The ongoing Ebola outbreak is serious - both because of the its size and the high mortality rate of this disease. In order to protect seafarers operating in infected areas, and to avoid spreading the Ebola virus further, it is important for the shipping industry to take certain precautions:
- The master must ensure that the crew is aware of the risk, the manner in which the virus is spread and how to reduce the risk of infection.
- While the ship is in port, ISPS regulations about only allowing authorized persons on board should be strictly enforced.
- The master must consider whether the crew should get shore leave while the ship is in a port where there is known to be an Ebola outbreak.
- The ship-owner should avoid making crew changes at ports in affected countries.
- After departing, crew must be aware of the symptoms and immediately report any symptoms to the person in charge of medical care on board.
Infection by Ebola occurs through body fluids. To become infected, a person must be in physical contact with saliva, faeces, urine and exudate from infected persons. Seafarers who are in an area with Ebola outbreaks, should therefore avoid contact with people who are ill.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority hopes this information can be broadcast to ships around the world. Norwegian health authorities are monitoring the situation carefully and are following assessments and advice issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
We encourage anyone who will be sailing to West Africa to visit the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's website, where more detailed information about Ebola can be found.