Passing Quarantine: Health and Safety Regulations for Arriving Ships

Ships arriving at a port must comply with health and safety regulations to ensure that they do not pose risks to public health, crew members, and the environment. Maritime quarantine measures have been a critical part of global trade and shipping for centuries, preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring safe operations.

With increased global travel and the emergence of health crises like COVID-19, maritime authorities have strengthened quarantine procedures to protect ports, crews, and coastal communities. This article explores how ships pass quarantine, key health regulations, and best practices for compliance.

1. What Is Quarantine in Maritime Shipping?

Quarantine refers to health and safety procedures imposed on arriving ships to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and biohazards. These measures are enforced by port health authorities, who inspect ships for:

✔ Crew health conditions and medical reports
✔ Sanitary conditions and hygiene standards
✔ Presence of infectious diseases on board
✔ Proper waste and sewage management

Failure to meet health regulations can result in delays, fines, or denial of entry into a port.

2. Key Health and Safety Regulations for Arriving Ships

Ships must comply with international health regulations before they are allowed to dock and unload cargo or disembark passengers. The most important regulations include:

2.1 International Health Regulations (IHR) by WHO

• Governed by the World Health Organization (WHO), these regulations require ships to report any suspected infectious diseases.
• Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCCs) must be valid and up to date.

2.2 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) – Crew Health Standards

• Ensures that seafarers have access to medical care, clean drinking water, and hygienic living conditions.
• Requires proper food storage and safe handling practices.

2.3 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

• Regulates sewage disposal, ballast water treatment, and garbage management.
• Ensures that no contaminants or hazardous materials are discharged into port waters.

2.4 National and Local Health Regulations

• Each country may impose additional quarantine measures depending on the risk of disease outbreaks.
• Some ports require COVID-19 tests, vaccinations, and quarantine periods for crew members.

✔ Compliance with these regulations helps avoid detention, delays, and health risks.

3. Quarantine Procedures for Arriving Ships

Ships undergo several health and safety checks before being allowed to dock and interact with the port community. The quarantine process typically includes:

3.1 Pre-Arrival Health Declaration

• Ships must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) before arrival.
• The MDH reports:
  🔹 The health status of crew and passengers
  🔹 Any infectious diseases or symptoms on board
  🔹 Details of the last port of call

3.2 Port Health Inspections

Once the ship reaches port, health officers board the vessel to:
✔ Conduct temperature screenings and medical checks for crew members.
✔ Inspect hygiene conditions in cabins, kitchens, and common areas.
✔ Check food storage, waste disposal, and ventilation systems.

3.3 Ship Sanitation Control Inspection

• Ships must hold a valid Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) or Ship Sanitation Exemption Certificate (SSEC).
• Port authorities inspect for:
  🔹 Rodent and pest infestations
  🔹 Water contamination
  🔹 Proper sewage disposal systems

3.4 Ballast Water and Waste Disposal Checks

• Ballast water must be treated and discharged safely to prevent the spread of marine organisms.
• Solid and medical waste must be disposed of following MARPOL Annex V regulations.

3.5 Crew Quarantine or Medical Examination (If Required)

• If a crew member is sick, authorities may require:
  🔹 Quarantine for the affected person or the entire ship
  🔹 COVID-19 or disease-specific testing
  🔹 Medical evacuation in severe cases

✔ Ships with good health records and compliance can clear quarantine quickly.

4. Common Quarantine Issues and How to Avoid Them

4.1 Missing or Inaccurate Health Documentation

❌ Failing to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) or an expired Sanitation Certificate can delay clearance.
✅ Ensure all health documents are accurate, updated, and submitted before arrival.

4.2 Poor Sanitary Conditions Onboard

❌ Unhygienic crew quarters, dirty kitchens, and pest infestations can trigger health violations.
✅ Maintain strict cleaning routines and follow MLC hygiene standards.

4.3 Undeclared Sick Crew Members

❌ Failing to report illnesses before arrival can result in detention and further investigation.
✅ Immediately report suspected diseases to authorities and follow medical guidelines.

4.4 Improper Waste Disposal and Pollution Violations

❌ Discharging untreated sewage, ballast water, or hazardous waste can lead to environmental fines.
✅ Follow MARPOL regulations for waste treatment and disposal.

✔ Preventing these issues helps ships pass quarantine efficiently and avoid penalties.

5. Best Practices to Ensure Quarantine Compliance

To avoid delays, fines, and health risks, ships should adopt best practices for quarantine readiness:

✅ 5.1 Implement a Strict Sanitation and Hygiene Plan

• Clean crew quarters, kitchens, and bathrooms regularly.
• Conduct routine pest control and disinfect common areas.

✅ 5.2 Keep Medical Records and Health Logs Updated

• Maintain records of crew vaccinations, medical checkups, and treatments.
• Train crew members on disease prevention and first aid.

✅ 5.3 Ensure Proper Waste Management Procedures

• Follow MARPOL guidelines for sewage, garbage, and ballast water disposal.
• Use approved port reception facilities for medical waste.

✅ 5.4 Train Crew on Health and Safety Regulations

• Conduct regular safety drills on disease control and emergency response.
• Provide protective equipment, hand sanitizers, and proper hygiene training.

✔ A well-prepared ship can clear quarantine quickly and resume operations smoothly.

6. Conclusion

Quarantine procedures are essential to ensure that ships do not pose health risks to port communities and crew members. Compliance with WHO’s International Health Regulations, MLC standards, and MARPOL environmental rules is critical for passing quarantine inspections without delays.

By maintaining high sanitation standards, keeping accurate health records, and training crew members on health protocols, ships can ensure smooth port entry, avoid detention, and contribute to global maritime safety.