The Ministry of Infrastructure, through the CONAPORTOS, edited a Resolution that introduces guidelines to public bodies and entities in organized ports and port facilities
The Ministry of Infrastructure, through the National Commission of Authorities in Ports – CONAPORTOS, edited Resolution nº 02, introducing guidelines to public bodies and entities in organized ports and port facilities.
Among the published guidelines, international maritime transportation (long haul), as well as shipping cruises activities deserves more attention. In both cases it was determined that Ports, vessels and borders should comply with Federal Government guidelines, especially regarding Brazilian ANVISA, in the sense that workers and servants (including pilots) must respect a minimum distance of two meters from the crew.
In long-haul transportation, it may only dock and operate in Brazil if no crew member disembarks, considering 14 days from the date of the vessel’ departure from the last foreign port, except those essential to the operation. In addition, the minimum contact between the crew and Brazilian port workers should be guaranteed during this period, restricting crew members to the limits of the port terminal.
In the event of a suspicious case of Covid-19 on a vessel, the issuing of the authorization for embarking or disembarking passengers (so-called “Free Practice”) will be carried out on board, taking the necessary sanitary precautions. In the event of a case matching Covid-19 suspicion, the crew may not disembark for another 14 days from the last case, unless serious cases requiring medical assistance are known.
The measures above do not restrict the operation of vessels in cabotage navigation.
Regarding shipping cruises, the guidelines include, among others, the immediate suspension of new boarding proceedings on shipping cruises already navigating on Brazilian coast, as well as restrictions to disembarking proceedings of passengers in long-haul voyages with connection in Brazil.
In addition, asymptomatic Brazilian passengers and crew members will be allowed to disembark, respecting the orientation for home isolation. Regarding the possible disembark of asymptomatic foreign crew members or passengers, it will only occur after 14 days from the date of departure from the last foreign port or when the repatriation arrangements are agreed and organized.
The recommendations above are in line with the recent note issued by the Brazilian National Waterway Transport Agency – ANTAQ, which clarified that remain in operation public, private ports and other port facilities, as well as interstate and international waterway transport activities.
The Maritime team is available in case of doubts.