According to ICS Shipping, continuing inability of ship operators to conduct crew changes has been the single greatest operational challenge confronting the global shipping industry since the Second World War.
Challenges faced by the seafarers
Due to restrictions put in place by national health and immigration authorities, plus the suspension of the bulk of international flights, it’s estimated that about 25% of normal crew changes took place from March through August in 2020. If this situation continues indefinitely and ships are unable to operate safely in compliance with international rules, large numbers of ships may have to suspend their operations.
In August 2020, it was estimated that over 150,000 seafarers required immediate repatriation with as many as 250,000 serving on extended crew contracts who were overdue to return home, in addition to those needing to join their ships in order to work.
ITF disagrees to a further blanket extension of tours
On 15 June 2020, International Transport Workers Federation announced that it was unable to agree to a further blanket extension of tours of duty under the contracts it has with the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) which apply to many seafarers from the principal labour supply countries including the Philippines, India and Eastern Europe.
IMO’s protocols for crew change
A framework of protocol circulated by IMO at the beginning of May tells in detail what documentation the shipping companies need for the crew change process.
Protocols cover the entire process from before seafarers leave their homes, to travelling via airports and joining a ship in another country – and the same with respect to travel in the other direction.
IMO Protocols has gained traction worldwide, many national authorities continue to insist on applying quarantine procedures to seafarers or other impractical requirements.
Crew change flights
ICS along with International Maritime Employers’ Council and in cooperation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to establish estimates of the likely demand for crew change flights and identify the airports from where these might be needed. ICS has also been exploring the need for some ships to be diverted to ports in proximity to major airports from which flights are available.
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Source : International Chamber of Shipping
