COVID-19 and Approach to Curtail Damages to Maritime Environment Under the Auspices of the Regime of International Safety Management Code (ISM).

Abstract

Although the oceans have traditionally offered a comparatively quick, safe, and cheap route for the transportation of goods, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic over the last few months has changed this narrative entirely. In this context, this work focuses on outlining safety procedures and measures developed under the International Maritime Organisation through the leading international frameworks, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, the SOLAS Convention, and the International Code of Safety Management. In this regard, under the International Maritime Organisation’s auspices, the International Code of Safety Management’s primary objective is to ensure that damage, particularly to marine property and environment, is avoided; no loss of life or injury to humans is presented, and that travel and transport through sea routes are safe. That said; the state port control regimes also have to focus on ensuring shipping continues in a safe manner despite the uncertain course of the pandemic. All of these issues have to be addressed carefully in light of the uncertainties that the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced into the maritime industry.