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The COVID-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on the world’s economies and workforce. Our seafarers are still working tirelessly through this crisis to keep vital industries going, but many may not see their contribution as they are working behind the scenes to bring us vital supplies. The International Maritime Organization has, through a circular to governments around the world, made comprehensive recommendations to include seafarers and maritime professionals as “key workers” providing an essential service.
However, travel restrictions and quarantine measures that have been implemented worldwide to help limit the spread of COVID-19 are beginning to inadvertently create situations where seafarers are unable to leave a ship at the end of their contracts or are unable to be repatriated home at the end of their service from a foreign port. Tens of thousands of seafarers due for a crew change now find themselves stuck at sea as many nations tighten travel bans amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We speak to Deck Cadet Nafiz Bin Khairul Anwar, who was caught in the thick of such restrictions.
“SMOU assured me that they will try their best to help me.” Nafiz said.
SMOU’s and MFA’s Efforts Help to Bring Nafiz Home
He eventually returned home on 3rd April, thanks to the Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ round-the-clock efforts to bring him home. It was a long ride home amidst closing foreign airports, cancelled flights, and growing travel restrictions the world over.
Nafiz is now home and is currently serving his 14-day stay-home notice (SHN). He shared that SMOU officials are still checking on him until today. SMOU is also providing him with a complimentary meal from Lighthouse Bistro during the week.
“Again, I would like to thank SMOU for this kind gesture and the staff at Lighthouse Bistro for your hard work and service. I am very heartened by the Union’s dedication and commitment in facilitating my repatriation back to Singapore with my company, serving beyond the call of duty. And to me, that’s what makes SMOU so exceptional, always caring for its members,” said Nafiz.
When asked what advice he would offer to seafarers facing the same plight, he said, “To all the seafarers out there, no one could have seen this unprecedented situation coming. Do stay strong and hopeful that more flag states will be exempting seafarers from the travel bans soon. Do not hesitate to approach SMOU for assistance. Lastly, I’d like to thank the Union for their efforts in keeping the global supply chain moving.”
The same circular sent by IMO recommends governments grant seafarers appropriate exemptions from national travel or movement restrictions to enable them to join and leave ships. This will need strong international collaboration across ports, airports, and airlines to ensure crew changes can be resumed as soon as possible and allow global supply chains to continue functioning.
The journey ahead will be long and uncertain. The Union will continue to stay vigilant and work with tripartite partners and people around the world, with seafaring members’ interests at heart.
Let us stand united and resilient in solidarity with our seafarers because they supply the world.
#ISUPPLYTHEWORLD
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