To overcome the seafarer crisis by enabling smooth crew change and repatriation, major shipping companies sign the Neptune Declaration, says an article published in Global Maritime Forum website.
About Neptune Declaration
The Neptune Declaration, signed by more than 300 organizations, outlines the main actions that need to be taken to resolve the crew change crisis.
For more information read our article Shipping Companies Work Together To Help Sailors Stuck at Sea
The Neptune Declaration was developed by a taskforce of stakeholders from across the maritime value chain. It calls for worldwide action to end the unprecedented crew change crisis caused by Covid-19.
Seafarers pushed to their limits
“Travel restrictions brought about by the global pandemic have pushed seafarers to their limits,” said Caravel Group chairman and chief executive Harry Banga.
“Thousands of seafarers are stranded aboard ships and are forced to work beyond their contracted period of employment. It is our collective responsibility to protect the rights and wellbeing of our seafarers, and we must do what we can to put an end to this humanitarian crisis.”
The Neptune Declaration urges the implementation of four main actions to address the crisis:
- Recognise seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines.
- Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice.
- Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes.
- Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers.
To learn more and see the full list of signatories in the Declaration.
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Source: GlobalMaritimeForum
