially where the route is within enclosed spaces.
  • Immediately prior to pilot embarkation, all surfaces and equipment in the wheelhouse, or on the bridge wings, that the pilot may touch must be cleaned with a suitable cleaning solution.
  • The wheelhouse, where possible, should remain well ventilated via the opening of external doors or windows.
  • All crew at the embarkation point must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
  • The crew member assigned to escort the pilot from the embarkation point to the wheelhouse must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
  • Where possible, the route from the embarkation point to the wheelhouse should via the open deck, as opposed to within enclosed spaces.
  • The wheelhouse should be cleared of all crew not essential to the navigation of the vessel, and all crew member’s present must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
  • Unless necessary for the safety of the pilot (i.e. during the embarkation process), crew or vessel, the pilot and crew should remain at least 2m apart.
  • Similar precautions must be taken during disembarkation of the pilot either ashore or to the pilot launch.

Vessels not required to follow this Pilot Embarkation Special Procedure may elect to do so; in which case this must be advised at the time of placing the order for a pilot so that the assigned pilot may provide their Pilot’s Medical Declaration.

(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at [email protected])

Source: Montrose Port Authority notice dated 19 March 2020

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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