By
Alex Smith |
The European Maritime Safety Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have developed new guidance on the gradual resumption of cruise operations of cruise ships in the European Union (EU) following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The guidance, which has been circulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), sets out the minimum recommended measures expected to be implemented by all stakeholders while maintaining general safety and security standards. The new guidance is intended to apply to EU or European Economic Area (EEA) flagged ships engaged in international voyages and all ships calling at an EU/EEA port, regardless of flag.
The guidelines provide recommendations for the development of a company and ship management plan for cruise companies and a port management plan for port operators. It also includes requirements for the coordination between cruise ships and ports when dealing with Covid-19 matters, such as reporting, disembarking and repatriation of infected passengers.
To read the full guidance, click here.