IMO Member States invited to urgently designate seafarers as key workers

A recent IMO circular letter pointed out that designation of maritime professionals as key workers is crucial for solving the ongoing crew change crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter refers in particular to the provisions of resolution MSC.473(ES.2) - Recommended action to facilitate ship crew change, access to medical care and seafarer travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, resolution A/75/L.37 - International cooperation to address challenges faced by seafarers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to support global supply chains, and resolution GB.340 ) - Resolution concerning maritime labour issues and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Member States that have not yet designated seafarers as key works are strongly encouraged to take action to address this issue as a matter of urgency.

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

4204/Add.35/Rev.9 - Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Designation of seafarers as key workers