The International Maritime Organization has been encouraged by a small increase in the number of nations said to recognize seafarers as key workers. However, the cited figure represents merely a quarter of the 174 member states and three associate members.
IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim urged those nations not thus far committed to “take action as a matter of urgency.”
Key worker status for seafarers is essential to exempt them from specific COVID-related travel restrictions. It allows them to travel between their country of residence and ships, and to be repatriated at the end of their contracts, the IMO said. As many as 300,000 seafarers are trapped at sea or stuck at home, unable to join vessels.
International Chamber of Shipping, secretary-general Guy Platten said more governments need to follow suit by recognizing the key role seafarers played in keeping world trade moving during the pandemic. He also urged that seafarers be prioritised in the provision of vaccines.
“We also encourage governments to ensure seafarers receive vaccinations against Covid as a priority,” he said, adding that the workforce has to travel across the globe to ensure supply chains remain open, crossing international borders regularly.
“We urgently need to guarantee their safety.”
Just what key worker recognition amounts to is a movable feast. Singapore claims to be conducting up to 500 crew changes per day and in a surprise move is even offering shore leave for seafarers under some very tight restrictions. On the other hand, Hong Kong, an associate member of IMO that claims have accepted seafarers as key workers, only allows crew change where a vessel is loading or discharging cargo. China will only allow crew change for Chinese seafarers.
Source:
hongkongmaritimehub
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
Please Contact Us at：
media@xindemarine.com
.gif)
