Seafarers ‘on the frontline’ of COVID-19 safety crisis

Source: Safety at Sea Originally published on: 25/03/2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 is having a major impact on crew changes, with seafarers suffering from transfer suspensions and a lack of attention on other medical conditions, according to a leading maritime insurer. Vessel safety could also be put at risk if surveys cannot be conducted in person.

“Crews are getting stuck in transit,” confirmed Ella Hagell divisional director Britannia P&I during a Maritime London webinar on 23 March. “COVID-19 is affecting onsigners and offsigners the most – some companies have suspended crew changes for this reason, to stop them getting stuck where they are and delayed in transit indefinitely due to travel restrictions,” explained Hagel, addressing recent criticism of companies that have suspended crew changes. Full article here