Worrying times for maritime front-liners in midst of Covid-19

They take stringent measures as they continue to work with ship crew from various countries

Lashing specialist Saravanan Chandrasenan said the coronavirus outbreak was initially "quite shocking" for his team, but they relied on protocol developed over the years through dealing with past crises. Marine surveyor Fanny Ng boards vessels to che
Mr Jimmy Koh, chief harbour pilot of PSA Marine, is part of Singapore's community of frontline maritime personnel.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Lashing specialist Saravanan Chandrasenan said the coronavirus outbreak was initially "quite shocking" for his team, but they relied on protocol developed over the years through dealing with past crises. Marine surveyor Fanny Ng boards vessels to che
For marine surveyor Fanny Ng, sticking to her responsibilities during the pandemic has meant sacrificing time with her loved ones. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
Lashing specialist Saravanan Chandrasenan said the coronavirus outbreak was initially "quite shocking" for his team, but they relied on protocol developed over the years through dealing with past crises. Marine surveyor Fanny Ng boards vessels to che
Lashing specialist Saravanan Chandrasenan said some of his family and friends were "surprised" when he told them he was still working in the pandemic.ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO
  • Published
    Jan 24, 2021, 5:00 am SGT
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Every time harbour pilot Jimmy Koh boards an incoming vessel to help guide it through Singapore's port waters, he is overcome by a nagging worry that he might catch Covid-19 from its foreign crew.

"Due to the nature of our job, we are required to board all vessels arriving in Singapore. Hence, we are a little worried as we are facing an invisible enemy," he said.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 24, 2021, with the headline 'Worrying times for maritime front-liners in midst of Covid-19'. Subscribe
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