What Maritime Pilots Need to Know about COVID-19
What steps should pilots’ associations take?
It is important to note that maritime pilotage is based upon local policies
and procedures and each group is unique. While these guidelines are a general
framework, each association should tailor protocols to local needs and
customs. Pilots’ associations should have a COVID-19 response plan to protect
employees, following CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and
Employers. This plan should be shared with you and your
coworkers. Pilots’ associations should train and designate a competent person
at each work site to ensure the plan is implemented and has the knowledge and
authority to recognize hazards and address them on vessels. Pilots’
associations should take steps to:
Reduce transmission while on piloted vessels

Conduct a hazard assessment before boarding each vessel to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, for which workers may need PPE. CDC and OSHApdf iconexternal icon have recommended PPE for some types of work activities when engineering and administrative controls are not able to be implemented or are not fully protective. Employers are required to determine, select, provide, and train on correct PPE use and application for their workers’ specific job duties.
Report pilot boat or vessel crew who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms to the nearest Captain of the Port (COTP).
With the cooperation of local authorities and COTP, consider advising vessels planning to engage a pilot that they must take the following precautions prior to the pilot boarding: 
Immediately prior to pilot boarding, use an product that meets EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2,external icon against the virus that causes COVID-19 to wipe down any surface that the pilot might be anticipated to touch, such as: bridge equipment, radar, ECDIS controls, VHF radios, helm and machinery controls, the interior buttons of any elevator, and staircase hand railings that the pilot may use. If EPA-approved disinfectant is not available, a diluted bleach solution prepared according to the manufacturer’s label for disinfection can be used.
Provide a one-person escort for the pilot to and from the bridge following a path of minimum exposure to anyone on board. If equipped, only the pilot and the escort will be permitted in the elevator to and from the bridge.
Allow only essential personnel on the bridge while a pilot is on board.
Anyone entering the bridge must thoroughly wash their hands immediately prior to entering. Hand soap and paper towels should be available in the bridge head for this purpose.
All aboard shall maintain a minimum 6 feet from the pilot and each other to the extent feasible.



Reduce transmission among pilots and employees while in the office or on
pilot boat

Take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if a pilot or employee becomes sick. 
Actively encourage sick pilots and employees to stay home.
Sick pilots and employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers. Clean and disinfect any areas that symptomatic individuals have had access to. Inform client vessels with individuals suspected/confirmed to have COVID-19, that they should clean and disinfect their vessels appropriately.


Provide and train pilots and employees with accurate information (in their native language) about COVID-19, how it spreads, risk of exposure, the designated competent person, and how to contact them. 
Be aware that some pilots or employees may be at higher risk for serious illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. Implement specific policies to minimize face-to-face contact between these pilots and employees or assign work tasks that allow them to maintain a distance of at least six feet from other workers, customers, and visitors.


Institute measures to physically separate and increase distance between employees and others, such as: 
Rearrange workstations and break rooms at the port office so that employees can stay at least 6 feet away from other employees (i.e., use alternative work areas such as conference and training rooms).
Reduce staffing levels on each shift or implement telework policies, where applicable.
Implement on call protocols to reduce the number of employees at the port office at a given time.
Provide technology solutions to reduce the need for face-to-face communication.


Provide pilots and employees training on proper handwashing practices, cough and sneeze etiquette, and other routine infection control precautions. This will help prevent the spread of many diseases, including COVID-19.
Provide pilots and employees with access to soap, clean running water, and materials for drying their hands, and provide hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol.

Maintain a healthy work environment

Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and good hand hygiene at the entrance to the office and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by pilots and employees.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a routine basis: 
In break rooms, rest rooms, and office spaces: such as telephones, door handles, keyboards, card readers, radios and electronics.
On pilot boats, such as door handles, control panels chart table, armrests, headsets, radio controls, and mics.


If the surfaces are visibly dirty, clean them prior to disinfecting. To disinfect, use products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2,external icon diluted household bleach solutions prepared according to the manufacturer’s label for disinfection, or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and are appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use.
Provide disposable disinfectant wipes, cleaner, or spray so employees can clean and disinfect surfaces as needed.
Follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and public health agency guidelines.

Maintain healthy business operations

Implement flexible sick leave and supportive policies and practices. Consider drafting non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies if sick leave is not offered to some or all employees.
Provide information on who to contact if pilots or employees become sick. If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).