The IMO publishes protocols to facilitate ship crew changes

"The problem," the Secretary-General said Guy Platten -- it's simple, but the solution is Complex. So, we worked hard and developed Protocols. We are now working with governments to implement this roadmap. Seafarers continue to work hard hard, day after day, away from their loved ones; we can free our seafarers from their blockade Covid-19, we might start to see trade breaks and, most importantly, it could increase the risk of incidents and mental health problems.'

"Today," explained the Secretary-General of the ITF, "I Stephen Cotton - the maritime unions, industry, ILO and IMO jointly call on governments around the world to put end to the difficulties faced by the 150,000 seafarers presently locked and find a way to get them home. ITF, ICS and IMO send a clear message to governments that they do not may more ignore the problem. We strongly recommend governments to use this roadmap to act now before suffering more serious consequences. Governments need to recognise the role fundamental work that seafarers play in the supply chains global procurement, recognizing them as key workers and providing immediate and consistent exceptions to Covid-19 restrictions to allow crew changes."

The Italian Confederation of Armatori (Confitarma) also through its representation in ICS, has directly contributed drafting the document and has been in constant contact for some time Contact with the Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport, Health and Foreign Affairs to identify the most to resolve this very serious situation of blocking crews that puts the well-being of the sea people at risk, the maritime security and key supply chains that the world relies on. "For many weeks now, he pointed out the president of Confitarma, Mario Mattioli -- I don't tired of reiterating the urgency of solving the global problem of 150,000 seafarers who would need an immediate change of crew and who find themselves despite having to work beyond the away from home and their families because today it is impossible to organize their turnover because of the paralysis of air and rail transport.'

The "Roadmap" - 55-page document - is was carried out by a broad coalition of maritime unions and international maritime associations, with the contribution representatives of the aviation industry, organisations international and insurance companies, to provide a model governments can facilitate crew changes and troubleshoot security issues throughout the process.

Protocols clearly establish accountability governments, shipowners, transport and shipping providers and they also provide a framework for the development of safe procedures can be adopted around the world to ensure that the trade can continue to flow and that seafarers can be Relieved.