Port of Prince Rupert looks to calm concerns over Port operations

The Port of Prince Rupert has released a bit more information on how its day to day operations continue in these days of enhance COVID-19 awareness, taking to their Social media streams to reassure residents of the Prince Rupert area of their measures in place.

In their information stream of last week the Port outlined how the marine community is doing its part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as Transport Canada, in concert with multiple agencies including the Canadian Border Services Agency, the Public Health Agency of Canada, shipping lines, masters and crews, port authorities and terminal operators make use of robust screening processes and practices in place to ensure vessels and their crews, as well as gateway workers are safe.

Towards some of the questions that the Port has received about arriving and departing vessels they  note how:

Most crews have been quarantined on their vessel during transpacific voyages for at least 11 days or more. Often crews are more concerned about the communities they visit infecting them than the other way around. It's also important to note that all crews undergo a health screening four days prior to reaching a Canadian Port and are only admitted into Canadian waters upon successful completion of this screening. 

Access to shore leave for seafarers that live and work onboard vessels for weeks and months at a time is an important element of their health and emotional security, as well as quality of life. Diminishment in these areas may hamper the efficient vessel operations and the well-being of the maritime transportation system, which is essential to the Canadian economy.

The Port also included a graphics page that explains many  of the measures in place at terminal operations and with the shipping lines to ensure safety at all facilities.

The Port's website and Facebook page make for helpful guides to many of the Port announcements and initiatives during this period of time.

Last week Port President and CEO Shaun Stevenson outlined more of the Port's approach to COVID-19 measures, steps which included the temporary closure of the Port Interpretive Centre and enhanced protocols for staff members at the Atlin Terminal offices.

For more notes on Port related items in the region see our archive page here.