IMO: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

BY Capt. Forkanul Quader, MSc(6N); Marine Surveyor Lead Auditor

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during  the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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Circular Letter No.4204/Add.14

5 May 2020

To:                     All IMO Member States

United Nations and specialized agencies

Intergovernmental organizations

Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO

Subject:             Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during  the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

The Secretary-General is aware of the significant challenges being faced by the global shipping industry to effect crew changes as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, large numbers of seafarers are having to extend their service on board ships after many months at sea, unable to be replaced after long tours of duty or be repatriated via aircraft to their home countries. Shipping is vital to the maintenance of global supply chains, but the current situation is unsustainable for the safety and wellbeing of ship crew and the safe operation of maritime trade. Each month about 150,000 seafarers need to be changed over to and from the ships which they operate to ensure compliance with international maritime regulations for  ensuring safety, crew health and welfare,  and the prevention of fatigue.

The Secretary-General refers to IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.6 of 27 March 2020 which contains, inter alia, recommendations to Member States about measures to facilitate ship crew changes in seaports during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Expanding on these recommendations, the Secretary-General has received a Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, proposed by a broad cross section of global industry associations in consultative status with the Organization representing the maritime transportation sector, as follows:  ICS,  IAPH,  BIMCO,  IFSMA,  INTERTANKO,  P&I  Clubs,  CLIA,  INTERCARGO, InterManager, IPTA, IMCA, INTERFERRY, FONASBA, ITF and WSC; and which also take account of input from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The   Secretary-General   supports   these   protocols   and   urges   their   implementation. Member States and  international organizations are invited to make use of the annexed Framework and to disseminate it among relevant national authorities with responsibility, inter alia, for maritime issues, health, customs, immigration, border control, seaport and civil aviation authorities;  and  to  liaise  with  relevant  national  authorities  with  respect  to  the  use  and implementation of this Framework, as appropriate.

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