Covid-19 and vessels

Date updated: 21/07/2023

Maritime Declaration of Health

The UK Government and the Association of Port Health Authorities have issued guidance that it is no longer a routine requirement for vessels (other than cruise ships), arriving in the Port of London District from outside UK waters, to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH).

For cruise ships, a completed MDH should be emailed 12-24 hours prior to arrival to the Port Health Team. Should other vessels have suspected infectious disease or death on board, an MDH is still required - more information regarding this can be found on our reporting illness on board a vessel page.

London Port Health Authority Maritime Declaration of Health PDF (50KB)

Date submitted: 25/04/22

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate renewal

The LPHA's position is to offer a 30-day extension wherever possible, but this can only be done if the current Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) has not expired. The WHO has issued a joint statement which allows for extensions to be given on one or more occasions as necessary.

We cannot extend SSCEC's that have expired and no extension will be given to an existing extension. If an extension is requested we will ask the agent forward the following documents by email to the Port Health Team.

Maritime Declaration of Health
Ports of call list
Most recent water testing certificates of analysis
Copy of most recent ship sanitation certificate
Ships particulars
Crew list
Medical log
Pest control log
Cooks food hygiene cert
Outbreak control plan

We will not extend the current SSCEC if we deem there to be something specifically wrong on the vessel. If the agent or the LPHA decides there may be a valid reason requiring us to board the vessel we will first consult our Port Health Management Team before making a decision.