UN Scribe Tasks Maritime Nations To Urgently Implement Protocols, Allowing Stranded Seafarers Repatriate

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concerns over the growing humanitarian and safety crisis facing seafarers around the world.

The Secretary-General called on all governments to urgently implement these protocols, allowing stranded seafarers to repatriate and others to join ships.

The Scribe called on all countries to formally designate seafarers and other marine personnel as “key workers” and ensure crew changeovers can safely take place.

“As a result of COVID-related travel restrictions, hundreds of thousands of the world’s two million seafarers have been stranded at sea for months.

“Unable to get off ships, the maximum sea time stipulated in international conventions is being ignored, with some seafarers marooned at sea for 15 months.

“Shipping transports more than 80% of world trade, including vital medical supplies, food, and other basic goods that are critical for the COVID-19 response and recovery.

“This ongoing crisis will have direct consequences on the shipping industry. The world could not function without the efforts of seafarers yet their contributions go largely unheralded; they deserve far greater support at any time but especially now.

United Nations agencies, including the International Labour Organisation and the International Maritime Organization, have worked with the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers Federation to develop protocols for crew changeovers, taking full account of public health concerns.