UNO Resolution about the importance of seafarers' work
The Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution regarding the classification of seafarers as key workers. All states must still ensure the facilitation of crew changes. Seafarers should receive vaccination against the Corona Virus as soon as possible.
In a new video, the Maritime Medical Service of the BG Verkehr explains how to put on and take off personal protective equipment in the right way. By following the instructions, navigational officers responsible for medical care on board can protect themselves effectively against infectious diseases. The video is now available.
The BG Verkehr, the BSH and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) published a circular on protection against maritime cyber risks. The practical guidance called "ISM Cyber Security" contains recommendations for shore-based and ship-based IT protective measures. With its help, shipping companies can improve their protection from cyber risks within the framework of the ISM system.
According to a survey by the German Shipowners' Association (VDR), revenue of member shipping companies have fallen by 40 % due to the Corona Pandemic. The number of ships without engagement is growing. The German Flag has easy regulations regarding laid-up ships.
As of late, the Deutsche Seemanns Mission e. V. (DSM – German Seamen's Mission) offers seafarers a new service. With the web-address https://dsm.care, the DSM operates a chat platform on which seafarers can turn to employees of the Seamen's Mission with their issues, worries and distress.
Port State Control verifies compliance with sulphur limits
The new sulphur limit of 0.50 % m/m has been in force since the 1st of January. The limit in the SECAs remains at 0.1 % m/m. Only ships with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) may use fuel with a higher sulphur content. Port State Control verifies compliance with this new regulation.
We want to convince you of the advantages of the German Flag. Find out about the benefits of shipping under German Flag.
People of the German flag
Behind the German flag are many strong personalities. We introduce the people of the shipping sector that are closely connected to German flag.
Currently:
Michael Hinz
As of now, shipping companies can apply for their cabotage approval online via www.deutsche-flagge.de/en. In addition, companies can now register their interest in transports online. This way, the Generaldirektion Wasserstraßen und Schifffahrt (GDWS) optimizes their service for sea cabotage.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published a guidance document for ship operators. It gives advice on the best practices to protect their seafarers and how to deal with suspect cases and confirmed cases on board the ship. As the corona virus has spread globally by now, the ICS has broadened its guidance adding for example an instruction to create covers for mouth and nose. Further topics include recommendations to enhance mental health and how to procure prescription medication.
Emergency manager and manual rolled into one – the Maritime Medical Handbook newly published
A medical emergency at sea – no rescue service, no hospital, no doctors. It is the master's or navigational officer's obligation to help. The newly published handbook can help to facilitate the best medical care possible in places far away from medical infrastructure.
For a long time, asbestos was considered a miracle product: the natural mineral is fire resistant, an insulator, easy to process and inexpensive. But asbestos causes illness and can give rise to cancer. BG Verkehr summarized the things shipping companies have to observe when they flag-in a ship that is contaminated with asbestos.
