Circular No. 4204/Add.25 Outcome of surveys by ICS and ITF on health protection measures on board ships in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDRES SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44(0)20 7735 7611 | Facsimil: +44(0)20 7587 3210
Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Outcome of surveys by ICS and ITF on health protection measures on board ships in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
COVID-19 restrictions affecting crew changes have a significant impact on the health and well-being of seafarers. Although some Governments have taken measures to alleviate the situation, more than 200,000 seafarers are still waiting to be repatriated, many of whom have remained on board long after the end of their initial contracts.
The Secretary-General has received a report from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) entitled “Outcome of surveys by ICS and ITF on health protection measures on board ships in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic”.
Survey Details
| Concept | Detail |
|---|---|
| Participation | 83 shipping companies |
| Fleet covered | Approximately 1,775 ships |
Medical Care Access
Port State and coastal States must ensure that seafarers have access to medical care ashore, in accordance with the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006).
Concern is highlighted regarding reports indicating that seafarers are being denied medical care ashore during the pandemic. It is recalled that:
- Regulation 4.1 of the Maritime Labour Convention (2006) requires that seafarers on board ships in national territory have access to medical facilities ashore.
- Article 28, paragraph 2 of the IHR (2005) states that ships shall not be refused free pratique for public health reasons, nor shall they be prevented from embarking or disembarking for medical care.
Reference is made to Circular Letter No. 4204/Add.23 on recommendations for the prompt disembarkation of seafarers to receive medical care.
