USCG Issues Change to Earlier Mask Mandate

Change-1 to this Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) provides additional information on applicability for mask wear in the marine transportation system and provides some clarity on our recent safety concerns with the original Coast Guard requirement.

The text below is from American Waterways Operators:

Today the Coast Guard issued Change 1 to MSIB 02-21, COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System, which describes the Coast Guard’s implementation and enforcement of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s order requiring mask-wearing on commercial vessels and at seaports. In addition, the CDC and the Coast Guard have provided additional information regarding the requirement’s applicability to non-passenger commercial vessels on both the CDC FAQ webpage and the Coast Guard FAQ webpage.

Specifically, the CDC and Coast Guard FAQs confirm that vessel crewmembers are not required to wear a mask under the following circumstances:
 

• If they are alone in a room, work area, or private cabin;

• If they are eating or drinking; and

• If they are performing a task for which mask-wearing would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty.

According to the Coast Guard, vessel and facility owners and operators should provide clear guidance as to when wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace, health, safety or job duty. For example, if you determine that wearing a mask inhibits crewmembers’ ability to hear each other when working on deck or on tow, you should include an exemption for that task in your guidance.

Read the full text of the change:
COVID-19 Safety Requirements in the Maritime Transportation System: Change-1