Pandemic crew matters require careful attention to detail

Sarah Barnes and Beth Bradley, at Hill Dickinson, highlight some of the key concerns and implications of managing crew through Covid-19

Due to ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions, seafarers are struggling to sign off from ships and are facing an unprecedented extended period of time on board. It has been estimated that at least 200,000 seafarers worldwide require immediate repatriation and there have been reports that some ports have refused to allow ships to enter, which has not only prevented crew changes, but also obstructed ships from obtaining essential supplies.