In a recently published article on Linkedin, Wallem’s CEO Frank Coles poses important questions on how the industry should manage the crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic, urging all stakeholders for consistency and transparency to mitigate negative impacts.
Namely, Mr Coles noted that while we all rightfully deliver our angst about the crew changes, we need ‘consistent transparency’ on several emerging issues. In this context, he asks from Classes, Flag Administrations and PSC Authorities not only to issue guidelines but also to dare to address more specifically all implications and effects of the COVID situation from the next three and even the next nine months!
For example, in case a ship is detained for crew over their allotted contract time, it is important to know if it is being over by one ore more months. Also, if all states will apply the same rules. These are important issues for clarification. In essence, there is need for global leadership on this point; Mr Coles emphasized that circulars are not enough.
Extensions of certificates is already becoming an issue, however, Mr Coles questions what we may expect if the current port and docks situation remains. At the moment, video extensions are being granted or many many are issuing a hold some matters, however we need to look beyond, he comments.
Additionally, Mr Coles wanders what actions are taken from charter police, Right Ship and the oil major audit and vetting stakeholders.
”We have an industry in a state of flu in terms of what is an acceptable ship. We know it is a crisis, but it needs some guidance on how these quality and safety issues are going to be addressed or treated” , he stated
Finally, Mr Coles attempts to forecast the situation after two months from now, noting that ”in June, if we are still having no surveyors, audits and dry docks delayed and crews unchanged we will be in uncharted territory”. And it will be late to act at that time.
In that respect, Mr Coles urges stakeholders to be proactive since owners and managers need a ‘transparent understanding’ of the future.
”Charters and regulators cannot be left to exercise their discretion on how they treat the owner in this situation or the lawyers will have a field day” Mr. Coles said.
Concluding, Mr Coles notes that industry needs a break in terms of enforcement and violation reporting until it settles down again. The only thing for sure is that ”we cannot go back to normal from day one; this will be the only way for some element of stability in the world fleet.”
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
