From sea to shore – A seafarer’s story
16 April 2025
4 min read
Mihaela, a Marine People Advisor at Maersk and former seafarer, shares why she chose to transition to a shore-based career and how she supports those considering a career at sea.
The ICS has issued updated health guidance for the global shipping industry to ensure ship operators and crew can safely deal with seafarers struggling with medical conditions during the pandemic.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued updated health guidance for the global shipping industry to ensure ship operators and crew can safely deal with seafarers struggling with medical conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Alarming reports indicate that in some cases seafarers are being denied medical attention by port authorities. Many cases of seafarers suffering non-COVID related medical conditions being refused entry to port or denied medical evacuation for over 4 days are being reported. Reminding governments of their obligations to provide medical care for seafarers ICS will address a virtual meeting of healthcare professionals, organized by the World Health Organization, International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization, where the latest guidance for seafarers will be discussed.
Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping said: ‘This guidance should give confidence to national governments that crew changes can and must be carried out. Especially when there are critically ill crew members on board.
‘We’re receiving alarming reports of seafarers who are suffering from serious medical injury such as a stroke, be denied medical evacuation for over 4 days. This is simply not acceptable.’
The 48-page document builds on the previous guidance issued in March, providing comprehensive recommendations on:
Since the outbreak of the virus, COVID-19 related restrictions and the drastic reduction of air traffic have prevented over 200,000 seafarers from routine changeovers. Spending an extended period onboard, these seafarers are at risk from adverse health effects, including fatigue and mental health issues.
The new guidance should serve as a reassurance to governments and port authorities that it is fully possible to conduct crew changes in a safe and effective manner. Urgent action is now required to ensure that no other seafarers are subjected to prolonged period without medical assistance if they need it.
Prominent international organizations consulted in the production of the guidance include:
The full guidance will be presented at a virtual meeting today held in partnership with the WHO and other international bodies including the IMO and ILO. This will be delivered to member states national health ministries and global port authorities, ensuring they have the information they need.
The guidance and posters can be downloaded below and from the ICS website: www.ics-shipping.org.
16 April 2025
4 min read
Mihaela, a Marine People Advisor at Maersk and former seafarer, shares why she chose to transition to a shore-based career and how she supports those considering a career at sea.
1 April 2025
5 min read
Listening more closely to seafarers is essential to a safe, sustainable maritime sector, says the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).
27 March 2025
1 min read
Koni Duniya, Founder/President of the Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN), discusses gender discrimination and how to bridge the gap between the shipping industry and women seafarers in Nigeria.
