Stuck on board due to COVID-19

Muhammad Aminn Anwar signed on the ship on 23 January last year. What was intended to be a 6 months contract ending in July 2020 became a prolonged period of being stranded on dry dock for 11 months in China following borders closures and other unforeseen circumstances.

“We were prohibited from going ashore, the prolonged time onboard had been so surreal. We were all feeling worried and anxious about how we were going to be repatriated home,” Aminn recounted. Thankfully, even in the midst of all the chaos brought about by the pandemic, Aminn was heartened that “the union never failed to reach out to me to check on my wellbeing. The SMOU officials, as well as my Master would reassure that we are not forgotten and constantly reminded us that they are working round the clock and doing their best with the crew change crisis.”

When the time gets tough, Aminn, together with his crew, would look out for each other. One of the challenges he faced on board was access to proper medical treatment. Hospitals were on the brink as caseloads soar and getting medical treatment for crew became a tedious and complicated process for the agents and the company. The biggest challenge onboard was “keeping a positive attitude and healthy mind and body. Seafarers are a special breed of professionals. To be in this line of work, not only do we have to be physically fit, but mentally too,” said Aminn.

Crew change possible, but difficult

For many, there is still no light at the end of the tunnel. Fortunately for Aminn, he was finally repatriated back to Singapore after 11 months, thanks to the efforts from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Pacific International Lines and SMOU.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 100,000 crew changes each month, typically after serving contracts capped at 11 months under the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention. The urgency to designate seafarers as key workers is clear as the global economy depends on the work of seafarers.