Since the start of the pandemic, crew wellness has topped the industry agenda with international shipping bodies, unions and associations vowing for a fairer treatment of seafarers. What actions has the industry taken to resolve this humanitarian crisis? Was it enough?
Taiwan’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued and implemented “Urgent medical treatment operation procedure for transit crews working on vessels sailing in international waters or ports between Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, Xiamen and Fuzhou during COVID-19 pandemic.”
The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Committee of Experts sent a strong message to governments that they have failed in their duty of care towards seafarers under international law during the COVID-19 pandemic.
IMEC published Circular (20)123, explaining the differences between the ILO minimum basic wage for an AB Seaman and wages. However, the ITF Fair Practices Committee Steering Group (FPC SG), is disappointed that IMEC released the circular without prior consultation with the ITF.
Amid the ongoing crew change crisis, the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted a resolution to address the dire situation of seafarers stranded at sea.
The International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) has published Circular (20)123, which explains the differences between the ILO minimum basic wage for an AB Seaman and wages set by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).
Following the still unresolved crew change crisis, major shipping and labour stakeholders jointly issued a statement urging all United Nations Member States to take action and find a solution.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), ILO and FAO issued a publication which provide guidances to policy and decision-makers and other stakeholders in the fisheries, maritime, and labour sectors with a view to promote ratification and implementation of the fisheries instruments.
ILO has issued a revised version of its information note on maritime labour issues and COVID-19 note including a joint statement of the Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention.
On the occasion of UK’s Seafarers Awareness Week, maritime charity Seafarers UK noted a lack of reliable source of information about suicides at sea. In this regard, the charity urged the ILO to consider steps in line with MLC, to ensure that all seafarer suicides are accurately identified.
