Agencies renew calls to protect seafarers in pandemic

The International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on February 28 issued a joint statement asking stakeholders to take action to support the world’s 1.9 million seafarers from being unduly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions.

“The full impact of the Omicron variant and related response measures on crew changes is not yet clear and further VOCs may yet emerge,” the statement says.

The agencies have listed 10 specific actions it would like to see taken so the effects of such global crises on seafarers can be minimised:

1. Ensure access to medical care or evacuation

2. Grant ‘key worker’ designation to seafarers

3. Prioritise vaccination

4. Provide access to tests and PPE

5. Ensure protocols are agreed internationally

6. Adopt the latest legal instruments

7. Implement WHO guidance for Covid-19 management on cargo ships and fishing vessels

8. Provide public certificates of proof of health if required

9. Regularly update relevant guidance and mechanisms as scientific insight develops

10. Limit disruption to supply chains and jump on emerging viruses of concern.

“Recognizing the critical role of the maritime sector in keeping trade flowing during the global fight against Covid-19, the four organisations- have throughout been highlighting the pandemic’s impact on shipping and global sustainable trade and development, and once again urge all stakeholders to ensure the continued safe operation of shipping and to keep ships moving, ports open and cross-border trade flowing,” a joint statement said.