Maritime Risk International
Seafarers essential
The government of Jamaica has listed seafarers among the class of “essential workers” under its Disaster Risk Management Act
and has put in place measures to speed up the transit of registered seafarers through its borders. An estimated 600,000 seafarers
are waiting for crew changes – 300,000 on vessels and 300,000 waiting to embark – according to the International Transport
Workers’ Federation. Many of those on board have been working for up to four months past their contracted dates while those
waiting to embark are typically not receiving wages, leaving them facing financial ruin.