61.4 F
Washington D.C.
Monday, October 7, 2024

IMO Welcomes Neptune Declaration on Seafarers

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has welcomed the industry-led Neptune Declaration, which calls for seafarers to be designated as key workers and for cooperation to end the crew change crisis, which is not only putting seafarers in a desperate situation but also threatening the safety of shipping and world trade. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers around the globe are unable to leave ships, while others cannot join, due to travel restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I am pleased to see the industry come together under the Neptune Declaration to support ways to resolve the crew change crisis. This very much reflects the calls made by IMO, its sister UN entities and more recently the United Nations General Assembly, in its recent resolution on seafarers,” Mr. Lim said. “I encourage more companies, including charterers,  to get involved and show their support for our seafarers.”  

In December, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution on International cooperation to address challenges faced by seafarers  who are supporting global supply chains during the Covid19 pandemic. (read more here) 

To date, the IMO Secretary-General has received 53 notifications from Member States that they have designated seafarers as key workers and one from an Associate Member (download latest list here).

Secretary-General Lim urged more Governments to designate seafarers as key workers.  

He also highlighted IMO’s World Maritime Theme for 2021, “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future. The choice of theme recognizes the efforts of  seafarers who have shown tremendous fortitude and perseverance in continuing to deliver global trade during the current unprecedented situation the world is facing.

Read more at the International Maritime Organization

Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles