Celebrating the World Maritime Day, New Zealand says that focussing on seafarers is even more important given the current global context.
According to the Director of Maritime New Zealand Kirstie Hewlett, the focus on seafarers comes as the COVID-19 pandemic has placed extraordinary demands on seafarers.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the life of a seafarer has changed significantly. It is estimated that worldwide there are up to 400,000 seafarers at sea, including some who have spent up to 20 months on board without a break or the ability to take regular shore leave at ports around the world. Many are finding it difficult to get home from overseas ports
Internationally New Zealand has responsibilities under the Maritime Labour Convention to ensure the safety and wellbeing of crew, both on-board foreign-flagged ships in New Zealand waters, and on New Zealand ships.
Part of how we carry out this role is MNZ inspections of vessels to ensure they comply with the Maritime Labour Convention, in particular, that seafarers are being paid what they are due, and are having safety and employment standards met
said Ms. Hewlett.
New Zealand also remains one of a handful of countries which allows shore leave and for shipping lines to swap crews, which allows people to go home and fresh crew to come in.
These activities are extremely tightly controlled under the requirements of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act.
New Zealand also allows ships with sick crew on board to get vital medical treatment and shelter in port until they’re in a safe position to continue to their next port.
Furthermore, the Seafarers Welfare Board provides shopping services for crew, enables access to religious services and provides services like Wi-Fi units so crew can remain in contact with relatives back home. T
Given gaps in funding, and the current COVID context, the Government has provided funding to Maritime NZ to work with the Seafarers Welfare Board to provide them with additional capability and capacity to be able to provide more services to seafarers sustainably over time
Now, Maritime NZ celebrates World Maritime Day focusing attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, the marine environment, and other noteworthy aspects of the IMO’s work.
So on World Maritime Day, I would like to acknowledge the vital role our seafarers play and how they, and the IMO, contribute to the effective operation of the maritime sector
concluded Ms. Hewlett.
