On April 15, based on a thorough risk assessment and prudent pre-cruise preparation, Marine Operations (XMU) resumed seagoing operations of R/V TKK, being China’s first academic institution returning to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A ship-to-shore cruise emergency drill. Photo: Jiajun Huang
The early season of 2020 witnessed the severe challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the health and safety risks posed by the continued spread of the virus, Marine Operations (XMU) promptly developed “Guidelines on COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control for R/V TKK” to proactively prepare for the resumption of the forthcoming cruise. This guidance was provided as follows:
o Specific preventive guidelines for R/V TKK.
o Establishing an interim panel.
o Supplemental guidance on vessel sanitation and well-stored medical supplies.
A ship-to-shore cruise emergency drill. Photo: Jiajun Huang
A ship-to-shore cruise emergency drill in response to the COVID-19 outbreak was successfully conducted in nearshore Xiamen Bay onboard R/V TKK a day after she set sail to the South China Sea (SCS), cooperated with Donghai No.2 Flying Service of Ministry of Transport and Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University. This drill was one of the important precautionary measures to test whether the emergency plans were operationally feasible and responsive to the issues likely to arise onboard.
Cruise participants took nucleic acid tests prior to the cruise to ensure a coronavirus-free expedition Photo: Jun Tang
Overall, the safety of each cruise participant remains paramount. Thus, incorporated with the cruise practices into epidemic prevention and control, a robust set of strengthened pre-cruise protocols were also carefully executed as follows:
o Developing 14-day Health Declaration Archives.
o Conducting required COVID-19 testing.
o Inviting infection control experts to provide proper training.
It is the first NSFC open research cruise in 2020 that is implemented on R/V TKK in the central SCS, carrying 23 scientists from XMU and South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO) and supporting 13 NSFC-funded projects. Scientists will focus on biogeochemical investigations during this cruise.
Bon Voyage! We sincerely hope that all cruise participants will accomplish the expedition and return safe and sound.
