The master has to complete and sign a Maritime Declaration of Health.
The standard international form has to be used.

Particulars that have to be reported (as per standard form):

• Ship Sanitation Exemption / Control Certificate expiry date;
• The number of passengers and crew

Besides that the following questions need to be answered:

• Has any person died on board during the voyage otherwise than as a result of accident?
• Is there on board or has there been during the international voyage any case of disease which you suspect to be of an infectious nature?
• Has the total number of ill passengers during the voyage been greater than normal/expected?
• Is there any ill person on board now?
• Was a medical practitioner consulted?
• Are you aware of any condition on board which may lead to infection or spread of disease?
• Has any sanitary measure (e.g. quarantine, isolation, disinfection or decontamination) been applied on board?
• Have any stowaways been found on board?
• Is there a sick animal or pet on board?

In case one of these questions has been answered by “yes” the master needs to inform the pilot, the ship agent and the Harbour Coordination Centre. The Maritime Declaration of Health should be contacted by email to hcc@portofrotterdam.com or by fax to number +31 10 252 14 00.

The person responsible for medical care on board should be available to answer any questions. 

In all cases keep the Maritime Declaration of Health form stand-by.

In case of an epidemic threat the master can be requested to report the health situation on board to Vessel Trafic Operations or VTS centre Hook of Holland.