11 May 2020
Ports and shipping are vital to the global supply chains. During the COVID19 pandemic, it is crucial that all personnel involved are protected from infection, including those onboard ships and shore personnel who may need to temporarily go on ships or interact with seafarers. For this purpose, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has circulated guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the safe and effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to support decisions on use of PPE to minimize the risks of COVID-19 infection for seafarers, marine personnel, fishing vessel personnel, passengers and others on board ships. This guidance also applies to shore personnel intending to go on board such as pilots, port workers, port State control officers and ship agents, and when any of these people interact with each other.