Maldives became the latest country that designated seafarers as keyworkers. The list of countries designating seafarers as key workers now stands at 63 IMO Member States and two Associate Members.
During 2021 the IMO MSC 104 approved a draft IMO Assembly resolution consolidating issues related to crew change.
The draft Assembly resolution on comprehensive action to address seafarers’ challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic urges Member States to:
- Designate seafarers as ʺkey workersʺ in order to facilitate shore leave and safe and unhindered movement across borders, and recognize their relevant documentation for this purpose;
- Consider the implementation of the Industry recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
- Prioritize vaccination of seafarers, as far as practicable, in their national COVID-19 vaccination programmes;
- Consider exempting seafarers from any national policy requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for entry, taking into account that seafarers should be designated as ʺkey workersʺ and that they travel across borders frequently;
- Provide seafarers with immediate access to medical care and facilitate medical evacuation of seafarers in need of urgent medical attention when the required medical care cannot be provided either on board or in the port of call.
What is more, in a circular letter (4204/add.35) issued on 14 December 2020, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim called on Member States that have not yet done so to take action as a matter of urgency.
Amid this unprecedented crisis, key worker designation for seafarers is essential to exempt them from specific COVID-related travel restrictions, allowing them to travel between their country of residence and ships, and to be repatriated at the end of their contracts. It could even play a key role in granting them priority access to safe vaccination.
The plight of stranded seafarers is highlighted in an IMO video featuring seafarers who describe the challenges they have faced due to the pandemic, and the impacts of the ongoing crew change crisis on their physical and mental health.
Resolutions urging Governments to designate seafarers as key workers have been adopted by IMO, the United Nations General Assembly and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
FIND THE COUNTRIES THAT HAVE DESIGNATED SEAFARERS AS KEY WORKERS
