Figures released by the territory's Immigration Department to Hong Kong Maritime Hub show a steep climb in the number of seafarers repatriating to their home countries, or joining ships through Hong Kong, following the introduction of a new regime governing seafarers’ transit issued on 8 June.
The number of crew joining their ship in Hong Kong between 1 February 2020 to 21 June 2020 was 3724. Of that figure, 1382 crew were able to join their ship(s) between 8 June to 21 June, reflecting a sharp increase compared to the period before the new rules came into existence.
As from 8 June outgoing crew members on ocean-going vessels who have completed their service on board are not subject to 14 days quarantine.
The number of crew signing off for repatriation from Hong Kong from 1 February to 21 June 2020 was 5160. Of that number 1326 crew signed off between 8 June and 21 June 2020, again reflecting a proportionate increase.
Kishore Rajvanshy, managing director of Fleet Management, one of Hong Kong’s largest ship managers said: The Government has so far been very supportive in allowing crew changes in Hong Kong.”
However, Mr Rajvanshy expressed the hope that the Government will consult and coordinate with countries that are the major source of crew to ensure that full repatriation can be completed.
“Presently Fleet Management is facing two major issues with crew changes.
“We mainly source crew from India, the Philippines, and China. In the case of India and the Philippines – we don’t have enough direct flights between Hong Kong and these countries. We hope that the concerned Governments can arrive at a solution to this.
“Secondly, concerning the Chinese crew; while we have concluded a few successful crew changes in Hong Kong, we are unable to fly crew in-transit through Hong Kong airport via connecting flights. We hope that this restriction can be relaxed in time. We can then have more seafarers travelling to and from ships.”
It is estimated that 30% of all seafarers on cargo ships are still serving on ships even after completing their Seafarer Employment Agreement, and at least 5% of all seafarers have been on board for over 12 months in breach of the Maritime Labour Convention. Many of them have now spent 15-16 months on board.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation’s inspector for Hong Kong, Jason Lam, commented:
“We have noted the significant increase in the number of both sign in and sign off crew members after the Hong Kong Government announced the relaxed restrictions on 8 June. We believe more and more seafarers will choose Hong Kong when they sign on or off their ships.
“We have already heard that some major shipping companies are planning their crew change in Hong Kong. This amounts to a huge benefit to the international seafarer,” he said.
“However, we still see some room to improve the policy. As of now the sign-off crew member needs to stay on board waiting for their flight. On the other hand, sign on crew maybe isolated in a hotel while waiting to go on board. The current arrangement for crew signing off may cause some shipping companies hesitate to arrange their crew change in Hong Kong for fear of a delay to the ships’ schedule.
“Additionally, we are aware that the Hong Kong International Airport is not allowing Chinese seafarers to transit though Hong Kong to China. This policy is effectively banning a lot of overseas Chinese seafarers coming back home. Our union in Hong Kong is discussing this issue with government. We hope home some change can come about soon in this regard,” Mr Lam concluded.
Source:
hongkongmaritimehub
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