Shore leave access - SSB No.: 04/2020

RDIMS No .: 16372746
Date (Y-M-D) : 2020-03-18

This bulletin has been replaced by Ship Safety Bulletin No. 09/2020

Purpose

To provide guidance regarding access to shore leave for seafarers onboard Canadian and foreign vessels in Canada.

Scope

Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) has received several indications that seafarers may be experiencing problems accessing shore leave in Canadian ports, terminals and marine facilities, due to the COVID-19 virus.

Background

TCMSS advocates for the health and safety of seafarers, passengers, and all port workers in the marine transportation sector. As such, there is a need to ensure that everyone working in the marine transportation sector is protected from any potential risks of COVID-19.

Access to shore leave for seafarers that live and work onboard vessels for weeks and months at a time is an important element of their health and emotional security, as well as quality of life. This also applies to crew changes when seafarers have completed their sea service and need to re-join their families at home. Diminishment in these areas may hamper the efficient vessel operations and the wellbeing of the maritime transportation system, which is essential to the Canadian economy.

Next Steps

In order to not impede on the right of seafarers to have access to shore leave, TCMSS is requesting that all ports, terminals and marine facilities in Canada continue to grant shore leave to seafarers.

If a vessel reports a seafarer 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 authorities. 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 marine transportation system is maintained.

Please refer to the following guidance:

• Keeping you safe at work: Marine sector health and COVID-19 (PDF, 122 KB)
• Keeping you safe at work: Canada’s ports are open to international trade (PDF, 551 KB)

Keywords

1. Coronavirus
2. Shore leave

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).

 

Shore leave access - SSB No.: 04/2020
(PDF, 49 KB)