Closure of Manila office and limited operations in Bergen
The Philippine government has implemented enhanced community quarantine for the entire Luzon, which results in a complete closing of the Manila office. Everyone is now working from home until further notice. In Bergen, only the critical tasks that cannot be performed from home are conducted from the office; everybody else is working from home.
Communication routines and support
- Distant reporting for Filipino onshore crew and off-signers is implemented, allowing seafarers to contact office personnel via email, mobile, or online messaging platforms. OiP personnel are to use their Odfjell mobile number and email address when contacting seafarers.
Seafarers are reminded to exercise extra caution if someone suspicious claiming to be from the our office contact them via social media or other online messaging platforms. Do not hesitate to end such communication promptly and rather contact the onshore colleague through their known mobile number for clarification.
- Filipino off-signers are no longer required to report to the office within 72 hours after sign-off.
- Captains and crew receive continuous updates and support from the Bergen and Manila organization.
- IT in Manila and Bergen share dedicated support to the vessels.
- The Emergency Response Team is on standby, ready to convene remotely if necessary.
- Relevant updates are also communicated on Facebook, especially for the benefit of onshore crew and family members
Crew changes
- Until further notice, crew changes are suspended and limited to bare minimum, i.e., unavoidable changes like crew sickness/injury or compassionate sign-off due to death in the family. However, even such crew changes cannot be guaranteed as many airports and airlines are closed.
- Extensions of onboard personnel is preferred when possible.
- Additional manpower onboard can be signed off without relievers.
- An increasing number of ports have prohibited or placed very tight restrictions on crew changes. Please refer to guidelines from local authorities.
Onboard quarantine for on-signers
- Onboard quarantine for on-signers must be exercised as far as practical as possible. From arrival on board and 14 days ahead, the social contact between on-signers and existing crew, and among on-signers themselves, must be kept to a minimum. Observe social distance, meticulous hand hygiene, and other measures to avoid possible cross-contamination.
- If anyone develops any symptoms, regardless how weak, act according to ItM 2006 or contact Risk Management for any assistance.
Home quarantine for off-signers
- Off-signers are required by authorities to observe a 14-day home quarantine, both in Europe and in the Philippines. This will not count as working days since it is a requirement from national authorities.
Certificates
- The validity of Norwegian Certificates of Proficiency and Certificates of Competency, which will expire before September 1, 2020, are granted a general extended validity of up to six months. The individual seafarer will not be required to submit an application.
- The Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority is granting extension of STCW certificates for not more than two months beyond expiry date. Those who need assistance may inform the Captain so the matter can be coordinated with MPS Manila.
Other practicalities
- Payments and associated approvals will proceed.
- The Captains are currently mapping all crew onboard with prescribed medicines. MPS Bergen and Manila aim to assist in replenishing the stock of these medicines in upcoming ports of call, depending on seafarer needs.
Personal preventive measures
In general, WHO's guidelines to reduce exposure to contagious illnesses are as follows:
- Frequently clean your hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
More information: Advice by the World Health Organization on precautionary measures.
The guidelines are also summarized in the following posters which may be printed and displayed on board as a reminder of proactive actions each of us can take (click on the image to download the printable file):
Coronavirus scam
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against criminals disguising themselves as WHO personnel to steal money or sensitive information.
If you are contacted by a person or an organization that claims to be from WHO, make sure to be alert, check the steps below and/or verify their information by contacting WHO directly.
The criminals may make contact via emails, phone calls and even through fax. Remember that as a United Nations agency in-charge of world public health, WHO will:
- never ask you to login to view safety information
- never email attachments you didn’t ask for
- never ask you to visit a link outside of www.who.int
- never charge money to apply for a job, register for a conference, or reserve a hotel
- never conduct lotteries or offer prizes, grants, certificates or funding through email
Everyone is also advised to take extra caution in entertaining phone calls, emails, text messages or social media messages asking for monetary contributions or donations:
- Do not give out any personal information – including logins and passwords to online accounts – to anyone.
- Do not release funds to anyone until you are certain that the request is made by a legitimate institution.
What are Coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The new coronavirus strain identified in China has caused cases of severe pneumonia in China and cases have by March 2020 been exported to all continents except Antarctica.
