During a recent (virtual) meeting of the Stakeholders Advisory Group on Maritime Security (SAGMAS), EMPA raised the difficult situation, faced by seafarers due to the pandemic, with the European Commission. Specifically the severe difficulties in crew changes and repatriation were brought to the attention of the participants, adding that this situation also presents safety and security issues.

Ahead of a meeting between governments in London this week, several partners in the maritime industry are calling on all ships when in port to sound their horns at 12.00 local time on Wednesday 8th July to remind governments of the ongoing crew change crisis.

EMPA strongly supports this action and therefore we would like to encourage our members to respond to this request, provided it is safe to do so and in compliance with local regulations.