Seafarer Special

Collective Action Required To Alleviate Stress of Seafarers Amid COVID-19

  • Shipping crews express frustration after being unable to disembark from vessels.
  • Despite their service agreements or contracts have expired.
  • Decision-makers urged to start treating seafarers as ‘key personnel’ during COVID-19.
  • EC plans ‘green lanes’ to allow for the free flow of goods and associated personnel across borders.
  • Urge for collective effort across the shipping sector involving carefully managed crew changes at designated ports.
  • Exemptions to compassionate grounds such as the death...

http://mfame.guru/collective-action-required-to-alleviate-stress-of-seafarers-amid-covid-19/

Emergency Fund for Seafarers’ Welfare in the COVID19 Pandemic!

In a  major development, The ITF Seafarers’ Trust announced the launch of an emergency fund to address the impact of the COVID19 global pandemic on seafarers and their families, reports Safety4Sea.

Lifeline for Welfare Services

The so-called ITFST COVID-19 Welfare Fund also aims to provide a lifeline for welfare services at risk due to the financial impact the virus has had on business and fundraising and activities.

Primary Objectives

In particular, the fund has two main purposes:

  • to facilitate...

http://mfame.guru/emergency-fund-for-seafarers-welfare-in-the-covid19-pandemic/

Seafarers Corona Testing To Safeguard Maritime Workforce!

In a major development, the US Coast Guard has issued a circular urging mandatory COVID19 testing od ship operators and seafarers, says a press release available on their website.

What is it?

The circular dated 27th March, 2020 says that “to help protect our essential maritime workforce, while also ensuring drug testing continues to serve as a deterrent, the
Coast Guard is providing the following guidance, which, along with any subsequent updates, will remain in effect during the COVID-19...

http://mfame.guru/seafarers-corona-testing-to-safeguard-maritime-workforce/

‘Seafarers Key Workers, Supply Chains Essential Service’, Says ICS

According to a LoadStar article written by Sam Whelan, the shipping industry has called for seafarers to be designated as key workers, to keep vital maritime supply chains flowing.

What is it?

In a joint letter to the UN, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) say the world’s governments must ensure ports remain open, while facilitating crew changes with as few obstacles as possible.

They wrote: “Every month, around 100,000 seafarers...

http://mfame.guru/seafarers-key-workers-supply-chains-essential-service-says-ics/

How Seafarers Can Help in Investigation by Collecting Evidence!

  • Capt. Hiroshi Sekine highlights the importance for mariners of gathering evidence from the ship in the aftermath of an incident at sea.
  • The success of any claim will depend highly on the quality and contemporaneous evidence gathered onboard.
  • Hiroshi says the most effective method of recording evidence is simple and contemporaneous note taking, accurate record keeping and photographs.
  • Modifications of reports can potentially taint and discredit all the evidence of the crew on board, potentially...

http://mfame.guru/how-seafarers-can-help-in-investigation-by-collecting-evidence/

Contact! Don’t Hesitate!, Says Sailors Society To Tackle COVID19 Seafarers Issue

In a major development, the International Maritime Charity Sailors’ Society announced that they are halting operations in all 90 ports, beginning for two weeks, in the light of the increased spread of the COVID19 virus and the World Health Organization (WHO) activating an international state of emergency, reports Safety4Sea

The society is now offering to seafarers virtual chaplaincy as it stops its port activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital Technology for Operations

The Charity...

https://mfame.guru/contact-dont-hesitate-says-sailors-society-to-tackle-covid19-seafarers-issue/

Crew Change & Supplies Crunch Disrupting Shipping As COVID19 Port Restrictions Widens

According to a Splash247 report, crews keen to either get home or start work are facing unprecedented delays with the trade union, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), giving the effective green light for shipmanagers and owners to extend time onboard through to April 16.

No Challenge To Contract Extensions

In a letter seen by Splash that was sent yesterday to all its affiliates penned by ITF’s maritime coordinator, Jacqueline Smith, the trade union states: “In order to mitigate...

https://mfame.guru/crew-change-supplies-crunch-disrupting-shipping-as-covid19-port-restrictions-widens/

[FAQ] How Organizations Should Mitigate the COVID19 Spread Risk!

As the COVID19 Pandemic takes a toll on businesses and cities shut down, several have announced safety measures and tips in order to mitigate the risk. Several others have shut down operations and are working remotely for the safety of their employees and clients.

Keeping this in mind, Safety4Sea has compiled an exhaustive list of things to be done if you want to reduce the risk of coronavirus disease spread risk.

Let’s take a look at it.

Always Follow WHO Guidelines

To better deal with the...

http://mfame.guru/faq-how-organizations-should-mitigate-the-covid19-spread-risk/

COVID-19 Pandemic: Nautilus Flags Global Union Support for Seafarers

  • UK-based union Nautilus International is working with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to support seafarers affected by sudden lay-offs and contract voiding due to cruise cancellations mid voyage, amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Nautilus has called for special emergency assistance measures to safeguard seafarers’ livelihoods by treating them as key workers and providing exemptions from travel and other restrictions being imposed for COVID-19 containment.
  • Nautilus Members who...

http://mfame.guru/covid-19-pandemic-nautilus-flags-global-union-support-for-seafarers/

Seafarers Training Hampered, Says IMO in COVID19 Seafarers Guidance!

In a major development, the International Maritime Organization,IMO, has issued a fresh set of COVID19 pandemic advice for seafarers and the shipping industry at large, says a press release published on their website.

The recent press release takes into account the pandemic problem and guides IMO member states regarding seafarers safety.

Seafarers Training Hampered? 

The Secretary-General has been made aware of a number of concerns regarding
seafarers’ training and certification as a result of the...

http://mfame.guru/seafarers-training-hampered-says-imo-in-covid19-seafarers-guidance/

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