- Sentiments have been expressed by the IMO which has sent a Circular Letter advising Member States and others on implementation and enforcement of relevant IMO Instruments.
- The IMO letter urges flag states, port state authorities and control regimes, companies and ship masters to cooperate, in the current context of the virus outbreak.
- Synergy crew have been advised to reduce contact with shore personnel and follow standard precautions including maintaining meticulous personal hygiene regimes.
- Counselling services have also been made available both to Synergy employees and the wider shipping community via the company’s free mental wellness iCall helpline.
A Singapore-based ship manager has claimed that the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on those on the frontline of international business – the seafarers that man the ships that facilitate global trade – has largely been overlooked, writes Malcolm Latarche for Ship Insight.
Similar sentiments have been expressed by the IMO which has sent a Circular Letter advising Member States and others on implementation and enforcement of relevant IMO Instruments.
IMO letter
The IMO letter urges flag states, port state authorities and control regimes, companies and ship masters to cooperate, in the current context of the outbreak.
This ensures, where appropriate, passengers can be embarked and disembarked, cargo operations can occur, ships can enter and depart shipyards for repair and survey, stores and supplies can be loaded, certificates can be issued and crews can be exchanged.
The letter reminds that the principles of avoiding unnecessary restrictions or delay on port entry to ships, persons and property on board are contained in articles I and V and section 6 of the annex to IMO’s Facilitation Convention.
Port call restrictions
The deadly virus has seen severe restrictions put in place on seafarers calling at ports across the Asia Pacific region.
Crew manning the world’s commercial fleet of tankers, commodity-carrying bulk carriers and container ships are not allowed to leave vessels when calling at ports in China, the epicentre of the virus.
Restrictions preventing crew leaving the ship or denying seafarers access to a visa-on-arrival are also in place at a range of countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Australia and South Korea.
The logistics of managing crew changes when there are restrictions in place in so many countries has meant in some cases diverting vessels to intermediate ports where crew changes are possible.
“It’s very challenging on some routes because crew changes are not allowed at either end,” said Captain Unni. “But seafarers are a durable bunch. We’re very proud of how they are coping and we are providing all necessary support.”
“I must reiterate that although crew logistics is proving very demanding, we are not facing any operational issues, as of now, and that is testament to the outstanding professionalism of our seafarers in very trying conditions,” he added.
Standard precautions for coronavirus
Synergy crew have been advised to reduce contact with shore personnel and follow standard precautions including maintaining meticulous personal hygiene regimes as recommended by coronavirus authorities.
Including some of the most sophisticated container vessels and gas carriers in operation, its local offices around the Asia Pacific are working closely with public health authorities to ensure compliance with health precautions and measures including quarantine.
Counselling services have also been made available both to Synergy employees and the wider shipping community via the company’s free mental wellness iCall helpline.
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Source: Ship Insight
