Page 8 - GEIMS Chronicle 22nd Edition-July 2022

Faculty Corner For starters, we entered that port State when there was a

global lockdown. Moreover, we required medical
assistance as soon as we reached the port. Unfortunately,
the severe restrictions enforced and the overwhelming
number of COVID-19 cases meant that medical attention
was not available for us. Even when we got assistance from
a company doctor, the medicines prescribed were not
available on board.
Arranging for these medicines was an impossible task in the
lockdown. At best, we were left to fend for ourselves, using
diversion of ships to carry out crew changes. Although such
the limited resources we had on board. I believe that there is
steps are welcoming, they do not provide a permanent
a tangible need to create better contingency plans to A few companies are also viewing other options such as
provide quick medical assistance to the affected seafarers. solution to the crew change issues the industry is facing at
This factor fed into our concerns, particularly when it came this moment. Facilitating crew changes and taking
to the vetting inspection. There is a higher risk of COVID-19 seafarers back home can be a lifesaver for the mental and
transmission and few chances of self-isolation. While we did emotional well-being of the crew.
relay our concerns via a detailed email that emphasized the This is necessary because seafarers play a central role in the
heightened risk, it had no effect. global economy. Unfortunately, the global response
To our surprise, the vetting inspection not only proceeded towards this industry has been slow, cold, and lethargic at
but was carried out during a time when the said Port State best. More active measures need to be implemented to
had 20,000 con rmed coronavirus cases and 1,250 deaths. minimize the risks to the global supply chain and to grant
Not only did the inspector survey the ship, but he also did so relief to the crews. The plight of seafarers and the
without gloves or a face mask. We also found out that he subsequent safety issues for maritime trade must be higher
had recently air travelled throughout the affected country. on the agenda not only for their wellbeing but also to
Our anxiety, worries, and fears had intensi ed. It is also restore order and ensure the supply of necessities
surprising to note that such a blatant breach of safety
standards was made The Oil Companies International
Marine Forum (OCIMF) provides extensions of up to 18
months for these reports.
Even after COVID-19 protocols were agreed upon, prior to
the arrival of the vessel, the implementation was de nitely
lacking. This was evident in another country we visited
when at least 40 visitors boarded the vessel. Social
distancing was hardly maintained, with some even
showing reluctance to co-operate with the screening
process. Even though the accommodation area was
prohibited for visitors, they kept entering it and
jeopardizing the safety of the crew. Moreover, it has been
nearly 4 months since shore leave came to a complete halt.
No shore leave for such a long time is detrimental to the
wellbeing and health of seafarers.
The crux of the matter is the repatriation of ship crews
which has become a major hindrance to international
trade. Seafarers cannot disembark from their ships and y
back home, even after completion of their contracts, It is odd that while ports are refusing to welcome seafarers
resulting to face higher levels of stress and fatigue. As of and denying them shore leave, visitors are allowed to board
now, around 300,000 shipping crew and personnel are the same vessels without precautions or standard
stranded on board with some having remained on ships for operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent COVID-19
nearly 15 months. This is a problem that poses unparalleled infections. This aspect reveals a lack of concern. Seafarers
risks to supply chain and logistics worldwide. face a much higher risk of COVID-19 infections since access
Though some companies are making an extra effort to to medical facilities is extremely limited to them. Allowing
arrange crew changes, most of the others are not. While it is at-risk visitors to board vessels without following COVID-19
an expensive undertaking, some companies are pooling in SOP's, is dangerous. Seafarers should be admitted into
resources with other companies to charter ights or ports for much need shore leave or medical support
arrange it themselves. following COVID-19 SOPs.

8 GEIMS CHRONICLE Twenty Second Edition July 2022

INDEX