COVID-19 and seafarers’ rights to shore leave, repatriation and medical assistance: a pilot study

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of seafarers: A comparison using matched samples

“…The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated some of the pre-existing challenges, while also posing new challenges for the maritime industry ( Shan, 2021 ). For instance, measures implemented to reduce the spread of the virus, such as border closures and travel restrictions, have affected crew changes ( Doumbia-Henry, 2020 , Shan, 2021 ) and contributed to seafarers’ time on board being extended even further, at times beyond the legally permitted maximum length ( Coutroubis et al, 2020 , Hebbar and Mukesh, 2020 ). Shore leave was further restricted or not permitted at all in many ports ( Doumbia-Henry, 2020 , Hebbar and Mukesh, 2020 , Shan, 2021 ).…”

“…For instance, measures implemented to reduce the spread of the virus, such as border closures and travel restrictions, have affected crew changes ( Doumbia-Henry, 2020 , Shan, 2021 ) and contributed to seafarers’ time on board being extended even further, at times beyond the legally permitted maximum length ( Coutroubis et al, 2020 , Hebbar and Mukesh, 2020 ). Shore leave was further restricted or not permitted at all in many ports ( Doumbia-Henry, 2020 , Hebbar and Mukesh, 2020 , Shan, 2021 ). This made it difficult to get medical assistance and supplies or carry out repairs and maintenance work ( Doumbia-Henry, 2020 , Hebbar and Mukesh, 2020 , Shan, 2021 ).…”

“…Shore leave was further restricted or not permitted at all in many ports ( Doumbia-Henry, 2020 , Hebbar and Mukesh, 2020 , Shan, 2021 ). This made it difficult to get medical assistance and supplies or carry out repairs and maintenance work ( Doumbia-Henry, 2020 , Hebbar and Mukesh, 2020 , Shan, 2021 ). Additional challenges included the fear of infection, uncertainty, job insecurity, and concerns about the well-being of family and friends at home ( Coutroubis et al, 2020 , Shan, 2021 , Sliskovic, 2020 ).…”

Mental health of Filipino seafarers and its implications for seafarers’ education

“…These negative effects include coping with extended stay on board ships due to difficulties in crew change owing to national travel restrictions and having very few opportunities for shore leave when in ports. Four studies demonstrate various effects of COVID-19 on seafarers' MH including anxiety, mental exhaustion even depression due to extended contracts working aboard vessels [48][49][50][51]. Of the 671 respondents in the study of Pauksztat et al [48], 32% are Filipinos.…”

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on global maritime trade industry

“…This global pandemic has provided a major negative impact for not just the ports that are located in China (where the outbreak is said to arise) but also the ports for the shipping and maritime industry at the global level are equally affected. Some of the maritime and shipping industry's problems include border restrictions for airlines and port shutdown, reduced demand for freight, disputes in laytime arbitration, disputes between owners and charters of such vessels due to lack of time and resources, bankruptcy due to reduced demand and the failure to control the company's finances during this era of decreased demand for shipping and freight [2].…”