The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned bulk carrier Agia Sofia from Australian ports for six months after uncovering evidence that AUD45,000 (USD32,274) of crew wages were unpaid. An AMSA inspector boarded the Liberian-flagged […]
http://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/australia-bans-coal-ship-for-usd-32274-crew-wages-unpaid/
The practice of charging masters and ships’ officers, as well as other crew members, with criminal offences have resulted in creating widespread attention in recent years, both within and beyond the shipping industry.
Concern has focused in particular on a number of “high- profile” harsh cases in the wake of pollution and similar high profile incidents.
The use of the term “criminalization” in this context is perhaps an emotive one, but it reflects a widespread concern across the shipping...
https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/rights-and-duties-of-seafarers-upon-criminalisation/
European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean stated that
The guidelines adopted today include sanitary advice, recommendations for crew changes, disembarking, and repatriation for seafarers and passengers. I am asking the member states...
https://safety4sea.com/eu-proposes-designation-of-specific-ports-for-fast-track-crew-changes/
The International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have issued a joint call on behalf of seafarers to governments to facilitate the essential movement of seafarers and marine personnel.
Specifically, as it has been already said, seafarers are experiencing many challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic facing repatriation and off-signing problems. In addition, ICS along with IAPH joined forces, in mid-March, calling on G20 leaders to act quickly to protect...
https://safety4sea.com/ics-itf-ask-g20-for-support-of-unsung-heroes-of-global-trade/
All funds raised will go to UK-based crew welfare charity ISWAN, and dispersed through ISWAN’s Seafarers Emergency Fund (SEF), in order to support seafarers from the poorer regions of the world.
The COVID-19 outbreak has brought a real challenge for those seafarers, for instance:
https://safety4sea.com/emergency-funding-campaign-launched-for-developing-world-seafarers/
Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) is referring to the ongoing case of the MV Tomini Destiny, which is currently offshore Chittagong Port, and appears entrenched between parties with the Indian Master taking a resolute stand supported by his crew of 21 Indian seafarers.
The previous week, the ship’s Indian captain decided to invoke the Master’s Authority under the International Safety Management Code and applicable Safety Management System, refusing to offload his cargo at Chittagong Port for fear that...
https://safety4sea.com/crew-refuse-to-offload-cargo-in-bangladesh-over-fears-of-covid-19/
The concerns first raised internally to the Owners and Charterers focused on the continuation of vessel offload operations...
https://safety4sea.com/bulker-crew-raises-concerns-about-covid-19-exposure/
Specifically, the joint statement launched by the Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) also called on ILO member States to do all that they can to facilitate the delivery of essential medical...
https://safety4sea.com/ilo-seafarers-should-be-treated-with-dignity-and-respect-amid-covid-19/
After the G20 Leaders’ Summit on COVID-19, the IMO has issued a preliminary list of recommendations for Governments and relevant National Authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its message, the IMO has advised that as governments around the world are implementing policies and measures to protect public health and address COVID-19, it is important that these are developed without the introduction of obstacles to ship and port operations, including the...
https://safety4sea.com/imo-provides-guidance-for-the-facilitation-of-maritime-trade-during-covid-19/
MPA Singapore has launched a circular providing circumstances where crew will need to disembark or embark the ship. This is a step to address the ongoing crew change problem that many seafarers face.
The Port of Singapore remains open for cargo operations and marine services, including bunkering, ship supplies and shipyard repairs, in order to maintain commerce by sea and not disrupt global supply chains.
In addition, since the onset of COVID-19, Singapore has adopted many precautionary measures...
https://safety4sea.com/singapore-to-consider-crew-change-under-special-circumstances/