Representatives of the territory's seafarers' unions will stage a demonstration outside government offices tomorrow in support of the world's seafarers.
As the plight of seafarers unable to off-board their vessels grows everyday more critical, so their local representatives are upping the pressure on the Hong Kong Government to come up with a solution.
Local representative of the Hong Kong International Transport Federation's campaign office, Jason Lam, speaking on behalf of the Merchant Navy Officers Guild (Hong Kong), The Amalgamated Union of Seafarers (Hong Kong) and the ITF said:
“The unions had tried to discuss with the government on the issue and yet to receive any positive response. To push the issue forward, the MNOG-HK, AUSHK and ITF HK (FOC) Campaign Office will launch the demonstration to the Central Government Offices.”
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, many thousands of seafarers are having to extend their service on board ships after many months at sea, unable to be replaced after long tours of duty or be repatriated via aircraft to their home countries as many countries lifted the restrictive measures rejecting crew changes to take place on vessels.
Describing the current unsatisfactory position in Hong Kong, MR Lam said:
“According to the current border and transit policy, crew change is only applicable to those goods vessels involved in cargo operation only, crew change for other vessels are currently not permitted. The current situation is unsustainable for the safety and wellbeing of ships' crew and the safe operation of maritime trade, and is also damaging Hong Kong's reputation as a leading sea port and international logistic hub.”
The latest development follows a meeting between the Government and representatives of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association nearly two weeks ago which covered the same issues and offered possible solutions in line with the recommendations made in the IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.14 – Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The demands being made by the unions to allow crew change in Hong Kong coincides with today's news issued by the Government that the 14-day quarantine rule in Hong Kong will be relaxed for 480 of the largest companies listed in Hong Kong.
The planned demonstration is due to take place at 11:00am Tuesday at the East Wing Forecourt of the Central Government Offices.
Source:
hongkongmaritimehub
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