The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has cost the lives of more than 521.000, while confirmed cases exceed 10.800.000. Although coronavirus started in China in early 2020, now it has spread over Europe where Italy and the UK have the most deaths. Also, Brazil, Canada, France and Spain top the list with the countries affected significantly.
In their third video of their series “Protection on Board”, Steamship Mutual focuses on the risks arising when a vessel calls a port, and also addresses the measures taken to mitigate the risk of seafarers contacting the virus.
The Maine Centre of Disease Control reported that three union workers at Bath Iron have been positively tested for COVID-19. Accordingly, the Maine -based shipbuilder confirmed the news on Monday.
Following the COVID-19 outbreak onboard the Minerva Oceania tanker, Belgium’s Agency for Maritime Services and Coast (MDK) is investigating the causes.
IMO remains very concerned about the many countries where restrictions are still in place for seafarers. For this reason, it published a FAQ on crew changes and repatriation of seafarers.
ECSA published a video showcasing maritime workers from across the industry from across Europe, who explain their lives in the past few months in keeping the supply chains running and why every shipment counts.
In a digital meeting, ECSA and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) called on EU Ministers for Health, to assist in the implementation of the IMO protocols to ensure safe ship crew changes in the EU Member States’ ports without further delay.
A recent survey conducted by global maritime charity Stella Maris showed that such financial worries have had a profound impact on seafarers, with 69% saying that Covid-19 has impacted them financially “a lot” or “very much”.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to crew change restrictions and challenges for the seafarers, resulting to immense stress. Thus, Christopher L. Hall – Managing Director (Hong Kong), SCB Management Consulting Services, Ltd. and Business Development Director (Asia) – offers five things that the industry can do now to help seafarers cope with feelings of anxiety and/or depression.
The type of work conducted on board and the many confined spaces may lead to head injuries, among other hazards. In fact, head injuries is one of the common injuries for crew members while on duty due to failure to use safety equipment (helmets); inappropriate or damaged PPE; slip and fall accidents; accidents involving cranes and cargo; and improperly stored equipment.
