A PRAGMATIC, PRACTICAL AND FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO COVID - 19 IN THE RIVER-MARITIME FIELD.
The global situation in which we are immersed as humanity in this COVID - 19 pandemic, generates new challenges for us as a society and specifically, for the river-maritime sector. In this field, the main challenge is to ensure the life and health of all people working in this industry (ILO Information Note on Maritime Labor Issues and the Coronavirus (COVID - 19), April 7, 2020).
It is noteworthy that the river-maritime sector is extremely important to maintain the supply chain of medical, agricultural and other goods and services in this context of pandemic, therefore, the creation of policies, strategies and specific health protocols, are of an imperative need.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO)
The IMO, through Circular No. 4204/Add.8, April 14, 2020 (IMO): Coronavirus (COVID - 19) – Videoconference: Meeting with Port State Control (PSC) Supervisors, refers that the respective roles of Flag States and Port States in resolving this crisis to support maritime trade are critical, and the industry can provide considerable assistance to them.
The several Flag States and Port States, thanks to the effective coordination and support of the regional PSC Administrations, have already adopted and implemented relevant measures and provided guidance to address the current challenging issues. As a result, the inspection regimes are already guided by pragmatic, practical and flexible approaches, where IMO appreciates the positive and constructive cooperative role of all parties facing this unprecedented crisis.
Another contribution of the Flag States is to extend the expiration date of all statutory certificates, as well as the expiration date of courses for on-board and shore-based personnel in the industry.
The IMO, through Circular No. 4204/Add.14, dated May 5th, 2020, launches a Twelve-Step Protocol for the urgent relief of crew members who are trapped on ships and platforms due to travel restrictions caused by COVID-19. The Shipping Industry and Trade Unions, in cooperation with Agencies of the United Nations (UN), developed this work jointly. The document urges governments to facilitate strategic airports and airlines to organize extraordinary flights to transport the new crew members to port cities, where they can stay up to seven days in nearby hotels, where they must be monitored and their health must be controlled, applying COVID - 19 tests.
A recent IMO document, Circular No. 4204/Add.16, dated May 6th, 2020, regarding COVID-19 Guidelines for ensuring safe interaction on board between ship's personnel and shore-based personnel, states that in order to safely manage port calls in accordance to the ship/shore interface; it is the responsibility of all parties:
- To engage in communication prior to the port call
- To be responsive to each other's requirements for managing the risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus, and
- To be flexible and pragmatic in resolving any differences with respect to their requirements and expectations.
LATIN AMERICA WOMEN MARITIME ASSOCIATION (RED MAMLA)
Red MAMLa, recognized by the IMO, has been working on this topic to share relevant and useful information and consequently exchange best practices and experiences that are currently being applied in the region by the different States. Likewise, it has been promoting the training of its members through different conferences, seminars and virtual discussions, in some of them as a participant and in others as a collaborator of the organization, honoring the principles of the Association, which are “Training, Visibility, Recognition and Empowerment".
FINAL OBSERVATIONS
The dynamism that characterizes the river-maritime industry creates an urgent need to implement policies, strategies and sanitary protocols in accordance with the requirements of COVID-19, ensuring above all the life and health of the people who work in the area, applying resilience as a fundamental element for these times of global crisis.
The challenge is present, and it is faced with an efficient work in cooperation. A pragmatic, practical and flexible approach is essential for us all to reach a successful outcome.
By: Frigate Lieutenant of Military Justice Leticia Lorena Meza Duarte.
Paraguayan Navy.
Alternate Member of Red MAMLa