Following  theworldwide news  that  vaccines  for  COVID-19  are now  a  reality,  it  isparamountthat authorities give priority to seafarers intheir vaccination programmes, says INTERCARGO, theorganisation representing the world’s quality dry bulk shipowners.

“As key workers, seafarers should be included in the early stages of a nation’s vaccination programme,” says  INTERCARGO  Chairman Dimitris  Fafalios. “As a key element in the drive to reboot the world’s economy,seafarers should receive vaccinations quickly and efficiently. We welcome new initiatives from national authorities and industry bodiesto facilitate thisand urge that these new initiatives bebrought forward and trialled as amatter of urgency,so that seafarers can once again travel safely between their home and their ships, andundertake port operations without the fear of infection.”

INTERCARGO Vice-Chairman Captain Jay K. Pillai says “Itis of grave concern that at least 3% of all seafarers currently on board ships will be spending a secondChristmas at sea, away from their families and friends, and  an  estimated 20%  of  all  seafarers  on  board are  still  not relieved  upon  completionof  their  regular contracts, despite flights becoming available.The world is making great strides to combat thepersonal and economic toll taken by this virus” andadds“It is now time for the World Health Organisation to work in the direction of a worldwide acceptable COVID vaccinationcertificate, both on paper and electronically, and for the unique situation our seafarers faceto be recognised.”

INTERCARGO has  actively supported industry  initiatives,  including the recent IMO Maritime  Safety Committee industry-developed  protocols, which  set out  general measures  and procedures  designed  to ensure  that  ship  crew  changes  and  travel  can  take  place  safely  during  the  pandemic. INTERCARGO welcomes the recent UN Resolution on Crew Change, which urges Member States to designate seafarers and other marine personnel as key workers

Unfortunately,the seafarers’ humanitarian crisis continues as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on crew change.Difficulties have been experienced in the practical implementation of theIMO protocols. Whilst the  earlier  challenges  focused  on  the non-availability  of  flights, visa  issuance  hurdlesare  currently  the primary  obstacle. In addition,the availability  of  testing  facilities  prior  to  departing  home  country  and embarkation  on  ship, the difficulties  faced  when  positive  COVID-19  cases have  been found  onboard, access  to  medical  care  and  medical  facilities,  as  well  as  facilitating  evacuation  of  seafarers  in  need  of urgent medical attention,continue to be extremely challenging.

CaptainPillaiadds: “Unfortunately,  the  seafarers  on  board  remain  under  stress and  at  risk  of  mental illness, and those on leave are increasingly anxiousto resume earning their livelihood. Both parties  are left to the mercy of governments and their Port Authorities to facilitate crew change. While we applaud the positive steps taken by some governments to allow the gradual opening of ports to crew change,this process has not been smooth and continues to be full of setbacks.”

“Itishigh  time  for ports  and charterers  to recognise seafarers  as  fellow  human  beings  and  extend compassion towards those who carry and care for their cargoes.”

Source INTERCARGO