Crew changes, seafarers, COVID-19 Home Publications Articles Seafarers: the COVID Odyssey Seafarers: the COVID Odyssey Publications Ross Millar Published: April 09, 2021 Contact author Download article pdf Image Introduction The shipping industry’s pivotal contribution to the world economy is an aspect that is sometimes overlooked. Whilst the crew change crisis and chronic shortage of repatriation flights highlights the difficulties faced by seafarers, they continue to work at the heart of our global economy. They are therefore critical to the global recovery and are rightly recognised by the IMO’s 2021 World Maritime theme – “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future”. Crew movement The ebb and flow of the tides are vital to many aquatic species; as is the free movement of seafarers to the shipping industry. It is crucial that crew changes can be facilitated on-time and safely, and this has been extremely difficult to achieve during the pandemic. To mitigate virus transmission, most states have enacted travel restrictions and other measures that have, in the absence of international recognition of seafarers as “key workers”, resulted in many of their contracts being altered. This can leave them stranded either at home - without income - or on board ship – without the rest and usual contact with their family and other support mechanisms that are essential. Further consequences are potentially increased fatigue levels and an adverse impact on the mental health  and well-being of seafarers. Steamship is proud to have partnered with Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS)  to provide 24/7 support to seafarers on our Members’ ships, free of charge. They provide seafarers with access to clinical psychologists to assess, assist, and educate on mental health issues that can affect sea-going staff. COVID-19 has led to conflicts arising between maritime conventions and government restrictions, and has seen some states fail in their obligations to seafarers under M