HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

Effective 15 May 2026, the Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates has introduced a mandatory requirement for all vessels to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health prior to entering port limits. This directive, issued by GAC, is a proactive measure against the potential spread of Hantavirus. Ships calling at Fujairah must ensure that all health documentation is accurate and transmitted to port authorities well in advance to avoid significant delays or potential entry refusal during this heightened surveillance period.

This regulatory update aligns with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) established by the World Health Organization, which mandate that port authorities maintain strict sanitary controls to prevent the international spread of disease. Under the IMO’s Facilitation (FAL) Convention, ships are obligated to provide standardized health information to port state control. Compliance departments must ensure that the Master’s documentation remains fully updated, as failure to adhere to these specific port health protocols can lead to severe operational disruptions, vessel detention, and heavy administrative penalties.

Masters and navigating officers are primarily responsible for the timely submission of these health declarations. These officers must verify that all crew health logs are current and that any symptoms of illness are reported immediately to the agent. Navigating officers should coordinate closely with the bridge team to ensure the declaration is filed before crossing the port limit, preventing costly anchorage delays and ensuring seamless port entry for the vessel and its crew.