DromonClass Signs the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change

04 February 2021

DromonClass is delighted to be a signatory on the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change.

Hundreds of thousands of seafarers from across the globe have been left stranded working aboard ships beyond the expiry of their initial contracts and are unable to be relieved since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Fatigue after long periods at sea has significant consequences on the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers. It also increases the risk of maritime incidents and environmental disasters, and poses a threat to the integrity of maritime supply chains, which carry 90% of global trade.

Despite significant efforts by international organizations, unions, companies and some governments to resolve this untenable crew change crisis we are starting to see the situation getting worse as governments bring in more travel bans in response to the new strains of the Covid-19 virus. A number of key issues leave this critical situation unresolved: national authorities around the world continue to see crew changes and international travel as a Covid-19 risk; high-quality health protocols are not being consistently implemented by ship operators; and the disruption of international air travel has reduced the number of flights between traditional crew change hubs and major seafaring nations.

More than 300 companies and organizations recognize that they have a shared responsibility based on their roles across the entire maritime value chain, and beyond, to ensure that the crew change crisis is resolved as soon as possible. The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change defines four main actions:

• Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines;
• Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice;
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes; and
• Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers.

DromonClass is proud to be among the Organizations supporting this initiative that is a global call to address the ongoing crew change crisis focusing on concrete actions that can facilitate crew changes and keep vital global supply chains functioning.