Source: Port Authority of New South Wales
Friday 26 June 2020
To customers and port stakeholders,
COVID-19 Update # 8
Effective from today, 26 June 2020, Port Authority has updated its measures in relation to COVID-19. Port Authority no longer applies specific restrictions to vessels from Iran, Italy, China or South Korea. In addition, the previous measure that required 14 calendar days to elapse prior to providing pilotage no longer applies.
Port Authority of New South Wales (Port Authority) is taking any potential exposure of its employees to COVID-19 seriously and continues to apply and review measures to mitigate exposure (changes in bold italics).
In line with Federal and State authority guidelines, the following key measures are in place:
- Masters of all ships due to arrive at our ports are required to answer the following questions:
- What were the last 5 ports of call? What date did the vessel depart these ports?
- Are there any ill passengers or crew on board?
- Are any crew members or passengers showing symptoms of COVID-19 on board?
- Has any person on the vessel been in contact with a proven case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
- Are there any crew or passengers who have joined the vessel less than 14 days ago?
- Are you conducting crew changes in Port?
- Where COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed, Port Authority will risk assess the situation and obtain further advice from the respective government agencies prior to boarding the vessel. This may include delaying pilotage till such time that Port Authority is satisfied that such risk can be managed.
In addition to the measures outlined above, all vessels arriving into New South Wales ports must comply with NSW Government's Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order (No 2) 2020 and the Exemption under the Order.
We are working with NSW Police to consider any requests for exemptions from the order.
Please note: these requirements are in addition to all usual permits and approvals.
Further information:
Australian Government: Information for the maritime industry (22 May) www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-marine-industry
Australian Department of Health www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
NSW Health www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx
Australian Border Force https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated if there are further directions. If you have any further questions in relation to Port Authority's guidelines, please contact:
Newcastle – nc_vtic@portauthoritynsw.com.au
Port Kembla – PortKemblaVTS@portauthoritynsw.com.au
Sydney Harbour/Port Botany – vts@portauthoritynsw.com.au
Yours sincerely,
Emma Fensom I Acting Chief Operating Officer
Port Authority of New South Wales