Objective
To provide guidance to Authorized representatives in the development of ship to shore checklists to be followed when a cruise ship is at a port of call. Transport Canada strongly recommends that Authorized representatives of cruise ships collaborate with Canadian ports where the ship intends to visit when developing the checklist to outline procedures to be followed. In the case of small or remote ports, Authorized Representatives are encouraged to develop their checklists in collaboration with Occasional Use Marine Facilities (OUMFs), a Marine Facility Security Officer (MFSO) or a designated community official.
The contents of each checklist may include the items listed below as well as any additional items based on a cruise ship’s specific operations and circumstances. Authorized representatives are encouraged to regularly review and adapt their checklists to respond to Canada’s evolving COVID-19 situation.
Should a cruise ship need to deviate from its planned itinerary for any reason (i.e., weather, MEDEVAC, etc.) from a port that has been provided the checklist to a port which has not, the Authorized representative should engage with the new port and review/sign a checklist as soon as practical.
Checklist components
COVID-19 Management Plan
The Plan, which details the ship-side precautions, procedures, and protocols, has been developed by the cruise operator and shared with the Minister, port representatives, and public health authorities upon request.
Suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19
Authorized Representatives and Port Authorities have coordinated to harmonize shore-side procedures with the ship-side Outbreak Management Plan (found within the COVID-19 Management Plan) to manage the disembarkation, transportation, and isolation/eventual repatriation of COVID-19 positive individuals. This includes the identification of non-medical resources, such as hotels for isolation and non-ambulance, private transportation. COVID-19 positive individuals must have access to the necessities of life, including water, food, medication and heat without leaving their place of isolation.
The Authorized Representatives has confirmed that any port that is to be visited by the cruise ship has developed a plan, procedures and has facilities in place to manage any sick individuals that may be required to disembark a vessel. For ports that have limited facilities, alternative plans to manage these situations have been put in place. Please see the “Remote Communities” section for further guidance.
Any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on board the cruise vessel will be reported to the port and local public health authorities
Mask use
Authorized Representatives have ensured that passengers and crew are aware of the local regulations on mask use at each port.
Authorized Representatives have ensured that masks are available and easily accessible to all persons on board the vessel, including crew and passengers.
Authorized Representatives have ensured that health promotion resources and educational material regarding mask use are available and posted throughout the ship.
Authorized Representatives have confirmed that the port will make masks available and easily accessible to shoreside personnel, if needed.
Authorized Representatives have confirmed that the port will make health promotion resources and educational material regarding mask use available and post it at the terminal in accordance with local public health requirements.
Physical distancing
Authorized Representatives are aware of local public health requirements pertaining to physical distancing for the ports and areas they are visiting and have communicated these requirements to crew and passengers.
Authorized Representatives have ensured that health promotion resources and educational material regarding physical distancing are available and posted throughout the ship.
Authorized Representatives have confirmed that the port will make health promotion resources and educational material regarding physical distancing available and post it at the terminal in accordance with local public health requirements.
Hygiene measures
Authorized Representatives have confirmed that the port will provide hand washing facilities or Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer (ABHS), and health promotion material (e.g. posters, videos, etc) that are visible and legible throughout the boarding and disembarkation process. Promotion material explains how to perform, and how often to perform, effective hand hygiene.
Authorized Representatives have provided resources and materials promoting the application and importance of respiratory etiquette and it is available throughout the ship. Authorized Representatives have confirmed that the port will provide similar resources and materials in the terminal.
Cleaning and disinfection
Routine cleaning and disinfection practices are maintained, and the appropriate products and techniques are used in order to help limit the transfer of microorganisms. Frequently touched areas are targeted for consistent and thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Only disinfectants with a government regulatory health authority, i.e. in the country of homeport of the vessel, or in Canada with a Drug Identification Number (DIN), or Natural Product Number (NPN) etc. are to be used.
Staff education and training
The Authorized Representative has ensured that the crew are aware of any Canadian, Provincial, Territorial or Municipal preventive measures or laws established by public health authorities regarding COVID-19 in the port’s jurisdiction and are able to inform and assist passengers to follow all requirements and guidance. The Authorized Representative has confirmed that port staff also have an understanding and are able to provide knowledge about the local requirements to passengers and crew.
The Authorized Representative has trained the crew on what to do if they experience symptoms of COVID-19 and have appropriate sick leave policies to encourage staying away when sick. The Authorized Representative has confirmed that port staff have similar training and policies.
Local public health requirements
Authorized Representatives have been made aware of, and have committed to adhere to, the heath guidelines and requirements specific to the port of call.
Remote communities
Understanding that small and remote communities do not have the capacity or infrastructure to ensure many of the shore-side requirements of this checklist, if cruise vessels intend to visit these communities, the Authorized Representative should fulfill all responsibilities within their capacity and have shared their COVID-19 Management Plan with the responsible community officials in advance. Alternative procedures and plans should be developed with community representatives to ensure mutual understanding of responsibilities and coordination to eliminate or mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Public Health Contacts
Authorized Representatives can obtain the contact information for Provincial/Territorial public health representatives to be contacted at each port should they need assistance with COVID-19 case management during a scheduled to visit. This information can be obtained by contacting marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca.