Reporting illness on board a vessel

A ship's Master, arriving in the London Port Health Authority district must notify the London Port Health Authority (LPHA) of any suspected infectious disease or death on board his vessel other than by an accident.

The Master must report animals or captive birds on board which show signs of infectious disease or have died.

The Master must contact the LPHA team not more than 12 hours before arriving in port (outer port limit) and not less than 4 hours before arrival in port. 

The LPHA operates a 24 hour telephone standby number, 020 7332 1101 to receive notification of infectious diseases from Masters or Commanders of aircraft arriving at London City Airport.

Medical staff are on call to visit a vessel to enable so a diagnosis can be made and to recommend further action to prevent the disease spreading.

The Master and ship's surgeon (where applicable) should complete a Maritime Declaration of Health which should be sent to the nearest LPHA office, or be handed to a visiting LPHA Officer.

A Maritime Declaration of Health must be completed when there is a suspected or confirmed case of infectious disease, or when animals or captive birds show signs of infectious disease or have died. An Aircraft General Declaration must be completed in similar circumstances.