During the Seafarers Day on June 25, Shipping and Maritime Principal Secretary Nancy Karigithu said this group of sea workers have kept global trade alive despite the problems posed by the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), seafarers have been on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis which has led to difficult working conditions including; uncertainties and challenges on port access, re-supply, crew changeovers and repatriation.
“...the ability of seafarers to deliver vital goods is central to responding to, and eventually overcoming, this pandemic,” reads a statement on the IMO website.
IMO, he said, has worked with member states, trade unions, seafarers’ organisations, shipping industry and other United Nations agencies to find solutions to these problems.
The IMO secretary general said he has been urging member governments to recognise seafarers as key workers who need quick and decisive humanitarian action from their governments.
