Amid the significant impacts of the pandemic on US Marine Transportation System, the US Coast Guard issued guidance for US mariners, who may be experiencing crew change issues abroad and for foreign mariners who may be experiencing crew change issues while in the US.
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The USCG Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance issued the guidance on the MSIB 04-21 “COVID-19 Crew Change Issues”, noting how travel restrictions around the world have created a humanitarian crisis, which has left thousands of seafarers stranded onboard ships beyond contract limits.
In this respect, on January 25, the US joined 53 other IMO member states in Circular Letter No.4204/Add.35/Rev.3 in pledging to facilitate crew changes and achieve key worker designation for seafarers.
US Mariners Abroad
US mariners who are attempting to conduct a crew change abroad should first consult the host nation’s COVID-19 guidelines for travel to determine what intermediary steps are required in order to depart from or arrive to the country.
If all steps have been completed or otherwise satisfied, but a US mariner is still unable to depart or arrive for a crew change, an email may be sent to the USCG at [email protected].
US mariner crew change concerns will require coordination with the Department of State. The Department of State provides country specific information on US Embassy COVID pages for updates on the impact of COVID-19 worldwide here.
Mariners in the US
The US supports the IMO initiative to facilitate crew change and shore access for foreign mariners. The IMO has established a number of support mechanisms including Frequently Asked Questions regarding repatriation as well as a Seafarer Crisis Action Team. These resources outline actions the mariner, companies and nations can take to support crew changes.
If a foreign mariner has expended all resources available through the IMO, the USCG may be contacted at [email protected].
It should be noted that all foreign mariner requests for repatriation will require US Customs and Border Protection approval.
