The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic brought widespread attention to the fact that seafarers are essential workers in supporting the global economy and prosperity. Maritime safety and global commerce have been threatened by the humanitarian issue of crew change restrictions.
The resiliency of seafarers working under unprecedented circumstances due to COVID-19 has been remarkable. Because of COVID-19 crew change restrictions, more than 400,000 seafarers have worked well beyond their contracts, while an equal number of seafarers were unable to return to work. This number represents almost half the population of the world’s 1.8 million seafarers. Nevertheless, ships kept sailing and cargo kept moving.
At the same time, the fragility of seafarers was made apparent by the pandemic. Seafarers, like all workers, bring their humanity with them into the workplace. Psychological vulnerabilities, chronic but manageable medical conditions, family stressors, and economic challenges remain just below the surface. With many seafarers working well beyond the MLC, 2006–mandated 12-month maximum, these human conditions were manifested in increased risk for fatigue and stress-related accidents, declining mental and emotional health, with an accompanying increase in suicidal thoughts and death by suicide, and general isolation due to restrictions prohibiting shore leave.
The COVID pandemic reminds us that in order to ensure that seagoing careers remain an attractive option for skilled men and women, they need to know that their key needs will be met. These include the opportunity to be in ongoing regular communication with their families, help in monitoring their mental and physical health while on board ship, and, critically, access to shore leave when in port. For decades, these needs have been supported by and advocated for by organizations such as The Seamen’s Church Institute and other seafarer welfare organizations.