Section 49Sec./Art. 49

Protection of Seafarers from Epidemics, Pandemics, or Other Public Health Emergencies. -

(a) Seafarers shall be covered by adequate insurance for protection from health emergencies and shall have access to prompt and adequate medical care while on board, including medical advice and confidential helplines on physical and mental health by radio or satellite communications, free of charge and available twenty-four (24) hours a day.

(b) Shipowners shall institute measures on health emergency prevention in accordance with flag state health regulations and World Health Organizations (WHO) guidelines, including necessary disinfection, decontamination, deratting, or other measures necessary to prevent the spread of infection or contamination.

(c) Seafarers who exhibit symptoms or contract illness shall be properly isolated and treated pursuant to established guidelines of the flag state and by the WHO.

(d) In ports of call, seafarers in need of medical care shall have access to medical facilities onshore.

(e) Seafarers who have contracted diseases of international concern or which cause global health emergency or are otherwise in isolation, precautionary or otherwise, shall be entitled to paid sick leave or sickness benefits as long as they are incapacitated to work, and the expense for medical care and board and lodging shall be borne by the shipowner.

In appropriate cases, the transit of seafarers joining ships from the Philippines shall be facilitated and exempted from travel-related, health-related, or movement restrictions.