IMO reiterates call to designate seafarers as key workers

November 12 ------ The IMO has once again – now together with UNWTO — called on governments to designate all seafarers and marine personnel as key workers and remove any barriers to crew changes. The agencies said that maritime transport is dependent on the 2 million seafarers who operate the world’s merchant ships. It is estimated that currently about 400,000 seafarers are working beyond their original contracts, with a further 400,000 waiting ashore to relieve them.

Earlier this year, the IMO provided guidance to the shipping industry and to governments that includes provisions to facilitate safe and secure crew change operations. However, many governments around the world have so far ignored the plight of seafarers trapped on board.

Source: offshore-energy.biz