The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered devastating consequences for human life and the global economy.
More than 80% of global trade by volume is moved by maritime transport. The global economy depends on the world’s 2 million seafarers who operate the global fleet of merchant ships. Seafarers have been severely impacted by the travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
Maritime and air transport rely on seafarers and aircrew. They are key workers required to travel across borders at all times, which may result in the need for them to present proof of a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for entry in some countries.
ICAO, ILO, IMO, WHO, IOM reiterate call upon countries that have not done so to designate seafarers and aircrew as key workers.
Seafarers and aircrew need to be protected through vaccination as soon as possible, to facilitate their safe movement across borders.
ICAO, ILO, IMO, WHO, IOM fully support the timely development of an international harmonized framework for vaccination certificates, to facilitate international travel for seafarers and air crew.
Source: https://imo.org/