"Ukrainian seafarers face critical hurdles in renewing their essential documents and maintaining their livelihoods." This not only impacts their livelihoods but also threatens the smooth functioning of the entire maritime sector. As the IMO rightly highlighted, seafarers are key workers. They keep the global trade and supply chains moving... But, Points of Concern: - Document Renewal Roadblock: Ukrainian seafarers cannot renew their licenses and certificates outside the country, putting their work at risk. - Travel Restrictions: New Ukrainian regulations may prevent seafarers from leaving the country to work, further crippling the industry. - Euro Union Residence Issues: Seafarers face limitations on their residence permits, forcing them to leave the country every 45 days We must extend our support beyond Seafarers' Day on June 25th and make every day a celebration of their contribution. How can we ensure Ukrainian seafarers can continue working and supporting their families during this war? Yes, If the flag state authorities recognise the extraordinary circumstances and extend the validity of Ukrainian seafarers' documents until the war ends... Seafarers can undergo competency checks later; a temporary solution allowing them to continue working with expired equipment could be explored. Therefore, I want to bring this issue forward... As the ambassador of seafarers and the president for Global Maritime Community (GMC), I urge all stakeholders in the maritime industry—unions, associations, and governments—to come together and find solutions for Ukrainian seafarers. Their continued work is essential for the well-being of the global maritime sector and the world economy.
How about other states, allowing access and systems of online refresh courses and then temporary extensions of documents. As Ukraine's maritime body must be in compliance with STCW requirements, if approached in a systematic manner, I think it would be similar to one classification taking over vessels from other IACS members. - issue the documents basis clear disclaimer and validity. - in my opinion COVID era's good brain stroming has provided mechanics as well platform to execute such intents.
It is time for IMO to intervene and provide a solution for extension of Ukranian seafarers COCs.
These are not the only problems that Ukrainians face. Most of their families have escaped to Europe where they are living as refugees. They have not all been welcomed with open arms. The seafarers are unable to remit wages to their families.
IMO must take steps. During the time of COVID, when travel ban was in place many regulations were put aside and worked around. So we have precedent of doing it in circumstances. Urge IMO to act.
Thank you. I appreciate the support
Many thanks , Dr. Singh.
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4moDear Friends in our industry join me on my noble cause to pave safe roads for our Ukrainian seafarers Capt. Kuba Szymanski, FNI , Oleg Grygoriuk, Kaushik Seal, GMC Vice president, Professor Mykhaylo Miyusov Fared Khan Capt. Pradeep Chawla Sunil Kapoor Sandeep Sharma Capt. Sanjay Patil Capt. DEEPAK CORREA