INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Outcomes of the Virtual International Maritime Summit on Crew Changes hosted by the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom convened a virtual international maritime summit on 9 July 2020 to address the impact of COVID-19 on crew changes. During this summit, 13 Governments agreed on a Joint Statement expressing their appreciation to seafarers and committing to urgently resolve the problems arising from the pandemic.

The pledges of the joint statement include: designating seafarers as key workers, accepting identity documents as evidence, implementing safety protocols, reviewing quarantine restrictions and improving access to commercial flights.

ANNEX: JOINT STATEMENT OF THE VIRTUAL INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SUMMIT ON CREW CHANGES

The attending Governments recognize that maritime transport moves more than 80% of world trade. The inability to conduct crew changes is the most pressing operational challenge. It is estimated that at least 200,000 seafarers need to be repatriated immediately.

Agreed commitments by Governments:

1. Designating seafarers as “key workers” to facilitate sign-ons and sign-offs.
2. Accepting internationally recognized documentation (STCW certificates, ILO 185 document, company letter) as evidence of key worker status.
3. Implementing the “Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic” (Circular 4204/Add.14).
4. Implementing the “Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic” (Circular 4204/Add.14).
5. Adopting temporary measures (dispensations or flexibilities) regarding visas and documentation.
6. Improve access to commercial flights to seafarers’ countries of origin.
7. Ensure that affected seafarers can safely conduct crew changes and be repatriated.

Participating Governments of the Statement