This information will assist ships (including cargo vessels, ferries and cruise ships) and sea ports in providing advice to staff on addressing coronavirus (COVID-19), on ships and in sea ports.

Ships and sea ports will collectively be referred to as a ‘marine setting’ in this guidance.

This guidance may be updated in line with the changing situation.

Main messages are:

• before boarding the ship, crew and passengers should be asked if they have a new, continuous cough or a high temperature
• if someone becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they should be sent home or to their cabin
• everyone should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently than normal
• crew and passengers should be given clear instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms and how and to whom they should report this
• the Master of the Ship should notify the Port Health Authority about any suspected cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) as soon as possible, who will then inform the local Health Protection Team
• appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning of surfaces that a person with symptoms has come into contact with are key measures to stop the spread of the virus