Ghana is to fine vessels calling at its ports with crew members or passengers unvaccinated against Covid-19.
This is according to the latest directive from the Ghana Health Service.
Norwegian protection and indemnity club Gard said its local correspondent, Sheringham P&I Services, has advised that ships will be hit with a penalty of $3,500 if those on board are not fully jabbed.
The directive was initially due to be implemented from 15 January, Gard added.
"However, to allow owners sufficient time to vaccinate their crew, authorities have decided to allow a grace period, and the actual date of implementation is yet to be confirmed," the insurer said.
It is unclear whether the fine applies to each unvaccinated person on board, or is a set amount for the ship.
Gard has asked for clarification via its correspondent.
After a fine has been paid, all unvaccinated personnel will be vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the local health authority.
"The process and technicalities around the vaccination are still unclear," Gard said.
It has also been reported that free pratique — the licence given to a ship to enter a port on the assurance that it is free from contagious diseases — may not be granted until all crew are vaccinated and vessels may face delays as a result.
Any vaccine that is approved by either the World Health Organization or the Ghana Food and Drug Authority (FDA) will be accepted by Ghanaian officials.
"Given that the list of vaccines approved by the WHO and local state’s FDA may vary, having the crew vaccinated with any of the WHO approved vaccines would be beneficial for both owners and charterers as they are likely to have a larger acceptance in different ports worldwide," Gard advised.
The club also said there is a legal question over whether crew members can be compelled to be jabbed.
"We recommend owners whose vessels are planning to call ports in Ghana check to see if the crew on board are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and are carrying vaccination certificates as proof to avoid any delays or other issues upon arrival in Ghanaian ports," Gard added.
"They may also wish to contact their local agents prior calling Ghana to obtain further information on this directive issued by the Ghana Health Service," the club said.
