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.
The Coronavirus has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation.
Transnet is the custodian of ports and terminals in the country and it is responsible for
monitoring all vessels. This is done through its divisions, the Transnet National Ports Authority
and Transnet Port Terminals.
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 outbreak.
Voice Note: Transnet National Ports Authority Acting Chief Harbour Master, Captain Sabelo Mdlalose.
The following additional measures have been implemented to safeguard South Africa’s ports:
• All foreign vessels entering the ports must receive free pratique by the Port Health Department and 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 has cleared the vessel.
• No crew 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 are 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 Novel 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
Issued on behalf of Transnet SOC Ltd
By: Molatwane Likhethe, Spokesperson
011 308 2458/083 300 9586
For more enquiries, please contact:
Nompumelelo Kunene
External Communication
011 308 2384/0810466087
[email protected]