IMO has chosen to make 2021 a year of action for seafarers, who are facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Maritime Theme for 2021, “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future” dedicated to seafarers who have shown resilience and determination to continue to provide global trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A first step would be for all countries to designate seafarers as key workers, as outlined in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution adopted in December 2020. Definition of key employee ensure that seafarers can change on board and should facilitate access to priority vaccinations.
During the year, IMO will also focus on other human factors in shipping, including the safety of human life on board ships, the well- being of seafarers and the importance of ensuring a suitably qualified workforce who is ready to face the challenges and use opportunities digitalization and automation.