The International Maritime Organsation (IMO) Assembly has adopted a resolution on comprehensive action to address seafarers’ challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resolution was made at the 32nd session recently.
The Assembly adopted a resolution on comprehensive action to address seafarers’ challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, consolidating issues related to crew change, access to medical care, ʺkey workerʺ designation and seafarers’ prioritization for COVID-19 vaccination.
The resolution urges Member States to:
Designate seafarers as ʺkey workersʺ in order to facilitate shore leave and safe and unhindered movement across borders, and recognize their relevant documentation for this purpose;
Consider the implementation of the Industry recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
Prioritize vaccination of seafarers, as far as practicable, in their national COVID-19 vaccination programmes;
consider exempting seafarers from any national policy requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for entry, taking into account that seafarers should be designated as ʺkey workersʺ and that they travel across borders frequently; and
provide seafarers with immediate access to medical care and facilitate medical evacuation.
