The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is working with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to facilitate crew change flights for seafarers.
As a result of government-imposed travel restrictions due to COVID-19, flights to repatriate or position marine personnel are unavailable forcing seafarers to remain on deck despite being on long tours of duty.
Immigration and health screening protocols are also hampering the ability of merchant ships to conduct vitally necessary crew changes.
"Shipping is vital to the maintenance of global supply chains, but the current situation is unsustainable for the safety and wellbeing of ships’ crews and the safe operation of maritime trade. Each month about 100,000 merchant seafarers need to be changed over from the ships on which they operate to ensure compliance with international maritime regulations protecting safety, health and welfare," IATA said in a statement.
IATA said, together with ICS, they are working together to come forward with safe and pragmatic solutions that governments can implement to facilitate crew changes at certain airports.
Call for governments' action
“Seafarers are unsung heroes who every day throughout this COVID-19 crisis are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that countries are kept supplied with the goods they need. We are working with the airlines to come forward with solutions. We now need governments to support our seafarers and facilitate safe passage for them to get home to loved ones and be replaced by crew members ready to keep supply chains open,” said ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten.
Meanwhile, IATA said airlines have been required to cut passenger services in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 but government intervention could allow certain flights to proceed specifically to serve seafarers.
"If governments identify airports that seafarers can use for crew changes and make appropriate adjustments to current health and immigration protocols, airlines can help keep global logistics moving," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.
A joint statement from IATA and ICS said: "Priority airports should include those close to major shipping lanes which also have direct air connections to principal seafarer countries of residence, such as China, India and the Philippines as well as destinations in western and eastern Europe."
Keeping the supply chain running
IATA and ICS are working with their global regulators – the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) – on recommendations to governments for standardized procedures and protocols for positioning crews whilst preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
"Shipping companies and airlines are cooperating to meet this priority by ensuring that reliable operations continue throughout the pandemic. However, these networks will grind to a halt if replacement crews are unavailable for duty. Governments must take urgent action now to avoid further damage to the battered global economy.
