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ICS warns minority flouting crew change protocols risk ‘severe setbacks’ for allICS warns minority flouting crew change protocols risk ‘severe setbacks’ for all

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has hit out those failing to comply with crew change protocols saying they put the industry at risk of severe setbacks in the positive progress that has been made with governments.

Marcus Hand, Editor

July 23, 2020

1 Min Read
Crew change with masks under COVID protocols
Crew change in SingaporePhoto: Wilhelmsen

ICS described reports of ship managers and individuals failing to comply with national guidelines on crew change and Covid-19 as “alarming”.

Singapore has reported crew arriving in the country with Covid-type symptoms and a 14-day stay home isolation period not being “taken seriously” by some crew joining vessels.

ICS said the incidents of non-compliance put the industry at risk of severe setbacks to the positive progress made so far. The ICS and wide variety of industry partners have lobbied for months to get crew changes moving again with some 250,000 seafarers stuck on their vessels after their contracts expired.

This has included 12-step crew change protocols which were published by the IMO.

Guy Platten secretary-general of the ICS stated: “We must remember that the vast majority of shipowners are going to extraordinary lengths to safely repatriate crew and return them home to their families. Acts that are only made possible by governments adopting the crew change protocols.

“However, it’s undeniable that ship managers and crewing agents who do not follow the protocol guidance are risking the safety of our seafarers and those around them. The very reason these protocols where produced were to ensure that crew change can be undertaken safely, minimising the risk of transmission to seafarers and the public alike.

Related:Singapore warns over tampered Covid-19 tests in crew change

“We must stand firm as an industry and work together to ensure we maintain the highest standards possible. Continuing on the positive momentum gained over recent weeks to ensure that we get back to 100% crew change.”

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crew change crisis

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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