In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the major restrictions that has brought, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) joined their forces and urge the governments to set immediate measures in order to ease crew change flights for seafarers.
With seafarers stuck onboard, being unable to be replaced following long tours of duty or return home due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions, ICS and IATA ask the governments to take actions and support crew changes.
Seafarers are unsung heroes who everyday throughout this COVID-19 crisis are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that countries are kept supplied with the goods they need. We are working with the airlines to come forward with solutions. We now need governments to support our seafarers and facilitate safe passage for them to get home to loved ones and be replaced by crew members ready to keep supply chains open.
…ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten commented.
Specifically, both sides are calling on all governments to designate a specific and limited number of crew change airports for the safe movement and repatriation of crew. This would achieve critical mass for the resumption of crew change flights to these airports, keeping global supply chains open.
Airlines have been required to cut passenger services in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. But if governments identify airports that seafarers can use for crew changes and make appropriate adjustments to current health and immigration protocols, airlines can help keep global logistics moving.
….Alexandre de Juniac, IATA Director General and CEO added.
As aviation and shipping industry are dealing with common difficulties in carrying out crew changes, IATA and ICS are working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the IMO on recommendations to governments for standardized procedures and protocols for positioning crews whilst preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
Shipping companies and airlines are cooperating to meet this priority by ensuring that reliable operations continue throughout the pandemic. However, these networks will grind to a halt if replacement crews are unavailable for duty. Governments must take urgent action now to avoid further damage to the battered global economy.
…ICS concluded.
Among others, Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Synergy Group, INTERCARGO urge the authorities to permit crew changes despite COVID-19 restrictions.
