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IMO Secretary General Dr. Kitack Lim on Covid-19 “The spread of the coronavirus has placed the entire world in an unprecedented situation. To slow the spread of the disease and mitigate its impacts, travel is being curtailed and borders are being closed. Transport hubs are being affected. Ports are being closed and ships denied entry. In these difficult times, the ability for shipping services and seafarers to deliver vital goods, including medical supplies and foodstuffs, will be central to responding to, and eventually overcoming, this pandemic. It is, therefore, crucially important that the flow of commerce by sea should not be unnecessarily disrupted. At the same time, the safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment must also remain paramount. One of the goals of the IMO, as stated in its Convention, is to ensure availability of shipping services to the commerce of the world, for the benefit of humanity. I urge all IMO Member States to bear this in mind when framing their policy decisions with regard to the coronavirus. Defeating the virus must be the first priority, but global trade, in a safe, secure and environmentally friendly manner must be able to continue, too. We must also remember the hundreds of thousands of seafarers on ships. They are, unwittingly, on the front line of this global calamity. Their professionalism ensures that the goods we all need are delivered – safely and with minimal impact on our precious environment. These are people, usually far from home and family. Their own health and welfare is as important as that of anyone else. Again, I urge a practical and pragmatic approach, in these unusual times, to issues like crew changeovers, resupply, repairs, survey and certification and licensing of seafarers. Together with our industry partners and colleagues in the World Health Organization, IMO has been developing and issuing practical advice and guidance on a variety of technical and operational matters related to the coronavirus. You can find this on our website, and we will be updating this as appropriate as the situation develops. I will personally be initiating a series of meetings and consultations with leaders from shipping, ports and other key related sectors so that we can all better understand the issues being faced and develop sensible, practical and unified solutions. I have spoken many times of our “voyage together”. Never has the spirit of those words been more important than it is now.” Dr. Kitack Lim Secretary General International Maritime Organization Source: http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/08-IMO-SG-message.aspxContinue Reading
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Let’s conquer Covid-19 together 24 March 2020 The spread of the CoronaVirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global emergency. Since its outbreak, this epidemic has caused about 380,000 infections (including about 100,000 recovery) and taken over almost 16,500 lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020. Bangladesh Marine Academy (BMA), since February 2020, has been taking precautionary measures to safeguard its Cadets, Staff, Officers and the family members that live in the campus. Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 in various countries, related safety posters and leaflets have been posted on the notice boards in the residential places. Awareness of the cleanliness has been highlighted among all. Later, as per the decision of the Government and the instruction of the Ministry of Shipping the Pre-Sea and Post-Sea Cadets have been given a special vacation for 17-31 March 2020 (may be extended if necessary) and they have proceeded to their homes on 16 March 2020. Before proceeding to their homes, joining the Cadets’ dinner on 15 March 2020, the Commandant Dr. Sajid Hussain CEng CMarEng FIMarEST during his speech emphasized that the most important thing at the present time is to do our best to stay safe, remain calm and continue to observe all the established precautions. The Commandant has emphasized that the health and well-being of the Cadets, Staff, Officers and the Family Members (altogether over 700) remain his top priority. Later a Commandant’s Temporary Memorandum (CTM No. 27/2020) has been issued on 19 March 2020 highlighting necessary precautions against the possible effects of the Covid-19 in the Campus. Particularly the entry to and exit from the campus has been strictly barred/restricted. Boat services are closed along with the Jetty & Jetty-way has been closed. The role of the Academy Staff Welfare Association in implementing the conditions of the CTM is remarkable. Every effort and monitoring is being taken to ensure a safe and sound campus for the residing Officers, Staff and their families including the children. Seemingly, the 100 acres’ campus has been transformed into a ‘spontaneously quarantined safe zone’. The Office of the Academy is being maintained despite limitations under the on-going difficult situation. Majority of the office tasks are being carried out through email/e-nothi in line with the Ministry of Shipping. The specifically responsible Officers, Staff and associated Personnel are duly maintaining the utility services like electricity, gas, water, health (dispensary), bank, post office, lights, phone, wi-fi, transportation (limited though), cleanship and the security of the campus. Medical Safety items have been collected as much as possible. A 11 member Committee, headed by Capt. Md. Taufiqul Islam, Senior Nautical Instructor has been formed who are monitoring the campus fromContinue Reading
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Basic protective measures against COVID-19 < courtesy: WHO Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Practice respiratory hygiene Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections. Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves. Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-publicContinue Reading
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Women’s Welfare Committee: 1. Capt. Firoz Mostofa Nautical Instructor,Bangladesh Marine Academy Chairman 2. Mrs. Zinnat Ara Nasrin Education Officer,Bangladesh Marine Academy Member Secretary & Complain Officer 3. Mr. Md. Khaled Shalauddin Demonstrator, Bangladesh Marine Academy Member 4. S.C. Kashfa Shehzad Adeeba C.No. F-0079 Bangladesh Marine Academy Member To Send Complain: National Help Line: 10921 email: zinnat.nasrin@yahoo.com, khaled_macademy@yahoo.com Notice/Report Notice for ComplainContinue Reading