A global petition “Seafarers Matter” started by Capt. Andriyan Evtimov, Bulgaria’s Good Will Ambassador to IMO, is gaining huge support from the seafarers all around the world. 

So far, more than 6,000 seafarers from different parts of the world have signed the petition.

The petition is aimed to draw the attention of the general public to the problems of the innumerable seafarers who cannot leave or join ships due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The petition is addressed to the Member states of IMO and is open for all the seafarers around the world.

The issues raised and the demands put forward in the petition are as follows,

In relation to the deteriorating wellbeing of seafarers which are stuck on board ships and seafarers currently at home due to the impossibility to make arrangements for crew replacements leading to seriously endangered safety and security of international shipping, and  also in view of securing uninterruptedness of the global supply chains,

we, the undersigned, 

Insist that member states of International Maritime Organization and International Labour Organization to:

1. Designate as “key workers” the seafarers and other personnel engaged in the maritime business, which should be done by adoption of new and clear national definitions and rules and procedures duly notified to all national authorities – maritime, immigration, health, and port authorities.

2. Ensure free access and movement of seafarers to and from the ships, as well as for persons employed in shipping-related activities.

3. Permit sufficient number of airplane flights related to embarkation and repatriation of seafaring personnel and movement of maritime transport specialists. 

4. International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization member-states should develop and implement a unified simplified plan for realization of the above measures as soon as possible. 

5. Not subject the seafarers to mandatory quarantine upon debarkation from ships where it is possible to promptly make COVID-19 tests and the test results are negative.

You can also show your support by signing the petition- https://seafarersmatter.com/