In response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, this Guidance has been produced by the
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to support all types of ships which operate in international waters.
The purpose is to help shipping companies follow advice provided by United Nations agencies including
the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International
Labour Organization (ILO), as well as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
COVID-19 – a virus which can lead to respiratory disease and pneumonia – was first reported in December
2019 in Wuhan, China. More than 90,000 cases have been reported at the time of going to print, including
several thousand deaths. While most of these have been concentrated in China, the virus now appears to be
spreading globally. No vaccine is currently available, and the focus of health authorities worldwide has been
containment of the virus through preventative measures to limit and slow down widespread transmission.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under the WHO
International Health Regulations (IHR).
This severe public health challenge requires close co-operation between governments and shipping
companies engaged in maritime trade, in order to protect the health of seafarers (and passengers) as well as
the general public.
ICS is grateful for the support of the following organisations in preparing this Guidance: IMO, ILO, WHO,
International Maritime Health Association (IMHA), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
(ECDC), Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) and Wilhelmsen Ships Service.