COVID-19 has created havoc across the globe. Many lost their jobs, economy crashed down and work from home has become a new normal globally. But is it applicable in shipping industry? What about the seafarers working in middle of the sea on board the ship? In these two years the shipping industry has faced severe challenges due to COVID spread.

The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) Navi Mumbai, recently organised a webinar on COVID Challenges Onboard and Ashore – 360 Deg perspectives. “The merchant Navy which carries around 80% of the world trade worked tirelessly during the pandemic, unsung heroes onboard, who worked seamlessly to keep the supply chain up and running,” said Capt Subhash Kumar.

Capt Nand Sah, Chairman, CMMI NM gave a warm welcome to everyone. Capt Amit Mishra, Fleet Management, sailing master explained the challenges faced by a seaman while joining the ship during the Covid times. “More medical test was conducted, more than 3 RT-PCR test has to be done prior joining the vessel,” he informed. Seafarers faced challenges at step of sailing, the major one was crew change. During the port arrival and departure, seafarers are subject to more scrutiny by port official by quarantine documentations, vessel and crew health inspections, temperature monitoring. Where else at sea, daily crew temperature and SOP2 were monitored by 2 officers. “But, during this time, the company gave a great support by providing increased and proper crew recreational items and more internet connectivity for better vessel staff approach to the families,” added Capt Mishra.

“Last 2 years have been really challenging for the industry, especially during the beginning of the lockdown, everything came to a standstill, but only one industry was carrying the essentials from one part to other part of the world, so our seafarers who did this are our heroes,” opined Capt Anshul Rajvanshi, Managing director, Synergy Maritime recruitment services private Limited. He explained in detail the new challenges that raised after each other for seafarers and how crew changes were taking places in-between these challenges. “Things were looking positive, but omicron stuck us again,” said Capt Rajvanshi.

His speech was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Capt Gyanendra Singh, CEO and Research Partner, Abaca Research and Consultancy Services. Capt Singh introduced the panellist, Capt Shiv Halbe, CEO, MASSA; Capt Kamal Chadha, MD, Marex Media Pvt Ltd; Capt MP Bhasin, Chairperson, MASSA and Capt Philip Mathews, INSA.

“We operated more than 100 chartered planes during the initial stage,” said Capt Halbe. Capt Bhasin continued saying, “The companies made everything possible, people may not know, what the company has gone through for bringing their own seafarers back.” Likewise Capt Mathews said, “We have coped with it very well, but situation is still difficult.” He also spoke about the mental pressure faced by the seafarers during all these processes.

Capt Chadha highlighted that the crew members on the cruise ships were more depressed than Merchant ships. “Commercial shipping was the worst hit,” said Capt Chadha.

Participants raised several questions regarding crew changes and other challenges the industry is going through.

It cannot be concluded that the hard times for the industry is over, but the industry is learning from these challenges.

Marex Media