Borders are closed, crew change prohibited and even if you manage to find a window of opportunity to disembark, there may be zero chance for a direct flight home.
Since COVID-19 spiralled out of control, border restrictions have routinely put seafarers between a rock and a hard place. Even though merchant ships are isolated by nature and thereby relative safe from a virus that spreads in the human-to-human interface, unreasonable quarantine restrictions and testing requirements have been imposed on seafarers travelling between their homes and ships. Meanwhile, shoreside personnel, such as truck drivers and port workers, have frequently been designated key worker status in recognition of the importance of keeping a flow of goods and commodities. With some exceptions to this, seafarers are not universally recognised as key workers.
IMO is sending another emotional message to all governments: designate key worker status to seafarers and marine personnel to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.
See the full message from IMO and make sure to help designation of key worker status to seafarers and marine personnel.
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
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