Tag: crew change

All countries should urgently permit the travel in/out and sign-on/off of seafarers, who must not be forgotten in these extraordinary times, said Dimitris Fafalios, Chairman of INTERCARGO, on the occasion of the approaching International Labour Day.

Following the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the major crew changes issue that has arise, Liberian Registry continues its efforts for seafarers' designation as "key workers". Specifically, Liberia is looking to enlist the help of other flag States under this mission.

Responding to IMO, ICS and ITF calls to facilitate the essential movement of seafarers and marine personnel amid COVID-19 pandemic, China, one of the major seafarer exporting countries, has taken measures to facilitate crew change in a safe manner. 

In a moving personal message to seafarers, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim assures them that IMO understands the unique problems they face during the COVID-19pandemic and has been working tirelessly at all levels to find solutions for them. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the major restrictions that has brought, shipping industry is dealing with crew changes difficulties. Following the situation, the Union for maritime professionals, Nautilus International, urges the governments to act and enhance seafarers' repatriation. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the major restrictions that has brought, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) joined their forces and urge the governments to set immediate measures in order to ease crew change flights for seafarers.

ECSA joined forces with the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) to send a letter to the European Commissioners asking for special measures to ensure those working in the shipping industry will be protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping alliance informed that more than 100.000 seafarers are stranded at sea, due to the shutdowns which prevent them from entering, transiting countries or even finding flights so as to return home.

The European Commission launched recommendations for all vessels concerning transit and disembarking passengers and crew, proposing that Member States should, in coordination among themselves, designate several ports in the Union for fast-track crew changes. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented disruption to global trade operations and subsequent technical implications for the world's crews. In this respect, ISWAN issued seven Frequently Asked Questions providing answers for seafarers.