In line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) efforts to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, Transnet SOC Ltd has implemented additional procedures for all vessels entering South African ports.
“Transnet SOC Ltd has instituted strict health measures and is working with the Department
of Health (DoH) and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) to monitor the
situation,” said Transnet spokesperson, Molatwane Likhethe.
The following additional measures have been implemented to safeguard South Africa’s ports:
• All foreign vessels entering the ports must receive free pratique (formal permission) by the Port Health Department and the details of the last 10 ports of call are to be recorded.
• Separate list of vessels calling from affected areas are being recorded.
• During the warning period, all South African citizens - including marine pilots - are to
refrain from consuming foods and liquids on board vessels from high-risk areas.
• Should reports of infection be reported on board a vessel, the vessel may dock.
However, no persons will be permitted to go on-board until Port Health Department has cleared
the vessel.
• No crew are to be taken off a vessel without obtaining Port Health Clearance.
• A thorough sweep of stowaways will be conducted.
• Should stowaways be found, the vessel is to remain at anchor until stowaways have been examined and cleared by Port Health.
• All waste from the vessels from affected areas will be incinerated and not accepted
Ashore.
• All yachts arriving in the country from all areas must reported to South African Police
Services and Port Health Department. The skipper is to be informed to ensure that he
and his crew remain isolated on-board the vessel until cleared by Port Health.
• TNPA marine pilots to use appropriate medical masks and gloves when receiving
vessels from affected areas.
• All employees of TNPA that are interfacing with affected vessels have been made
aware of the procedures to be followed and have been provided with appropriate
masks and gloves to be worn when going onboard the vessels.
Additionally, Transnet port health employees have been sensitised to government’s national
response plan to diagnose infected persons and refer them to designated sites/hospitals.
For more information on the coronavirus, please refer to the National Institute for
Communicable Diseases (NICD): http://www.nicd.ac.za/
The National Hotline contact number for NICD is 066 562 4021 or 079 495 6739
