ILO published a statement on COVID- 19 and maritime labour issues, noting that seafarers must be given access to medical care and not denied shore leave.
Specifically, ILO reiterated its deep concern regarding the challenges and the impact that restrictions and other measures adopted by governments around the world to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic are having on the protection of seafarers’ rights.
However, it acknowledged that, following the publication of its general observation on 10 December 2020, immediate action was taken at the international, regional and national level, as a response to its call to restore the protection of seafarers’ rights.
The Committee is deeply concerned that violations of the Convention may further increase due to new restrictions adopted by governments to contain the variants of COVID-19
said ILO, noting also cases of denial of access to medical care ashore for seafarers, even in situations of the utmost urgency, as well as cases of consistent refusal to allow sick seafarers to disembark or to allow for the bodies of deceased seafarers to be removed from the vessels and for their repatriation.
Moreover, the Committee expressed its regret that a number of ratifying countries, “continue to invoke force majeure as an overall reason to deny the right to shore leave and extend the duration of periods of service on board, beyond the agreed date and, in some cases, beyond the default maximum period of 11 months.”
These types of occurrences endanger not only the health and safety of the seafarers concerned but also the safety of navigation
In the same context, some labour-supplying countries have continued to refuse to accept the return of their national seafarers. As a result, these seafarers have been stranded without earnings, and with great uncertainty as to their return to their home country.
Additionally, ILO urges all ILO Member States to designate and treat seafarers as key workers, as well as to facilitate crew changes, provide access to medical care ashore when needed, and prioritize seafarers for vaccination.
Finally, ILO will continue to examine issues raised regarding compliance with the MLC, 2006, during the pandemic and requests governments to provide information in their next reports on any temporary measures adopted in this regard, their duration and their impact on seafarers’ rights.
The Committee further encourages social partners to continue submitting observations on the implementation of the Convention