More than 5,000 people have signed the global petition Seafarers Matter aiming to draw the attention of the general public to the problems of the hundreds of thousands of seafarers who cannot leave or join ships due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The initiative started five days ago, spearheaded by the International Marittime Organization’s goodwill maritime ambassador for Bulgaria, Captain Andriyan Evtimov.
The aim is to have the document signed online by at least the same number of people as that of the blocked crew – 150,000 and rising – and then send it to IMO member state governments with an appeal for immediate and urgent measures to facilitate the movement of seafaring personnel.
Global trade unions have given governments and the shipping industry until June 15 to fix the crew repatriation problem.
To assist governments to put in place coordinated procedures to facilitate the safe movement of seafarers, the IMO has this month issued a 12-step plan to 174 member states, providing them with a roadmap to free seafarers from their Covid-19 lockdown and allow appropriate exemptions for them to join or leave ships.
The 55-page roadmap has been advanced by a broad coalition of seafarer unions, and international shipping industry associations, with input from airline industry representatives, international organisations, and the insurance sector, to provide a comprehensive blueprint of how governments can facilitate crew changeovers and resolve safety concerns throughout the entire process.
IMO, the Pope and the Tsar of Russia can sign that petition or any other. But they won’t lift a finger until their fridges start emptying!
True… Sad but true.
What about cruise industries,Imagine Crew’s Member stay home without Incomes after termination of there Contract Earlier.
I don’t see if all concerned are looking these issue seriously.I thinks this issue is the priority needed.
Hope Crews Members will be happy if somethings happen for a future stay home compensation.
Exactly…when l hear Bulgaria l have my doubts about them…
SOMEONE SEEMS TO HVE FORGOTTEN THAT THERE R NO FLIGHTS AVAILABLE FROM SINGAPORE TO INDIA, CHINA TO INDIA, BRAZIL TO INDIA, AUSTRALIA TO INDIA, & VICE VERSA !!!!!!
HOW ABOUT A PETITION TO THE AIRLINES TO START FLYING ??
HOW ABOUT A PETITION TO THE INDIAN GOVT TO OPEN ITS AIRPORTS ??
HOW ABOUT A PETITION TO SINGAPORE GOVT TO ALLOW SAILORS TO FLY IN AND OUT WITHOUT THIS QUARANTINE ??
& SO ON.
And now how the hell do you want crews to defend themselves if unscrupulous managers like you have subjected them to a heinous dictatorship?
How i wish to join again in ship that like me already 6months without income , how i wish all standby seafarer since the pandemic start will be prioritize to join the vessel i beg to all ship owners and manning agency to hear my message
Roasting people sounds fun. But look, how about stranded seafarers for months unpaid? How about accumulated irritating conditions that might have swelled upon a vessel/among crews? In my case, I’ve been aboard a vessel for more than 1 year and 4 months, waiting for return to my family. A petition might helps for consideration.
Regardless of what has been said and done, this is a good initiative to increase awareness around the plight of seafarers, both onshore and offshore.
I’m just glad that somebody have taken the effort to do something, the outcome matters not for now.
I’m very sure that there will be concrete actions taken by the industry and supporting partners to ensure that Seafarers will be treated fairly. Let’s stay positive and do our best to support those who support us.
Until the emergence of COVID-19, no one cares about the seafarer. Thank God their importance has been noticed.
Good message conveyed by this petition and IMO MUST rise up to the task and ensure that its member States relax the restriction rules for the movement of seafarers because their job is an essential one.
SAM,
PLS MAKE A RULE THAT FULL GENUINE NAME OF THE WRITER SHUD B THERE. NO HIDING UNDER HALF NAMES !!
STAND UP AND B COUNTED.
Emma Mathews
I request all the ship owners and decision making Facilty to think about the decision of sending the seafarer home safely. I believe they need their family too .
Crew change is serious matter and needs to be resolved immediately by all concerned without further delay and discussion to avoid any mishaps by fatigued seamen
Thanks to ITF on June 15 many seafarers will be massively fired directly, with minimal or zero compensation. Thank you ITF!! Crew managers will pay you for the good work.
Why? Just curious as to how did you came to that conclusion.
It won’t be a drill! On 15 June BLACKOUT on board!