(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard)
MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Thursday released standardized travel protocols for the sea, based on guidelines issued by the Department of Transport (DOTr) and the Interagency Working Group for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF- EID).
In a Facebook post, MARINA said the permitted passenger capacity remains at 50% of the regular onboard capacity of the vessel.
“Social distancing protocols for sitting accommodation (a separate seat) and sleeping accommodation should always be followed,” MARINA said in a Facebook post.
Minimum health standards must be observed by travelers on board ships.
For shipping companies and operators, a “clinical and exposure assessment” should be maintained at all ports of entry and exit so that only “asymptomatic and non-close contact persons” are allowed to enter their jurisdiction. respective local government unit (LGU).
“Shipping companies should monitor port operators to ensure passenger health assessments are observed upon entering the port / terminal and upon exiting the point of destination,” MARINA said.
Passengers are not required to be tested for Covid-19 unless required by LGUs.
Travelers are also not required to undergo a quarantine unless they show symptoms related to Covid-19 upon arrival at the destination LGU.
Travel authorization, previously issued by the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, and health certificates are no longer required.
Shipping companies and operators are required to integrate the Stay Safe PH platform’s contact tracing and health monitoring system into their corporate policy.
To ensure the safety of passengers during transit, there must be “sufficient” quarantine / isolation facilities on all ships, with shipping lines and operators being required to establish a referral system where travelers who become symptomatic must be transferred to the vessel’s quarantine / isolation facilities.
“Upon arrival of ships at its port of destination, symptomatic passengers must be handed over to the local LGU health authorities,” he added. (ANP)
