The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) collaborated with the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) to help those whose shipboard employment has been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions.
Specifically, more Singaporeans seafarers without shipboard employment will be assisted by the MaritimeSG Together Package, as they have been facng difficulties due to the pandemic and the crew change restrictions.
The Seafarers’ Relief Program (SRP) provides support of $800 per month to eligible Singaporean seafarers who are unable to secure shipboard employment between 1 May 2020 and 31 July 2020.
In addition, the SRP is part of the MPA’s MaritimeSG Together Package to provide further financial support to the maritime industry in the wake of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
Mr Kam Soon Huat, SOS’ President commented that
Seafarers are in a vulnerable position in this COVID-19 pandemic. Their livelihoods are adversely affected by border control measures and crew change restrictions. As a union that represents seamen, we understand the hardship that they face.
While Ms Quah Ley Hoon, MPA’s Chief Executive welcomed SOS that joined their efforts on helping “those Singaporean seafarers who do not have shipboard employment through the SRP.”
