ASTM F3649/F3649M-23

Standard Guide for Continuity of Maritime Operations During the Onset of a Pandemic<?Pub _bookmark Command="[Quickmark]"?>

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide is designed to be used both onboard a vessel and by the operating entity ashore. It should be recognized that this guide provides general information applicable across all sectors of the maritime industry. Because of the nature of pandemics, it cannot provide detailed information concerning a specific type of pandemic, nor can it provide specific recommendations applicable to all sectors of the maritime industry. It should be used to provide a starting point and reference as to the best practices and actions that should be taken to protect the vessel and its crew and passengers.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers information, best practices, or a series of options, or combinations thereof, to be used by the maritime industry to assist with continuity of international and domestic maritime operations during a pandemic. The information provided herein may also be useful when a vessel is in an area with a localized epidemic as well. The focus of this guide is on actions to protect a vessel’s crew and passengers from the effects of a pandemic to the greatest extent possible.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 03.220.40 - Transport by water
• ICS: 47.040 - Seagoing vessels
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.07 - General Requirements

Overview

ASTM F3649/F3649M-23: Standard Guide for Continuity of Maritime Operations During the Onset of a Pandemic provides essential guidelines for maintaining safe and effective maritime operations, both at sea and ashore, during pandemic events. Developed by ASTM International, this guide focuses on risk assessment, infection control, crew health, and operational continuity within the maritime industry. While the standard offers general, industry-wide recommendations, its emphasis on best practices helps protect vessel crew and passengers, minimize the transmission of infectious diseases, and uphold international and domestic maritime activities during pandemics and localized epidemics.

Key Topics

• Pandemic Preparedness and Response: The guide outlines the need for pandemic response plans tailored to maritime settings, considering the unique challenges posed by shipboard environments, international travel, and close crew interaction.
• Risk Assessment: Core methodologies, such as hazard analysis and bow tie analysis, assist maritime operators in evaluating infection severity, transmissibility, and operational risks.
• Infection Prevention and Mitigation: Guidance on practical control measures includes personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitization protocols, pre-boarding screening, and physical distancing practices.
• Health Monitoring: Recommendations on surveillance, symptom identification, isolation, and quarantine procedures for crew and passengers are emphasized to prevent outbreaks onboard.
• Mariner Mental Health and Welfare: The standard addresses mental and emotional well-being, highlighting the importance of supportive environments, mental health resources, and communication during prolonged or high-stress situations.
• Communication and Reporting: Details requirements for clear communication strategies, training, and compliance with health authority directives and reporting schemes during a pandemic.
• Operational Considerations: Covers planning for crew changes, passenger movements, supply management, and essential emergency response actions to maintain vessel functionality.

Applications

ASTM F3649/F3649M-23 applies to a wide range of stakeholders in the maritime sector, including:

• Ship Owners and Operators: Implementing the guide helps develop tailored pandemic response plans, incorporating international best practices for infection control, crew health, and continuity of services.
• Maritime Crews: Clear instructions support frontline workers in recognizing symptoms, understanding proper use of PPE, conducting self-monitoring, and applying disinfection and social distancing protocols.
• Port Authorities and Shoreside Management: Ensures effective communication with vessels, supports quarantine and isolation requirements, and coordinates response actions with shore-based medical and regulatory organizations.
• Training Institutions: Provides a framework for developing and delivering focused training on pandemic prevention, mitigation, and mental health, ensuring compliance and safety awareness among seafarers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assists stakeholders in meeting international and local regulatory health, reporting, and safety requirements during health emergencies.

Related Standards

Other standards, resources, and guidelines relevant to maritime operations during pandemics include:

• ABS Guidance Notes on Response Measures to COVID-19 for the Marine and Offshore Industries
• DNV Certification in Infection Prevention-Maritime Programs
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on maritime safety and infection prevention
• World Health Organization (WHO) outbreak management protocols
• US Coast Guard Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs)
• International Chamber of Shipping guidance on health and crew welfare
• Relevant port and health authority directives for pandemic response

Conclusion

ASTM F3649/F3649M-23 is a vital resource for ensuring the safety, health, and operational resilience of maritime activities during pandemics. By implementing its best practices, maritime organizations can enhance preparedness, protect crews and passengers from infectious diseases, and ensure the continuity of supply chains and services crucial to global trade.

Keywords: maritime pandemic preparedness, crew health, infection control, maritime operations continuity, pandemic response plan, shipboard safety, maritime standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3649/F3649M − 23
Standard Guide for
Continuity of Maritime Operations During the Onset of a
Pandemic
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3649/F3649M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.3 cleaning, v—removal of foreign material (for
example, soil and organic material) from objects and normally
1.1 This guide covers information, best practices, or a series
accomplished using water with detergents or enzymatic prod-
of options, or combinations thereof, to be used by the maritime
ucts.
industry to assist with continuity of international and domestic
2.1.4 close contact, n—any person who has been near to a
maritime operations during a pandemic. The information
person with a contagious disease or anyone who repeatedly and
provided herein may also be useful when a vessel is in an area
regularly shares the living space of someone with a contagious
with a localized epidemic as well. The focus of this guide is on
disease.
actions to protect a vessel’s crew and passengers from the
effects of a pandemic to the greatest extent possible.
2.1.5 cluster, n—collection of cases occurring in the same
place at the same time.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
2.1.6 community spread, n—circulation of a disease among
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equiva- people in a certain area with no clear explanation of how they
were infected.
lents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each
system shall be used independently of the other, and values
2.1.7 confirmed case, n—person with laboratory confirma-
from the two systems shall not be combined.
tion of a pandemic/epidemic infection.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.1.8 coronavirus, n—family of viruses known to infect
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
people that get the name from the crown-like spikes (coronas)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
that appear on the viruses under a microscope.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2.1.8.1 Discussion—Coronaviruses can cause the common
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cold, as well as dangerous illnesses such as severe acute
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
syndrome (MERS).
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.1.9 Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19, n—disease
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
can cause mild to moderate illness in most people and in others
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
it has caused life-threatening pneumonia and death.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.1.10 disinfection, n—process that eliminates many or all
pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inani-
2. Terminology
mate objects.
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.11 droplet transmission, n—form of direct transmission;
2.1.1 anti-viral medicines, n—class of drugs used to treat
this is a spray containing large, short-range tiny particles
viral infections.
suspended in air produced by sneezing, coughing, or talking.
2.1.2 asymptomatic, adj—carrier of an illness not showing
2.1.12 endemic, adj—expected level of the disease that
symptoms.
always exists without eradication and is usually at low,
predictable rates.
2.1.13 epidemic, n—sudden increase in the number of cases
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships and
of a disease above what is typically expected.
Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.07 on
General Requirements.
2.1.14 hand hygiene, n—washing hands with soap, water,
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. DOI: 10.1520/
F3649_F3649M-23. alcohol, or other disinfectant.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3649/F3649M − 23
2.1.15 incubation period, n—time between when a person is 2.1.33.1 Discussion—Surveillance is also used to find early
infected by a virus and when symptoms of the virus/disease are signs that a disease has returned.
noticed.
2.1.34 suspected case, n—any person (including severely ill
2.1.16 isolation, n—keeping people with confirmed cases of patients) presenting with symptoms of a pandemic/epidemic
and whom, within an appropriate time period before the onset
a contagious disease separated from people who are not sick.
of illness, had any of the following exposures: (1) history of
2.1.17 microbe, n—minute organism typically visible under
travel to and more than 24 h transit through any high-risk
a microscope.
country with widespread community transmission of the
2.1.17.1 Discussion—Microbes include bacteria, fungi, and
pandemic/epidemic, (2) close contact with a confirmed case of
protozoan parasites.
the pandemic/epidemic, or (3) exposure to a healthcare facility
2.1.18 N95 respirator, n—respirator/mask worn on faces
where the pandemic/epidemic case(s) have been reported.
forming a tight seal around the nose and mouth.
2.1.35 vaccine, n—medical injection designed to trigger the
2.1.18.1 Discussion—The N95 respirator/mask filters out at
immune system to help it build immunity to a disease.
least 95 % of particles in the air.
2.1.36 vector, n—living organism that can transmit infec-
2.1.19 outbreak, n—refers to a more limited geographic area
tious pathogens between humans or from animals to humans.
of virus/disease infection within an epidemic.
2.1.37 ventilator, n—machine to help patients breathe when
2.1.20 pandemic, n—epidemic that spreads over several
their lungs are damaged and they cannot get enough oxygen on
countries or continents or both impacting many people.
their own.
2.1.21 pathogen, n—microorganism that causes, or can
3. Summary of Guide
cause, disease.
3.1 This guide includes reference material and terminology
2.1.22 personal protective equipment, PPE, n—specialized
to support the user with information in operating in a pandemic
clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection
environment. This guide covers identification of infection
against infectious materials.
types/characteristics, risk assessments/hazard characteristics
2.1.23 quarantine, n—separating and restricting the move-
and approaches such as bow tie analysis, and control measures/
ments of people who were exposed to a contagious virus/
strategies for mitigations of virus spread, as well as structure
disease in order to prevent spread of the disease.
and elements to include in a pandemic response plan.
2.1.24 sanitation, n—process of keeping drinking water,
foods, or anything else with which people come into contact 4. Significance and Use
free of microorganisms such as viruses.
4.1 This guide is designed to be used both onboard a vessel
2.1.25 self-isolation, n—voluntary agreement that a person
and by the operating entity ashore. It should be recognized that
is remaining at home or in a designated place. this guide provides general information applicable across all
sectors of the maritime industry. Because of the nature of
2.1.26 self-monitoring, v—checking yourself for symptoms
pandemics, it cannot provide detailed information concerning a
of virus or infection.
specific type of pandemic, nor can it provide specific recom-
2.1.27 severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS, n—causes
mendations applicable to all sectors of the maritime industry. It
fever, headache, body aches, a dry cough, hypoxia (oxygen
should be used to provide a starting point and reference as to
deficiency), and usually pneumonia.
the best practices and actions that should be taken to protect the
2.1.28 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,
vessel and its crew and passengers.
SARS-CoV-2, n—virus that causes COVID-19.
5. Risk Assessment/Hazard Characteristic Approach/Bow
2.1.29 shelter-in-place order, n—decree by authorities for
Tie Analysis
people to stay in their homes or assigned places except for
5.1 A hazard analysis is important for evaluating potential
going out for essential needs.
infection spread and impact to operations at all levels from
2.1.30 social distancing, v—physical distancing between
global all the way down to localized spread. Once an infectious
yourself and other people.
outbreak is identified and is spreading from person to person in
2.1.31 spread of disease, n—when a disease/virus begins to
a sustained manner, assessing spread rates, severity,
spread with possible frequency, patterns, and causes associated
transmissibility, and other characteristics is required to evalu-
with it; the following definitions are a few of those epidemio-
ate pandemic severity and potential impacts for the employees
logical terms that you may hear or see reported in the news,
and continuity of operations. A positive case onboard a vessel
especially as they relate to COVID-19.
has a higher risk of creating a spread of infectious disease
2.1.32 super spreader, n—a highly contagious person or because of the nature of the close working and living condi-
tions for significant time periods. These time periods are
persons who can infect an unusually large number of people.
beyond the periods used for close-contact guidance, thereby
2.1.33 surveillance (as in surveillance of an ongoing
increasing risk and likelihood of an outbreak onboard.
pandemic/epidemic), n—closely watching a patient’s condition
but not treating it unless there are changes in symptoms or test 5.2 There are two main factors that can be used to determine
results. the impact of a pandemic. The first is clinical severity or how
F3649/F3649M − 23
serious is the illness associated with infection as reported by the left side of the diagram from happening; think about
medical experts. The second factor is transmissibility or how breaking the flow. For each control put in place, rank them
easily the pandemic virus spreads from person to person. To from high to medium to low in terms of effectiveness. Do the
help ascertain severity and transmissibility, companies will same for the consequences on the right side of the chart,
likely need to use the expert services of mariner medical determining what mitigation steps can be taken to prevent the
providers or specialist agencies, or both. These two factors consequence from occurring.
combined can be used to guide decisions about which actions 5.4.4 Creating a bow tie analysis will provide a complete
should be taken at a given time during the pandemic. analysis of the risk management for any type of hazard and can
be an effective method used to illustrate prevention and
5.3 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
response plans to crew and internal and external customers.
has information on its website (www.cdc.gov) that addresses
Fig. 1 is a representative diagram.
assessing risk factors for severe illness and pandemic condi-
tions. Information is periodically updated as conditions change.
6. Infection Type/Characteristics
Some potential risk factors could include, age, race/ethnicity,
gender, some medical conditions, use of certain medications, 6.1 Bacteria and viruses can both cause mild to serious
poverty and crowding, certain occupations, and pregnancy. infections and they are different from each other. This is
Through a variety of investigations as identified on its website, important to understand because bacterial and viral infections
CDC continues to further identify and refine risk factors for shall be treated differently. Misusing antibiotics to treat viral
severe illness and pandemic environments. infections contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance,
where bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed
5.4 Risk Assessment—There are several risk assessment
to eliminate them.
methodologies that can be used to help identify and document
6.1.1 Bacteria and viruses are too tiny to be seen by the
risk while attempting to minimize or reduce the likelihood or
naked eye, can cause similar symptoms, and are often spread in
severity of risk, or both. One such methodology is a bow tie
the same way, but that is where the similarities end.
analysis. A bow tie analysis is a simple process for identifying
6.1.2 A bacterium is a single, but complex, cell. It can
where new or enhanced controls may be worthwhile. It is a
survive on its own inside or outside the body. Most bacteria are
core part of risk treatment planning, particularly when there is
not harmful. In fact, we have many bacteria on and inside our
a high level of risk or control effectiveness is assessed as low.
body, especially in the gut to help digest food.
5.4.1 A bow tie analysis is read from left to right and there
6.1.3 Viruses are smaller and are not cells. Unlike bacteria,
should be a logical flow. Creating a bow tie analysis starts in
they need a host such as a human or animal to multiply. Viruses
the middle with the hazard and the event that you are trying to
cause infections by entering and multiplying inside the host’s
analyze. On the left side, list all the potential causes or threats
healthy cells.
that would lead to the event happening. List all probable and
possible causes. On the right side, list the consequences that 6.2 Bacterial Versus Viral Infection:
6.2.1 As the names suggest, bacteria cause bacterial
could happen if the event linked to the hazard was to occur.
5.4.2 Review what you have written and determine whether infections, and viruses cause viral infections.
the event linked to the hazard could happen and if the linked 6.2.2 It is important to know whether bacteria or viruses
consequence could happen. If there is a logical flow, then that cause an infection because the treatments differ. Examples of
cause or consequence or both is correct. If it does not flow bacterial infections include whooping cough, strep throat, ear
logically, then that is not a true cause or consequence, or both. infection, and urinary tract infection (UTI). Viral infections
5.4.3 After review for logical flow, begin determining con- include the common cold, influenza, most coughs and
trol measures that can be put in place to prevent that cause on bronchitis, chickenpox, HIV/AIDS, SARS, and COVID-19.
FIG. 1 Bow Tie Diagram
F3649/F3649M − 23
6.2.3 It can be difficult to know what causes an infection 6.4.10.2 Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting not re-
because viral and bacterial infections can cause similar symp- lated to food/diet/exercise.
toms. Your doctor may need a sample of your urine, stool,
6.4.11 Jaundice—Apparent yellowish discoloration on skin.
blood, or a swab from your nose or throat to determine what
6.4.12 Headache.
sort of infection you have.
6.4.13 Neck stiffness/muscle aches.
6.4.14 Confusion or Impaired Consciousness:
6.3 Treatment of Bacterial and Viral Infection:
6.4.14.1 Not fully aware of surroundings.
6.3.1 Bacterial Infection Treatment—Doctors usually treat
6.4.14.2 May appear sleepy or not fully present.
bacterial infections with antibiotics. They either kill bacteria or
stop them multiplying. But since antibiotic resistance is a
7. Control Measures/Strategies for Prevention and
growing problem, antibiotics may be prescribed only for
Mitigation of Disease Spread
serious bacterial infections.
6.3.2 Viral Infection Treatment—The treatment of viral
7.1 It is extremely important to create a two-fold approach
infections can include managing symptoms, such as honey for
to keeping ships’ crews safe from a pandemic, prevention of
sore throats and warm fluids such as chicken soup for oral
the disease from occurring onboard, and mitigation of the
hydration; acetaminophen to reduce fever; stopping viral
disease effects when/if the disease does appear on the ship.
reproduction using antiviral medicines, such as medicines for
7.2 A bowtie diagram of the process of determining the
HIV/AIDS and cold sores; and preventing infection in the first
appropriate prevention and mitigation steps to take is provided
place, such as vaccines for influenza, hepatitis, and COVID-19.
in Fig. 2.
6.4 Although bacterial and viral infections are very
7.3 The following subsections provide guidelines for com-
different, the symptoms can be similar. The following are
panies and shipboard personnel that can be used to prevent and
symptoms for identifying illness/infection that can be charac-
mitigate the spread of a pandemic disease.
teristic of both:
7.3.1 Prevention—Protecting crewmembers from infectious
6.4.1 Fever of at least or over 38 °C [100.4 °F].
diseases is extremely important onboard ships and should
6.4.1.1 Signs of a fever may include being warm to the
involve protecting them from contact with a pandemic disease
touch, muscle aches, headaches, or feeling weak.
through the use of procedures and practices such as:
6.4.1.2 Appearance of glossy eyes, flushed cheeks, or chills
7.3.1.1 Preboarding questionnaires.
are other symptoms of a fever.
7.3.1.2 Temperature-screening protocols.
6.4.2 Skin Rash:
7.3.1.3 Requirements to present negative infection test re-
6.4.2.1 Abnormalities on the Skin—Discoloration, odd
sults before boarding.
texture, location, and skin pattern can all be signs of a skin
7.3.1.4 Social Distancing—Staying 2 m [6 ft] away from
rash.
others as a rule of thumb and maintaining distance from anyone
6.4.3 Conjunctivitis:
who is ill or may have been exposed to infectious diseases.
6.4.3.1 Inflammation of eyes.
6.4.3.2 Symptoms include itchiness, pain, redness, or un- 7.3.1.5 Selection and use of personal protective equipment
(PPE), including respirators, face masks, face shields, and
usual discharge, or combinations thereof.
6.4.4 Coryza—An acute, self-limiting viral inflammation of gloves, as appropriate, including indoors when around other
personnel or personnel from outside the ship.
the mucus membrane of the nose and upper respiratory tract.
6.4.4.1 Coryza causes nasal discharge and congestion, 7.3.1.6 When wearing a mask, ensure that it is covering the
sneezing, a sore throat, and a cough. nose and mouth and is close fitting. Crewmembers should
6.4.5 Congestion in the Nose—Inflammation of mucous cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. If
membranes in the nose causes a runny nose and difficulty wearing a mask, cough or sneeze into the mask and change into
breathing through the nose. a new one when possible. After sneezing or coughing, imme-
diately wash or sanitize hands.
6.4.6 Persistent Cough—Frequent and severe enough to
draw attention from others and interfere with daily activities. 7.3.1.7 Ensure that Crewmembers Wash Their Hands
6.4.7 Sore Throat—Painful when swallowing or a general Frequently—Crewmembers should use warm water and soap
ache in throat. when washing hands, scrubbing for at least 20 s. If crewmem-
6.4.8 Diffıculty Breathing/Shortness of Breath: bers are not near a sink or bathroom, hand sanitizer that
contains at least 60 % alcohol is the next best option.
6.4.8.1 Shallow breathing.
6.4.8.2 Feeling “short of breath” as if they cannot catch their Crewmembers should rub their hands with the hand sanitizer
until their hands are dry.
breath.
6.4.8.3 More effort than usual needed to inhale and exhale. 7.3.1.8 Clean and Disinfect—Clean highly frequently
6.4.8.4 Pale/gray/blue skin, lips, or nails. touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, light
6.4.9 Swollen Glands: switches, phones, keyboards, faucets, toilets, and other sur-
6.4.9.1 Enlargement of lymph nodes. faces daily.
6.4.9.2 May present pain but can typically be felt upon
7.3.1.9 In addition, controls should be put into place in
touch to neck. regard to ensuring that food stores, potable water, consumable
6.4.10 Acute Gastroenteritis:
supplies, and spare parts received from shore are free from
6.4.10.1 Inflammation of the stomach or intestines, or both. contamination to the extent possible.
F3649/F3649M − 23
FIG. 2 Pandemic Bow Tie Assessment Example
7.3.1.10 Preventing Non-crew Personnel From Entering the nizations as soon as possible: vessel management, supporting
Accommodation Spaces—Control measures should be put into medical advisory organization, and national and local health
place to control the embarkation and disembarkation of crew, authorities, such as flag state and destination, as appropriate.
passengers, pilots, shore superintendents, cargo-handling
7.3.2.3 Frequent communications providing status of ill
personnel, other temporary visitors, and so forth.
person(s), conditions onboard, and so forth should be main-
7.3.1.11 Controls should be put into place to ensure that
tained through the course of the infection.
crew and passenger baggage is screened and disinfected, as
7.3.2.4 All contaminated and suspected contaminated
a
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