Cyprus Ship Registry: Updates On Precautions For Mariners In Relation To Coronavirus "COVID-19"

Further to Circular 03/2020, the Shipping Deputy Ministry has issued Circular 05/2020 informing the registered owners, charterers, shipmanagers and representative of ships flying the Cyprus flag of the following new Circular Letters issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO):

(i) IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.2 of 21 February 2020 containing the "Joint Statement of the IMO- World Health Organization (WHO) on the Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak". While recognising the need to prevent the introduction or spread of the disease, the Joint IMO-WHO Statement inter alia notes that unnecessary interference with maritime traffic should be minimised. The Joint IMO-WHO Statement further highlights the importance of avoiding causing unnecessary restrictions or delay on port entry to ships, persons and property on board;