Tag: crew change

MPA, SSA and SMOU Singapore, in cooperation with the International Maritime Employers’ Council Ltd (IMEC) and The World Shipping Council (WSC) have formed the Singapore Crew Change Working Group (SGCCWG) to facilitate crew changes in Singapore.

Eight ship managers joined forces with crewing firms to run a charterflight from Mumbai to Doha and back, as well as Delhi to Doha and back, to fly Indian crew looking to join ships abroad and to bring back those who had signed off after spending extended contract tenures at sea.

Following the COVID-19 crisis and the crew change matter that has presented within the shipping community, Maritime New Zealand designated seafarer welfare representatives as "essential workers".

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) issued a joint statement advising that from the middle of June 2020 about 150,000 seafarers a month will require international flights to ensure crew changeovers can take place.

After the increased demand for crew change arrangements, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore announced it's loosening its restriction on mariner movements through the seaport. 

In light of the coronavirus outbreak and the crew change issue that has arise, TUI Group started repatriation processes for its seafarers onboard Mein Schiff 3.

Imposed restrictions as a result of COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed crew mobility, leaving thousands of seafarers quarantined onboard ships. BIMCO has shared a list of countries where crew change is allowed and a list of countries where it is not allowed as of 20 May 2020. 

Amid the COVID-19 crisis and the crew change issue that has arise, ICS, ITUC and ITF joined their forces and wrote a letter to the UN Secretary General in order to facilitate seafarers' transportation.

Key industry organizations shared their insights into the implications of COVID-19 for seafarers so far, highlighting that during these challenging times, shipping took immediate action to resolve all issues while notably all stakeholders put aside any differences and worked together towards a common goal. However, support from all governments is now vital to move forward.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis and the crew change matter that has arise, the International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA) urges governments to allow seafarers' transportation during the outbreak.