IMO endorses changeover crew plan

Ships need to change crews allowing the world's 1.2M seafarers to be able to fly home at the end of their periods of service. The issue is among the biggest challenges facing the shipping industry as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help governments with procedures to facilitate the safe movement of seamen, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a 12-step plan to its 174-member states, providing them with a roadmap to free seafarers from COVID-19 lockdowns and allow appropriate exemptions for them to join/leave ships. The 55-page document has been advanced by a broad coalition of seafarer international unions and shipping industry associations with input from the airline industry, international organizations and the insurance sector to provide a comprehensive blueprint of how governments can facilitate crew changeovers and resolve safety concerns. In two weeks some 150,000 merchant seafarers will need to be changed over to ensure compliance with international maritime regulations. (Source: Marine Link 05/07/20) https://www.marinelink.com/news/imo-endorses-shipping-industrys-step-plan-478311?utm_source=MT-ENews-2020-05-08&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MT-ENews