Information regarding Covid-19 regulations in port of Kirkenes
The corona (Covid 19) pandemic is currently affecting society to a great extent. We are getting many questions on how this is affecting seagoing traffic and ports. It is important to clarify that ports remain open. Ships transporting goods are still allowed to arrive Norwegian ports. The port has preparedness routines in place to identify contamination or suspicion of contamination on board ships. Ships and port operators are required to notify health authorities immediately if there is an outbreak, or a suspected outbreak, of corona virus on board a vessel. Health authorities are notified if a contaminated ship arrives, or there is suspicion of corona virus on board.
IHR regulations allow health authorities to take measures toward individuals and ships, including quarantine of vessels. However, regulations state that ships cannot be refused arrival at port, or to unload, load cargo or store cargo for public health considerations, and shall be allowed to take on fuel, water, food and supplies (Port & Waters Act § 17).
General regulation for foreign crew/passengers/vessels
No crew/passengers/servicepersonnel are not allowed to embark/disembark or go ashore without permit from Harbour Master.
Loading/unloading operations are allowed, but appliable to Harbour Master.
Crew change is allowed, but appliable to Harbour Master.
Embarking crew
To minimize risk for infection for the embarking crew, agent/shipowner must ensure good planning and good risk assessment for the operation.
Embarking crew must travel directly from boardercrossing to vessel. In case of delays, agent/shipowner must ensure that crew has local quarantine premises available. Crew change is appliable to Harbour Master.
Disembarking crew
To minimize risk for infection for the embarking crew, agent/shipowner must ensure good planning and good risk assessment for the operation.
Disembarking crew must travel directly from vessel to boardercrossing. In case of delays, agent/shipowner must ensure that crew has local quarantine premises available. Crew change is appliable to Harbour Master.
Servicepersonnel, agents, charterer etc
Servicepersonnel can perform tasks onboard, as long as the national quaratine regulations and hygienic measures (social distancing) are beeing kept.
Vessel must clean all relevant contact surtfaces prior to visit from servicepersonnel.
Following regulations apply for servicepersonnel:
- Not allowed onboard if any respiratory tract symptoms.
- Not allready subjected to any other quarantine (travel quarantine).
- Work can be performed without any contact with crew, min 1 meter distance.
- Can board/leave vessel/work station without any contact with quarantined personnel.
Crew
Crew are not allowed ashore without permit from Harbour Master.
Crew is allowed to participate in loading/unloading operations, but only allowed access to the berth area. Vessel/agent must apply permit from Harbour Master for any suchs operations.
Social distancing advice from Norwegian Authorities
- Follow good cough etiquette and good hand hygiene.
- You and your closest circle can be together as normal.
- Keep a distance of at least 1 metre from everyone but your closest circle.
- If you have respiratory tract symptoms you should stay at home.
For more information see: https://www.fhi.no/
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