Health screening failures threaten crew change cause
The International Chamber of Shipping warns that some seafarers are not taking coronavirus protocols seriously after reports emerged of crews arriving on ships with symptoms. It said the irresponsible actions of a small minority could set back the industry’s progress on crew changes
Hong Kong shipping associations have advised their members to suspend crew changes amid a sharp increase in cases
A FAILURE to adhere to coronavirus protocols could severely set back the industry’s progress on crew change, the International Chamber of Shipping has warned.
Responding to “alarming” reports of some seafarers and companies not taking 14-day quarantine rules seriously, the group said “regrettable instances of noncompliance” risked undermining the progress on persuading governments to allow crew repatriation.
Its comments came after Singapore shipping agency GAC flagged tampering of test results and reports of rising numbers of crews joining vessels and testing positive for the coronavirus.
Shipping associations in Hong Kong have advised their members to suspend crew rotations amid a spike in cases, Lloyd’s List reports today.
“It’s undeniable that shipmanagers and crewing agents who do not follow the protocol guidance are risking the safety of our seafarers and those around them,” said chamber secretary-general Guy Platten.
“The very reason these protocols were produced were to ensure that crew change can be undertaken safely, minimising the risk of transmission to seafarers and the public alike.”
Mr Platten said most shipowners went to extraordinary lengths to safely repatriate crew and this was only possible if governments adopted the protocols.