Application: All shipowner/operators, masters and officers of merchant ships
IMO has provided Guidelines to ensure a safe shipboard interface between ship and shore-based personnel, to which we wish to draw your attention.
This advice is provided here: .Circular Letter No.4204-Add.16 – Coronavirus (Covid 19) – Covid-19 Related Guidelines For Ensuring A Safe Shipboard
19/05/2020
IMO endorses new protocols designed to lift barriers to crew changes
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/15-crew-changes-.aspx8th May 20203:00 am
Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea
Application: All shipowners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised classification societies
Barbados Flag wishes to bring to the attention of all concerned the new publication for maritime security guidance for ships and seafarers operating off the coast of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, replacing the previous guidelines for the area.
This publication is aimed to help mariners detect, deter and delay external threats to their safety. Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security off the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP-WA) complements piracy guidance in the latest International Maritime Organisation Resolutions and Circulars (www.imo.org) in this region.
The maritime security situation off the West Coast of Africa is complex and dynamic. BMP (WA) has been developed to help ships and seafarers avoid becoming the victims of maritime security incidents in these waters. The publication aims to help ships plan their voyage and to detect, avoid, deter, delay and report attacks. BMP-WA also outlines risk assessment as an integral part of voyage planning in identifying measures for prevention, mitigation and recovery, combining statutory regulations with supplementary measures.
The consequences of not adopting effective security measures can be severe. The guidance contained in this publication mitigates the risk from piracy and armed robbery. To this effect, all concerned are strongly advised to apply the recommendations in this publication, which will make a significant difference to the safety of seafarers.
Barbados Flag also draws the attention of all concerned to the official website (https://www.gog-mdat.org)
of the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade-Gulf of Guinea (MDAT- GoG), the co-ordination centre tasked to safeguard merchant ships operating in the region. MDAT- GoG is a cooperation centre between the Royal Navy (UKMTO) and the French Navy (MICA-Center) in support of Yaounde Process. The primary output from the MDAT- GoG is to contribute by maintaining coherent maritime situational awareness in the central and western African Maritime areas, with the ability to inform and support industry. It contributes to the safety and security of the Mariner in the regional maritime domain.
To do this effectively, MDAT- GoG needs to know about merchant ships approaching, transiting or operating in the region. The MDAT- GoG website offers ship-owners, ship masters and agents the facility to register their details securely with MDAT- GoG, update positions of their vessels and receive information and guidance designed to reduce the risk of pirate attacks. To this effect, masters and operators of Barbadian ships that operate or that may operate in this area are strongly advised to register on the website.
The publication may be downloaded from www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org, which also includes links to other maritime security information useful to mariners.
06-05.2020
IMO postpones further meetings due to COVID-19 but begins rescheduling plans
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/14-meetings-postponed.aspx1st May 20203:03 am
“You are not alone” – IMO Secretary-General issues impassioned personal message to seafarers
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/13-seafarer-message.aspx22nd April 20203:03 am
Customs and ports urged to maintain flow of critical goods during pandemic
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/12-WCO-IMO-statement.aspx18th April 20203:05 am
IMO and port State inspection authorities set pragmatic approach to support global supply chain
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/11-PSC-meeting.aspx11th April 20203:01 am
IMO postpones further meetings due to COVID-19 (updated)
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/04-Covid-19-IMO-meetings-.aspx3rd April 20203:00 am
IMO urges keyworker exemptions for crew changes and repatriations
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/09-seafarers-COVID19.aspx2nd April 20203:04 am
ADDENDUM TO BULLETIN 323
Application: All ship-owners, operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised Classification Societies
Application: All shipowner/operators, masters and officers of merchant ships and authorised classification societies
Further to our earlier bulletin 323, and in response to a number of requests for extension to seafarer service period, please note that requests for any such extension to be granted should be completed on a COVID-19 Dispensation Request form.
The form is designed only for dispensation requests arising as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis, Please request copy of the form to: ops@barbadosmaritime.org,
30 March 2020