30% of seafarers have completed their employment agreements

Intercargo estimates that 30% of all seafarers on cargo vessels have now completed terms under the Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) and at least 5% of all seafarers have been on board for over 12 months in breach of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

This year’s Day of the Seafarer calls on seafarers to recognised as “key workers” globally which would allow the freedom to travel and conduct crew changes despite travel restrictions imposed by many nations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The industry is fortunate that it has not yet seen a spate of fatal accidents at sea and an invisible humanitarian crisis is unfolding around us,” stated Dimitris Fafalios, chairman of Intercargo.

We at Intercargo are calling on governments, health, maritime and airline authorities together around the world to promptly resolve this untenable situation. Not only must we consider the severe effect on the mental health and well-being of seafarers, but also the very real danger to safe operations posed by exhausted and mentally fatigued crew on board.”

Spyros Tarasis, Vice-Chairman of Intercargo stated: “The 2020 Day of the Seafarer campaign pays tribute to seafarers and acknowledges their sacrifice and the issues they face. Many seafarers have been away from home for months and are unsure when they will be able to return home due to travel restrictions.

“We join calls for governments around the world to treat seafarers with the respect and dignity they deserve so that they can continue to provide the vital services that keep world trade moving.”

Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.

30% of seafarers have completed their employment agreements: Intercargo