Up until now, vaccinations have not been offered for foreign-flagged ships calling Brazilian ports. It was therefore a true milestone moment when a medical team boarded Bow Oceanic in Recife last week and secured the jab for everyone on board.
“We have great relations with a medical clinic in Recife, and they helped us with programming and to organize the vaccinations on board,” Quality Manager, DPA & CSO Vinicius Madruga Santos said.
Together with Head of Crewing at Flumar, Yasmin Goncalves, he put his diplomatic talents to the task, and got the authorities convinced of the benefits of providing vaccines to visiting seafarers.
By February 2022, almost 100% of Odfjell’s seafarers have been vaccinated. “From a safety and health perspective, it has been a priority for us to ensure that our seafarers are offered the opportunity to become vaccinated,” COO Harald Fotland said. “We are very grateful for the health, port and local authorities who have contributed to making this happen in various ports.”
The pioneer ship visit in Brazil happened after a thorough process involving approvals from several different authorities; the Health Department, the Municipality of Ipojuca, the security sector of the Port of Suape, the National Immunization Program (PNI) and the Brazilian Sanitary National Agency (ANVISA).
The first vaccination on board at Suape was a success, and discussions are now progressing well to give other vessels the same opportunity in the coming months.
“We greatly appreciate the cooperation from all parties, and especially the services from doctor Kate Gomes from the National Immunization Program and nurse Ana Carolina Wanderlei from AG Médicos Associados,” said Yasmin. It is very reassuring to know that our colleagues at sea have the extra protection that the vaccines offer.”
