The maritime industry has been sharply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the government and private sectors throughout the world have made adjustments to minimize the impact of the virus.
The National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC). All United States flagged vessels must be documented with the NVDC. Further, all mortgages or bills of sale must be filed with the NVDC. In response to the pandemic, the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) has suspended all walk-in customer service. All applications for documentation must be submitted by email with a PDF filing, facsimile and United States mail. Certificate of Documentation renewals, certified copies of Certificates of Documentations and Abstracts of Title for vessels are available through pay.gov. NVDC encourages customers to review the updates and download all forms through www.uscg.mil/nvdc. [1]
Port of Seattle. The Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma are working with the Northwest Seaport Alliance to mitigate and take further action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is the principal federal agency for vessels. The Coast Guard routinely provides safety information to vessel owners and operators as a precaution against the virus. The Port has implemented an enhanced cleaning protocol for maritime facilities to protect workers. Also, members of the public are not required to attend Commission meetings in person and may submit comments by email or telephonically.
Seattle West Coast Cruise Industry. Spring marks the commencement of the Alaska cruise industry. In past years cruises from Seattle to Alaska began in early April and ceased in late October. Passengers enjoy the striking beauty of the cities and wilderness along Western Canada and Alaska, often booking land excursions into the Canadian and Alaskan interior. According to the Port of Seattle statistics, the cruise industry generates $900 million dollars in business revenue annually and supports 5,500 jobs. More than 600,000 passengers sail to Alaska and Canada on cruises originating in Seattle.
The Seattle cruise industry, however, has been disrupted by COVID-19. More than one large luxury cruise company has announced that it is suspending cruises for 60 days. The CDC also now recommends that older travelers and people with underlying health conditions avoid cruises until the threat of the virus is under control.[2] Further, as a result of the threat of the pandemic, the Port of Seattle cancelled the April 1 and April 5 sailings.[3] The Port, focusing on passenger and crew safety, made this decision after consulting with cruise operators, the United States Coast Guard, local authorities and public health agencies. The Canada Transport Minister has suspended cruises into Canada until July 1. As a result, vessels that are prohibited from Coastwise trade that ordinarily stop in Canada as an intervening foreign port before entering Alaskan waters are confronted with a dilemma until July 1 or after when the suspension is lifted.[4]
American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Recommendations to Congress and the White House. The AAPA has made recommendations to law makers and the White House for additional funding to further shore-up the marine industry. For example, AAPA has recommended a billion dollars in assistance to ports across the country and $4.5 billion for supplemental funding to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Navigation mission.[5]
The International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO has issued Guidelines for seafarers, maritime workers and passengers to cope with the pandemic. The IMO has been compelled to postpone several Committee meetings to a later date including:
- The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC) scheduled for late March has been postponed;
- The Facilitation Committee (FAL) scheduled for April has been postponed;
- The IMO Expert Group on Data Harmonization scheduled for late April and early May has been postponed; and
- The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) scheduled for May has been postponed. Further, IMO has announced that when possible, IMO are working remotely or at home.[6]