News

Temporary Direction and Guidance – Canadian Flagged Vessels, Port of St. John’s

March 24th, 2020

In order to contribute to the health and safety of those that work in and support the Canadian marine industry, and to reduce and/or eliminate the risk of spreading of the virus there is a need to ensure that everyone working in the Port of St. John’s is protected from any potential risks of COVID-19, therefore effective immediately the St. John’s Port Authority is implementing the following on a temporary basis in addition to that already provided by Transport Canada;

1. All Canadian vessels must report any symptomatic crew members or passengers to the Marine Communications and Traffic Services (vts.stjohns@innav.gc.ca, 709-227-2181 or VHF Ch. 11), Eastern Health (dial: 811) and the SJPA (ops@sjpa-apsj.com, 709-682-5197), at a minimum of 12 hours prior to arrival;
2. Based on the information provided in No. 1 above, Eastern Health will provide follow-on directions;
3. In the event that Eastern Health determines that a crew member or passenger onboard a vessel is at risk, Eastern Health in coordination with the vessel’s operator will provide notification to others on a required basis;
4. Based on the determination in No. 3, the SJPA will enact it own emergency response plan and/or applicable protocols in coordination with the vessel’s operator and others on a required basis.
5. If a vessel reports a seafarer or passenger showing signs of the COVID-19 virus, shore leave will be denied until such time that the vessel is cleared by the appropriate health agency or regulatory authorities (SSB 09/2020). In such a case, all precautions will be taken to ensure that the health and safety of all seafarers onboard the vessel and all other marine personnel, to ensure that the safety of everyone working in the Port of St. John’s marine transportation system is maintained.
6. Based on the determination in No. 5, the SJPA will enact it own emergency response plan and/or applicable protocols in coordination with the vessel’s operator and others on a required basis.