International Shipsuppliers and Services Association (ISSA) expressed its concerns about seafarers difficult state, as they may be unable to receive essential medical supplies and provisions as the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic takes hold around the world.
Specifically, the Association stated that without supplies and provisions vessels need, they may continue their voyage without vital supplies, due to the restrictions imposed by many ports. This means that there is a possibility that seafarers will be left without vital medicines and provisions as well as important spare parts.
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Moreover, ISSA has received reports by members that in some cases they are being prevented from boarding certain ships and stopped from supplying essential masks, overalls and PPE safety equipment.
As a result, ISSA supports the global measures issued to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and added that the industry should collaborate to protect those working ashore, as well as at sea.
Saeed Al Malik, President of ISSA commented that the Association has already issued guidance to its members on being safe when delivering supplies to vessels at port, but he acknowledged that the task facing suppliers was getting tougher because of the restrictions ports were placing on ships visiting their terminals.
Ships need supplying and while it is important that our members adhere to the health advice and terms and conditions of the ports they are servicing, ship owners and port and terminal operators need to work closely with our sector to ensure their ships and crew are looked after effectively
… Al Malik concluded.
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