Significance and Use
5.1 This guide is designed to be used both onboard a vessel and by the operating entity ashore. It should be recognized that this guide provides general information applicable across all sectors of the maritime industry. Because of the nature of pandemics, it cannot provide detailed information concerning a specific type of pandemic, nor can it provide specific recommendations applicable to all sectors of the maritime industry. It should be used to provide a starting point and reference as to the best practices and actions that should be taken to protect the vessel and its crew and passengers.
Scope
1.1 This guide covers information, best practices, or a series of options, or combinations thereof, to be used by the maritime industry to assist with continuity of international and domestic maritime operations during a pandemic. The information provided herein may also be useful when a vessel is in an area with a localized epidemic as well. The focus of this guide is on actions to protect a vessel’s crew and passengers from the effects of a pandemic to the greatest extent possible.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
