The COVID-19 pandemic created a ripple effect across all industries and businesses. There are job layoffs due to the imposition of community quarantine in some cities. In addition, travel bans and various movement restrictions are in place.
But how about us? As seafarers, how is the pandemic affecting us? Let’s discuss it here from different perspectives.
New requirements, extended contracts
As the corona virus sweeps across the globe and in someways put it to halt, seafarers continue to drive the world. The ports get a lot stricter, additional requirements put in place, bridge team wears PPE at port, etc.
On the other hand, contracts are also extended until further notice by some crewing agency. There are seafarers now that are serving close to a year, 1,2 months past their contracts.
In turn, psychological effects may came in and affect seafarers’ mental well being. Aside from the normal workload, additional burden may incur to them knowing that the COVID-19 may also affect their families back home.
Crewing managers are looking for a possible port for the crew changes. There are a lot of factors to consider at this point due to the fact that this is beyond what normal crew change usually is.
Supplies and provisions are also being diverted at some point. There are countries that limits movement of their citizens, in turn, businesses are affected.
RELATED: Seafarer’s Guide for MARINA transactions amidst lockdown
Extended vacation…
The COVID-19 affects seafarers who are at home by placing them right at home. It is because quarantine measures are in place.
Manning agencies announcing skeletal workforce will remain and unimportant transactions will not be entertained. Some also advise to their crew to stay at home and wait until further announcement.
Visa appearances and appointments has likewise missed or cancelled due to quarantine measures. Consequently, delays of his/her deployment is inevitable and shall therefore prepare himself for a longer vacation.
During these times, the seafarer may not have enough funds to sustain his stay and result to borrowing money from colleges onboard.
Unable to process documents
Nothing is clearer that COVID-19 affects seafarers than them unable to process necessary documents. It is because a seafarer can’t board a ship with his/her documents expiring.
Skeletal staff at MARINA offices is in effect during the quarantine. Cancellations and suspensions of training and examinations are also in effect.
And for that reason, some of our mates may have to wait for new schedule for their cancelled transactions.
MARINA Advisory No. 2020-15 sets date of extensions and resumptions of the agency’s service.