The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change

INTERCARGO is a signatory of The Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented crew change crisis which has led to hundreds of thousands of seafarers being impacted and in many instances left stranded on ships, beyond the expiry of their contracts.

The Declaration defines four main actions to facilitate crew changes and keep global supply chains functioning.

• Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines
• Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice
• Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes
• Ensure air connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers.