General objectives

The overall aim of the project is to cover the gaps on a common European strategy and training network on ship sanitation inspections, outbreak investigations, surveillance and control of communicable diseases on board cruise ships and ferries. Moreover, the project intend to facilitate the practical implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) in order to enhance the common EU policy on the prevention of communicable disease related to cruise ships and ferries.

The general objectives of the project are:
1. To promote and establish the integrated European ship sanitation strategy, based on the results and needs identified during the SHIPSAN project and on the requirements of the IHR (2005).
2. To strengthen existing public health structures aiming to safeguard the public health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases among passengers and crew members on cruise ships and ferries.
3. To develop a European training network regarding ship sanitation and control of communicable diseases on board cruise ships and ferries.
4. To produce an integrated training programme among EU Member States regarding ship sanitation, outbreak management, surveillance and control of communicable diseases related to cruise ships and ferries.
5. To provide training on the implementation of the IHR (2005) on issues related to cruise ships and ferries.
 

Specific objectives

The specific objectives of the project are:
1. To summarize the EU and international training networks and ship sanitation training experience.
2. To develop a programme and manual for the prevention and control of communicable diseases and sanitation inspections. The manual will be based on the outline which will be produced by the SHIPSAN project (SHIPSAN Deliverable No 18, Specific objective 2.2.4).
3. To establish and expand the human network formulated by the SHIPSAN project.
4. To deliver a short “train the trainers” course in order to enhance the trainers’ expertise and evaluate the training material.
5. To develop training material for the seafarers and port health professionals.
6. To organise and pilot test training modules for seafarers and port health professionals.
7. To put into effect a pilot network for communication among port health authorities and support and facilitate the existing EWRS and IHR.
8. To develop standardized guidelines for the issuance of the ship sanitation certificates based on the technical advice given by WHO, mainly focused on the prevention of the international spread of diseases.
9. To design a trial version database for recording ship inspection results for issuing SSCEC/SSCC under IHR in the EU.