NTM 04/2020 COVID-19 Pilotage Requirements

NTM 4/2020       

23/03/2020 

                                                                         NOTICE TO MARINERS 

Perth Harbour  

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pilotage Requirements   

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19, the UK Department for Transport, in consultation with Public Health England, has issued updates on the spread of the virus and guidelines (Guidance for shipping and sea ports on coronavirus (COVID-19)) for the steps necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Further useful advice for ship operators can be found at Advice for ship operators for preparedness and response to the outbreak of COVID-19. 

In support of those guidelines, Perth Harbour has introduced the following procedure for embarkation of pilots and subsequent vessel transit; 

Pilot Embarkation Procedure for all vessels calling on the Tay: 

 Vessels must have submitted the required Maritime Declaration of Health to the relevant Port Heath Authority and Perth Harbour prior to boarding (inbound) – as per Notice to Mariners No. 03/2020. 

 Pilots shall risk assess procedures prior to embarkation and advise the Harbour Office of any additional measures that are required, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  ie; gloves. 

 Where possible, one hour before the pilot embarkation time, all 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. 

 Where possible, the route from the embarkation point to the wheelhouse should be 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. 

 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. 

Additional procedure for vessels where they have a suspected case of COVID-19 on board: 

 If the health status of any person on board changes at any time, then the Master must inform FTNS. 

 Crew or passengers with suspected cases must be isolated and any areas they have been in contact with disinfected prior to pilot boarding. 

 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. 

 All crew member’s present must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves. 

If any vessel is not able to comply with the requirements of this notice they are required to notify Perth Harbour, VHF Ch9, this information can then be relayed to the pilot prior to their arrival at the vessel. Failure to comply with this notice may result in your Pilot being cancelled or your vessel delayed. 

 

 

 

Harbour Master 

Perth Harbour (Operated by CalMac Harbours)