The development The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has issued guidelines for Filipino seafarers and manning agencies with respect to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa. Specifically the advice is now against any shore leave and that no crew change shall take place in the ports of countries experiencing an outbreak of Ebola. Furthermore, the POEA states that all ships operating or calling at ports in countries with an outbreak shall ensure that seafarers are provided with appropriate protective equipment and to limit the possibility of exposure to the virus during any port call. Members with Filipino crew on board their vessels should take note with respect to this development. Further information can be found in the republished POEA Memorandum No. 07 of 2014 and on the official Philippine Government website . Specific further POEA advice The Master must ensure that the crew are aware of the risks, how the virus can be spread and how to mitigate the risk; The ISPS Code requirements on ensuring that unauthorized personnel are not allowed to board the ship should be strictly enforced throughout the duration of the ship's stay in port; and After departure, the crew should be aware of the symptoms and report any occurring symptoms immediately to master or other designated medical authority on the vessel. Members are asked to contact the Association if they require further information. The Association is grateful to Joseph Rebano of Del Rosario & Del Rosario for assisting with this update. Disclaimer The above article has been produced by or in co-operation with correspondents or other external sources and is reproduced here with their kind permission for general information purposes only. Reference is made to the Legal disclaimer governing use of this website.