At the height of the crew change crisis in 2020, close to 600,000 seafarers worldwide were stranded on ships and serving for periods far longer than provided under their contracts and as allowed under the Maritime Labour Convention. While the situation has since improved, new and more contagion variants of the COVID-19 virus continue to threaten the health and mental well-being of seafarers.

Co-organised by MPAA and CIL, this webinar will discuss the challenges faced by seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including in carrying out crew changes and obtaining vaccination. Representatives from organisations working closely with seafarers will shed light on the day-to-day realities of seafarers since the start of the pandemic and what could be possibly done to improve their welfare.

OPENING REMARKS
Dr Nilüfer ORAL Director, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore

MODERATOR
Professor Robert C BECKMAN Head, Ocean Law & Policy Programme, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore

PANELLISTS
Mr Larry GWEE Assistant General Secretary, Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union
Mr Michael PHOON Executive Director, Singapore Shipping Association
Mr Jeffrey P SOLON Deputy Executive Director, Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Office | Focal Person, Crew Change in MARINA