The UK Chamber of Shipping and CLIA have developed a comprehensive Covid-19 framework for cruise ship operators and passengers to assist with the safe return of cruising.

The document, which has been shared with the UK government, was produced in collaboration with operators, industry partners and health experts, including the World Health Organisation, International Maritime Organisation, European Maritime Safety Association, the European Centre for Disease Control, and EU Healthy Gateways.

There are sections dedicated to operators, passengers, and seafarers, each containing specific advice and recommendations.

It is intended to “help inform the restart of the cruise industry when the time is right and public health conditions allow”, according to a statement, and “will help cruise companies build protocols tailored to their ships and itineraries”.

It details advice for what measures should be implemented on board for the safety of crew and passengers, and also how cruise lines should communicate with passengers from the time of booking, traveling from their home, to a port, embarkation and throughout the voyage.

The passenger guidance provides advice on necessary considerations to be aware of before booking and information on what to expect, including measures they will need to adhere to throughout the cruise.

UK Chamber of Shipping chief executive Bob Sanguinetti said: “The cruise sector is a vital part of the UK economy. This new UK Chamber of Shipping framework gives the government, passengers, crew and operators the confidence that the very latest science and medical advice has been included in the industry’s planning process.

“A huge amount of time and effort has gone into this work and the new documents, which are fully supported by the sector, is a testament to the commitment of all concerned to protect the health and well-being of cruisers, seafarers and the public.

“We are not talking about restarting the sector tomorrow, but it is a vital first step in the process to get cruises sailing again when conditions allow and government guidance changes.”

CLIA UK and Ireland director Andy Harmer said: “This is the culmination of extensive dialogue and collaboration by representatives from across the maritime sector working together with government and national health authorities.

“The rigour and detailed planning that has gone into these framework documents demonstrates the commitment of the cruise industry to caring for public health and upholding a robust and uniform set of safety measures.

“This is an industry that supports more than 88,000 jobs and generates £10 billion to the economy each year and the industry is taking the necessary steps to be ready to restart in the UK when the time is right.”

Maritime minister Robert Courts welcomed the launch of the new guidance, and said: “Our cruise industry has been hit hard by Covid-19 and the government has worked alongside the sector to prepare for a safe and successful restart.

“This industry framework puts passengers and workers at its heart and is an important step forward to allow cruises to prepare to set sail when safe to do so.”

A full breakdown of the framework can be found on the UK Chamber of Shipping website.