IMO endorses new protocols designed to lift barriers to crew changes

The Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult for ships to carry out crew changes, and for crews who have completed their tours of duty to be repatriated.
A series of protocols designed to address these issues has been drawn up by a broad cross-section of global industry associations representing various sectors of the maritime transport industry, including the P&I Clubs.
The IMO has endorsed these protocols and urges their implementation. Members are invited to click here for the IMO's Briefing: 15 07/05/2020 which includes a link to the protocols.
If Members have any questions regarding the above update, they are encouraged to get in touch with their usual Club contact.
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In the following article, ‘Shame on port states’ in the July 2020 edition of the Maritime Reporter & Engineering News, the author, Dennis L. Bryant of Bryant’s Maritime Consulting, adds his voice to the maritime industry’s pleasfor safe crew changes.
The UK Club Correspondent, GAC Shipping Ltd, would like to remind Members of the commencement of bulk crew changes of international seafarers from 22nd December 2020, through the Offshore Crew Transit Hub (OCTH) operated by a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).
Under the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), port states must ensure that seafarers on board ships in their territory who are in need of immediate medical care are given access to medical facilities on shore.
The International Group and its 13 constituent P&I Clubs, have become extremely concerned about the detrimental effect upon the mental well-being of seafarers as a result of the prolongation of their contracts of employment due to the pandemic.