now available onboard ship, yet 27%
of seafarers say that there are no
arrangements and 40% say no PPE
equipment is available for visitors
Additionally, there are serious
worries about MLC violations relating
to shore leave and denial of access to
medical care ashore, with 32% of
companies saying that a seafarer had
been refused care due to coronavirus
restrictions at port. Under the MLC,
all seafarers are to be granted shore
leave to benefit their health and
wellbeing, and they should also have
access to port-based welfare services.
While Covid-19 outbreaks might
sometimes restrict this, companies
must continue to respect their
obligations and ensure seafarers
receive the treatment and time ashore
they are entitled to whenever possible.
IMPROVING THE SITUATION
ITF finishes its report with a list of
recommendations for both companies
and seafarers.
Companies are urged to ensure
Covid-19 plans and procedures are
communicated effectively, and that
ships and seafarers
receive the
equipment to put
them in place.
Seafarers
have a responsibility
to
follow the plans
and procedures,
but also to request
additional information
THE ITF
SURVEY WAS
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SEAFARERS
or clarification where
it is needed.
There are additional, detailed
recommendations laid out in the
report, which can be accessed via bit.
ly/3n0A9HP.
Mr Barcellona is clear: ‘Safety is
the responsibility of both company
and seafarer. If the policy is perfect
but not communicated and implemented
correctly it’s not a good
policy.’ With better communication,
planning and provision from companies,
and greater engagement from
seafarers, the Covid-19 situation
onboard ships can continue to
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