Industry groups welcome governments’ pledge on COVID-19

July 13, 2020
The IADC, IAGC, IMCA, IOGP, ISOA, and the Workboat Association have applauded the outcome of an international maritime virtual summit hosted by the UK government late last week.

Offshore staff

LONDON – The IADC, IAGC, IMCA, IOGP, ISOA, and the Workboat Association have applauded the outcome of an international maritime virtual summit hosted by the UK government late last week.

Britain and 12 other governments pledged their support for actions to safeguard the welfare of the world’s seafarers, including offshore vessels and drilling crews, while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The list of actions includes ensuring that crew changes can take place in a safe and timely manner.

Government officials expressed support for recommendations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), drawn up in consultation with industry groups.

Supporting governments include those in the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, and the US.

However, the group of associations said they continued to be concerned at continuing difficulties in other countries which that chose not to participate in the summit.

They called on the international community to ensure that seafarers and offshore energy sector personnel receive proper and appropriate treatment as critical workers, including access to medical treatment ashore where necessary, as recommended by the Secretary-General of the IMO in IMO Circular Letter 4204/Add.23.

07/13/2020