Tag: seafarer’s rights

The Indian variant has become dominant in some parts of the UK, with a 160% increase of cases over the week. In an effort to fight the Indian variant of COVID-19, UK seafarers travelling to France will face new travel restrictions.

MASSA has initiated a massive nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive in order to inoculate Indian seafarers free of cost in the months to come.

Vaccination has been at the forefront of discussions across shipping as a major factor linked to the unprecedented crew change crisis, as vaccinated seafarers could have fewer travel restrictions making crew changeovers easier.

The second Neptune Declaration Crew Change Indicator was published on 1st June, revealing that the number of seafarers onboard vessels beyond the expiry of their contract of employment has risen to 7.4% from 5.8% in May, representing a 24.1% relative increase. 

Iraq ratified Convention No. 185, including provisions for the issuance of seafarers' identity documents as well as facilitation of shore leave and transit and transfer of seafarers, ILO informed. 

The Seafarers International Relief Fund (SIRF) has collected $530,000 in pledges so far, and has issued grants of almost $400,000 to help those worst affected.

It is known that over than 90% of world trade is carried by ship, while approximately 1.7 million seafarers work to facilitate the way we live, making sure we get everything we need in our daily lives.

Philippines Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) released guidance focusing on the vaccination opportunities for Filipino seafarers.

Seafarers’ unions urged governments, particularly those with maritime responsibilities, to endorse universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, in an effort to prevent the crew change crisis from spiraling out of control for a third time.

A recent joint letter from Nautilus and UK Chamber of Shipping urges UK government to support ILO resolutions on seafarer vaccination.