In a digital meeting, ECSA and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) called on EU Ministers for Health, to assist in the implementation of the IMO protocols to ensure safe ship crew changes in the EU Member States’ ports without further delay.
In the video conference of the Ministers of Health the European social partners for maritime transport, ECSA and the ETF, drew the attention of the EU Health Ministers to the importance of ensuring that seafarers are able to join and leave their ships with as few impediments as possible, in order to keep essential supplies moving and ensure the health, safety and welfare of seafarers.
They also noted the important role of national health services in seafarers’ lives.
The two partners reiterated their call on all EU Member States to implement the IMO protocols and guidelines for crew changes without delay in order to ensure crew changes, medical care and shore leave for seafarers happen in their ports.
Martin Dorsman, ECSA Secretary General commented
Health Ministers undoubtedly play a central role, alongside Transport and Interior Ministers, in national efforts to implement the IMO protocols in Member States. We strongly urge EU Health Ministers to co-operate with other government departments in their Member States and throughout the Union.
Recently, ETF and ECSA urged the European Commission and the EU Member States to reopen Schengen consulates abroad in charge of visa issuance to seafarers.