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Crew change, and Covid restrictions linger for seafarersCrew change, and Covid restrictions linger for seafarers

Seafarers continue to face serious challenges with crew change and vaccination requirements warns industry body Intercargo.

Marcus Hand, Editor

May 30, 2022

1 Min Read
Crew on vessel
Photo: moto moto sc - Unsplash

As the global economy opens up as the Covid pandemic subsides the crew change crisis has largely dropped from the headlines, however, many challenges remain as some countries struggle with Omicron waves.

“Seafarers worldwide continue to face major issues with crew change, port entry and changing vaccination requirements,” said Dimitrios Fafalios, Chairman of Intercargo.

“New waves of infection continue to affect ports, and once again we are seeing local authorities creating their own interpretation of the rules.

“This is happening today at ports around the world, and governments and administrations seem not to have learned the lessons of the past two years, as they move to a post-Covid agenda.”

Chinese crew change has remained a challenge throughout the pandemic with extremely strict rules for returning seafarers and this has been further complicated by lockdowns in major ports against Omicron.

Intercargo says that in number of ports globally seafarers continue to find shore leave restricted and difficulties in accessing emergency medical care, a recurring and potentially life-threatening issue during the pandemic.

The trade association is concerned that the war in Ukraine has seen issues related to seafarers and Covid dropping off the maritime agenda.

Related:Crew change indicator improves, omicron variant gives new challenges

Fafalios stated: “The situation is ongoing and requires pan industry commitment. Our efforts to highlight the plight of the seafarer must not stop, and the industry must never consider what is happening to seafarers today in any way normal.”

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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