Canada and Australia implement crew change policies

By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas Correspondent

Transport Canada has issued new guidance calling for ship owners and operators to get their overworked crews home.

Splash 24/7 noted that the regulator intends to finally enforce the components and protections in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006.

The MLC provisions in question deal with the duration of a contract and the timely repatriation of crew members.

“In Canada, seafarers are considered as workers in the marine transportation sector who are essential for the movement of goods by [the] vessel during the COVID-19 pandemic,” notes a safety bulletin issued by Transport Canada, dated January 13, 2021.

The agency adds that it “is working closely with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency to help with crew changes.”

Transport Canada expects all owners to strictly enforce the 11 months maximum of service for a crew member, as the same individual has the right to disembark and be repatriated at the cost of the owner.

Also, foreign vessels in Canadian waters who are operating without a valid seafarer employment agreement for all of its crew members will be subject to enforcement actions including detention and even a fine.

“Issues of fatigue and mental health of seafarers may have deteriorated to a point that they may endanger health and safety,” the agency said. “Since the start of the pandemic, Canada has used a pragmatic approach to deal with the issue of extending service periods on board ships.”

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has also announced measures enforcing the same elements of the Maritime Labour Convention that will enter force on February 28, 2021.

This is a developing story.