UN Bodies Call for More Action to End Crew Change Crisis
(IMO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) say new challenges and variants of concern like Omicron threaten to worsen the plight of the world’s seafarers, who play a vital role in global trade.They note that as COVID-19 travel restrictions eased and vaccination rates increased among maritime personnel, the humanitarian crisis at sea showed signs of improvement before the Omicron variant appeared.According to the Neptune Declaration Crew Change Indicator, which is based on data from 10 major ship managers employing some 90,000
Maritime Training Insights – MarTID 2021 Report Available
decrease of more than 75%. In terms of methodologies, more than 75% of operators who responded indicated that they had moved nearly all in-person training to remote methods. These are expected reactions as nearly 90% of operators report that their ability to deliver training has been affected by travel restrictions and other impediments. More than 60% of responding operators expect that this training slowdown has created a backlog which will have to be cleared as the effects of the pandemic ease.These are only a few highlights from the in-depth 2021 training practices report. Until next time, keep
Mercury Marine Announces New Global Leadership Team
success in the future,” said Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president. “I am confident that we will continue to build on our leadership position in the marketplace, leveraging the talent of our employees around the world as well as our industry leading product lineup.”Due to travel restrictions associated with COVID-19, Sangster, Bass and Zoelle will fully transition to their new locations over the next few months
Seafarer Vaccination Conundrum a 'Legal Minefield', ICS Says
hubs across key international ports, as suggested by the Cypriot government. If a solution to provide direct access of vaccines to seafarers is not found, shipowners fear a return to the crew change crisis of 2020 that saw 400,000 seafarers stranded on board ships across the world due to travel restrictions and international lockdowns.Platten concluded, "Many think we’re in a vaccination sprint. The reality is we’re at the start of an ultra-marathon, and seafarers will be key in getting across the finish line. We need to keep them safe and for governments to play their
Crew Change Hubs Could Help Address Seafarer Crisis, Says MAJ
A global network of crew change hubs would help alleviate the humanitarian crisis seafarers face at present, according to the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ).They could offer a short-term solution to the barriers presented by global travel restrictions, ensuring vital crew changes could take place and facilitating trade and logistics to the benefit of the world economy, the Flag State advised.Rear Admiral (ret’d) Peter Brady, MAJ Director General, explained, “In the Caribbean for example, several smaller States still have not reopened their borders, so no one is coming in and no one is
IMO Head Urges Governments to Resolve Crew Change Crisis
to all Member States to designate seafarers as key workers providing an essential service, and to implement the IMO-approved protocols to allow for safe and secure crew changes. The IMO Secretary-General also insisted on the importance of removing other barriers to crew changes, such as visa and travel restrictions, and of providing seafarers with immediate access to medical care and medical facilities on shore, when needed.Over the past several months, the IMO has issued numerous top-level statements, held bilateral meetings at a diplomatic level and established the Seafarer Crisis Action team to help
Denmark to Allow Crew Changes
stranded on the high seas since the outbreak of the coronavirus to come ashore and be reunited with their friends and families, the Business Ministry said on Monday.Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, 200,000 seafarers have been stranded on merchant ships, some for more than a year, because travel restrictions have made it almost impossible to rotate crews."While many Danes have used the corona crisis to spend more time with the family, many Danish sailors have had to do without family and friends for much longer than usual," Business Minister Simon Kollerup said.Sailors will be granted
Dubai Reopens For Crew Changes
The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) announced it is allowing crew changes to resume across all ports and anchorage areas in the region after crew changes in the major global shipping hub had been paused due to the coronavirus outbreak.Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and border closures imposed by governments around the world have caused significant hurdles to crew changes and left hundreds of thousands of seafarers stranded onboard ships or unable to join ships. It is currently estimated that at least 200,000 seafarers worldwide are stranded on ships
Rosneft Re-appoints Sechin as CEO
companies - until late last year when Saudi Aramco's public share offering handed it the top spot.Saudi Arabia's and Russia's rivalry led to a battle for market share in March that flooded a market already oversupplied with oil because of the drop in demand related to lockdown travel restrictions as countries tried to contain the novel coronavirus.But Russia and Rosneft, in which international energy major BP has a 19.75% stake, are complying with a new output pact with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers in force from May 1.It has boosted global
Coast Guard Academy to Hold Virtual Graduation
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy announced it is preparing to hold a virtual graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 20 due to the coronavirus pandemic.The graduating Class of 2020, along with the rest of the Academy Corps of Cadets were on spring break when travel restrictions were imposed and they were ordered to remain home. The Corps then shifted to virtual remote classes which are ongoing.During the virtual ceremony, Chad Wolf, the acting Secretary of Homeland Security is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. Adm. Karl Schultz, the Commandant of the Coast Guard will also provide remarks.
WMU Calls On Communities To Protect Seafarers’ Rights
;s (IMO) apex institution for maritime and ocean education, the World Maritime University (WMU) adds its voice to widespread concerns over the serious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, wellbeing, and safety of seafarers.As countries around the world retreat to fight the pandemic, travel restrictions and financial losses are hitting shipping and other ocean-related industries hard. At sea, maritime workers are bearing the brunt of this global humanitarian crisis.Echoing the messages contained in IMO circular letter 4204 and the statement issued by the Officers of the Special Tripartite
