During the week border guards interviewed crew members of 27 such vessels, 22 of which were also inspected.

Due to temporary restrictions on crossing the state border to prevent the spread of acute COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Ukraine, the flow of citizens and vehicles crossing the border has decreased.

However, cargo shipment is provided by both crew members and drivers of lorries, transported on board of ro-ro ship (rolker (roll-on/roll-off) - ship with horizontal loading and unloading). Considering the epidemic situation in the world, all these people are at risk - that is, those citizens who are likely to become ill and subsequently spread COVID-19.

In order to identify in a timely manner sick people among the crew members of foreign vessels and to ensure proper carrying out of all necessary quarantine measures before the arrival of the ships in the ports of Ukraine, the Maritime Guard during the patrols in the area of ​​responsibility interview the captains of the vessels located in the exclusive (maritime) economic and adjacent economic, adjacent also in the territorial sea and inland waters of Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to vessels heading to Ukrainian ports from abroad or having approached other vessels coming from regions with COVID-19 outbreaks.

During the week border guards interviewed crew members of 27 such vessels, 22 of which were also inspected. Observation teams and the crew members of the foreign vessels were adhering to the safety and quarantine rules.

We’d like to note that the masters of foreign vessels are extremely conscientious and deliberately adhere to the restrictions imposed. However, the owners of small craft mostly do not understand the importance of measures taken to prevent the spread of infection.

Maritime Guard officers provide explanatory work and appropriate guidance to those who like fishing and water-based recreation.