Patience wears thin on crew change issue

LAST week, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) - the global maritime and transport trades union body - sent a message to all seafarers on commercial ships about their right to go home after their contracted period had finished, even during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

It was couched in strong terms and was clearly also intended to grab the attention of the shipping industry and politicians.

It started off by saying: "Seafarers, we know that you, your loved ones, and your friends have had enough. You have the right to return home. While many countries have slowly started to ease coronavirus pandemic restrictions after 2-3 months of lockdown and are now reopening stores and services and allowing people to meet friends and families, hundreds of thousands of seafarers (you) worldwide remain stuck on board, unable to go ashore, seek medical attention or return home."