The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maritime Crew Changes and Seafarers’ Welfare

Posted: December 10th, 2022

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maritime Crew Changes and Seafarers’ Welfare

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global industries, with the maritime sector being one of the hardest hit. As the backbone of international trade, shipping accounts for over 80% of global trade by volume (International Chamber of Shipping, 2021). However, the pandemic disrupted the movement of goods and people, creating unprecedented challenges for seafarers and the maritime industry. Among the most critical issues were the restrictions on crew changes and the resulting effects on seafarers’ welfare. This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maritime crew changes and the physical, mental, and social well-being of seafarers. It also explores the measures taken to address these challenges and their effectiveness.

The Importance of Crew Changes in Maritime Operations
Crew changes are an essential aspect of maritime operations, ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of ships. Seafarers typically work on contracts lasting several months, after which they are entitled to return home for rest and recovery. Regular crew changes are necessary to prevent fatigue, maintain mental health, and ensure compliance with international labor standards, such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006. The MLC mandates that seafarers should not work beyond 11 months without leave (International Labour Organization, 2020). However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted this process, leading to a global crew change crisis.

The Crew Change Crisis During the Pandemic
The pandemic led to widespread travel restrictions, border closures, and quarantine requirements, which made it nearly impossible for seafarers to disembark or join ships. By mid-2020, an estimated 400,000 seafarers were stranded at sea, unable to return home after completing their contracts, while an equal number were waiting to board ships (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development [UNCTAD], 2020). These restrictions created a humanitarian crisis, as many seafarers were forced to work beyond their contractual limits, often under extreme physical and mental strain.

The inability to conduct timely crew changes also posed significant safety risks. Fatigued and overworked seafarers are more prone to accidents, which can endanger lives, ships, and the environment. Furthermore, the lack of shore leave and prolonged isolation exacerbated the psychological toll on seafarers, leading to increased reports of anxiety, depression, and even suicide (International Transport Workers’ Federation [ITF], 2021).

Research conducted by Wong (2023) highlights the detrimental effects of prolonged confinement on seafarers, noting that many experienced heightened levels of stress and anxiety due to uncertainty about their contracts and the inability to return home. The study emphasizes the urgent need for effective measures to support the mental health of seafarers during such crises.

The Impact on Seafarers’ Physical and Mental Health
The extended periods at sea during the pandemic had severe consequences for seafarers’ physical and mental health. Prolonged work without adequate rest increases the risk of fatigue-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular problems and musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, limited access to medical care during the pandemic made it difficult for seafarers to receive treatment for pre-existing conditions or new health issues.

The mental health impact was equally significant. Isolation from family and friends, uncertainty about contract extensions, and fear of contracting COVID-19 created a highly stressful environment. A study conducted by Yale University in collaboration with the ITF found that 20% of seafarers reported symptoms of depression, while 25% experienced anxiety during the pandemic (ITF, 2021). The lack of shore leave, which traditionally provides a brief respite from the monotony of life at sea, further compounded these issues.

Nguyen et al. (2024) conducted a study focusing on Vietnamese seafarers, revealing that many reported feelings of helplessness and anxiety due to the crew change crisis. The study highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address the specific concerns of seafarers from different cultural backgrounds. Similarly, Shan et al. (2024) discussed the precariousness and vulnerability faced by seafarers during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to improve their working conditions and mental health support.

Social and Economic Challenges Faced by Seafarers
In addition to health concerns, seafarers faced numerous social and economic challenges during the pandemic. Many were unable to send remittances to their families due to delayed salaries or contract extensions. This financial strain was particularly acute for seafarers from developing countries, who often rely on their earnings to support extended families.

Social isolation was another significant issue. The inability to disembark or interact with others outside the ship created a sense of confinement and loneliness. For many seafarers, the ship became both their workplace and their prison, with no clear end in sight. This lack of social interaction, combined with the stress of the pandemic, led to a decline in overall morale and job satisfaction.

Slišković (2020) conducted a qualitative study that explored the well-being of seafarers during the pandemic, revealing that many felt disconnected from their families and communities. The study emphasized the importance of social support networks and the need for shipping companies to facilitate communication between seafarers and their loved ones.

Measures Taken to Address the Crisis
Recognizing the severity of the crew change crisis, international organizations, governments, and industry stakeholders implemented various measures to alleviate the situation. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued guidelines to facilitate crew changes, urging member states to designate seafarers as “key workers” and exempt them from travel restrictions (IMO, 2020). This designation was critical in ensuring that seafarers could travel to and from ships without unnecessary delays.

The ITF and other labor organizations also played a crucial role in advocating for seafarers’ rights. They negotiated with governments and shipping companies to secure repatriation flights, establish quarantine facilities, and provide financial assistance to affected seafarers. Additionally, some shipping companies introduced mental health support programs, such as helplines and counseling services, to address the psychological impact of the crisis.

Tang et al. (2022) examined the effectiveness of current supportive measures for seafarers’ mental health during the pandemic. Their findings indicated that while some initiatives were beneficial, there was still a significant gap in the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for seafarers. The study called for a more comprehensive approach to mental health support, including training for onboard personnel to recognize and address mental health issues.

Despite these efforts, the implementation of measures varied widely across countries, leading to inconsistent outcomes. While some nations prioritized crew changes and provided logistical support, others maintained strict restrictions, prolonging the crisis for many seafarers.

Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of the maritime industry and the need for greater resilience in the face of global crises. One of the key lessons learned is the importance of international cooperation in addressing challenges that transcend national borders. The crew change crisis underscored the need for harmonized policies and protocols to ensure the smooth movement of seafarers during emergencies.

Another critical takeaway is the need to prioritize seafarers’ welfare as a fundamental aspect of maritime operations. This includes not only addressing immediate concerns, such as crew changes, but also investing in long-term solutions, such as improved mental health support and access to medical care. The pandemic also emphasized the importance of digitalization in the maritime industry. Technologies such as remote inspections, telemedicine, and virtual training can help reduce the reliance on physical presence and enhance operational efficiency.

Finally, the crisis highlighted the need for greater recognition of seafarers’ contributions to global trade and the economy. Designating seafarers as key workers should be a permanent measure, ensuring that they receive the support and protections they need, both during and after emergencies.

Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on maritime crew changes and seafarers’ welfare, creating a humanitarian and operational crisis for the industry. The restrictions on crew changes led to prolonged periods at sea, with severe consequences for seafarers’ physical, mental, and social well-being. While international organizations and industry stakeholders implemented measures to address the crisis, the inconsistent application of these measures highlighted the need for greater international cooperation and harmonization.

Moving forward, the maritime industry must prioritize seafarers’ welfare and invest in long-term solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability. By recognizing the critical role of seafarers in global trade and ensuring their well-being, the industry can better prepare for future challenges and continue to serve as the backbone of the global economy.

References
Carrera-Arce, M., Baumler, R., & Hollander, J. (2023). A Systematic Review of Assessment Methods for Seafarers’ Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 60, 00469580231212218.

International Chamber of Shipping. (2021). Shipping and World Trade. Retrieved from ICS website.

International Labour Organization. (2020). Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Retrieved from ILO website.

International Transport Workers’ Federation. (2021). Seafarers and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report on the Impact of the Pandemic on Seafarers. Retrieved from ITF website.

Nguyen, L.C., Dinh, G.H., Tran, D.L.A., Truong, H.Q., Duong, A.T.B., & Pham, H.T. (2024). Perceived concerns, impacts, and adaptations of Vietnamese seafarers during the crew change crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 23(1), 49-71.

Shan, D., Ochs, C., Rajagopal, S., Rojas Aldieri, H.A., & Zhang, P. (2024). Precariousness and vulnerability: Seafarers in the COVID-19 pandemic. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 33(1), 42-69.

Slišković, A. (2020). Seafarers’ well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Work, 67(4), 799-809.

Tang, L., Abila, S., Kitada, M., Malecosio Jr, S., & Montes, K.K. (2022). Seafarers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: An examination of current supportive measures and their perceived effectiveness. Marine Policy, 145, 105276.

Wong, C.P. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of the stranded seafarers. Maritime Business Review, 8(2), 156-169.