Health
COVID-19 and the Australian commercial vessel industry As our understanding of COVID-19 builds with continuing research and experience, so do the strategies and tactics we use to prevent its spread. What’s the advice for Australia’s commercial vessel industry? By Mick Bishop
Domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operations vary widely across Australia, so the impact of COVID-19 and advice will differ between different operations and in different regions. For oneperson, short-trip operations like some inshore crab and net fishing, COVID-19 may present a minor risk. But operations involving multiple crew will have new COVID-19 risks to manage— particularly with extended trips. Check port access in your state Owners and operators should be aware of what restrictions apply to port access in their state and or territory. Some states and territory governments are also restricting access to vessels from other regions. Some restrictions apply for travel within a region such as to remote indigenous communities. These regulations and directions are continuously changing as governments adapt strategies to best deal with COVID-19. 1
Working Boats May 2020
COVID-19 measures in the workplace The Department of Health’s social distancing and hygiene requirements for workplaces apply to DCVs. Steps for social distancing in the workplace include: don’t shake hands to greet others promote good hand, sneeze and cough hygiene provide alcohol-based hand rub for all crew if possible, eat meals in a separate area from others regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that many people touch
consider cancelling non-essential meetings put off large meetings to a later date hold essential meetings outside in the open air if possible. These requirements are being enforced by state and territory authorities. Managing the risks Our advice to operators and crew is to take a risk assessment approach, implementing control measures suitable for your operation while taking into consideration state and federal government health advice.
avoid non-essential travel
Review the risk register for your vessel’s safety management system in light of COVID-19. This will help to weigh up potential risks and—where needed— modify procedures for the vessel’s operation (i.e., induction procedures, meetings, mealtime planning – using health advice to develop COVID-19 procedures on your vessel).
promote strict hygiene among food preparation (canteen) staff and their close contacts
As an example, for a large vessel on a day trip in calm weather, it might be possible to maximise the 1.5-metre
open windows or adjust air conditioning for more ventilation limit food handling and sharing of food on board vessels
