The CESMA members attending CESMA AGA noted with concern the problems of COVID 19 pandemic (crew change difficulties and different approaches of the countries all over the world), piracy, safety of ro-ro, ropax and cruise ships, continued illegal immigrants in the Mediterranean, mooring accidents involving approved equipment, different practices in simulator training in EU countries, excessive paperwork on board commercial ships, decrease of traditional navigational skills, decreased employment of EU seafarers and continued accidents some with fatal end with Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC’s) sticks on the following resolutions of primary importance for shipmasters.
New resolution 1: Covid19 pandemic consequences on crew members and shipmasters
The 26th Annual General Assembly noted with concern the serious problems generated by the Covid19 pandemic regards to seafarers and shipmasters in particulars. The situation created new rules in each country and port. Crew changes were delayed due to difficulties to travel of seafarers who, at that time, were not recognized early as key workers, despite calls from UN and IMO General Secretaries. This made quite impossible to relief crew members at normal end of their contract, which lead to exceptional mental and physical fatigue to seafarers, with effects on safety problems/situations at sea and in port, and crew management difficulties for shipmasters and global supply chain.
After more than one year of pandemic, the reliefs become easier, but it still remains too many seafarers waiting for relief, and the consequences, due to fatigue, on safety at sea are still the same.
The vaccination of seafarers, now being underway, does not give as a result more facilities for reliefs neither for vaccinated crew members the possibility of shore leaves.
Even if some European ports already offer possibility to seafarers to be vaccinated whatever be their nationality, the Assembly strongly requires EU Administration to push the EU Countries and EU ship-owners to facilitate the vaccination of seafarers during calls in their ports and the possibility of shore leaves.
The Assembly urges EU Port Authorities to accept all the vaccines recognised by WHO/EU Health Authorities and to treat seafarers vaccinated with them as vaccinated in order to facilitate shore leaves and crew changes in their ports.
Resolution nr. 2: Implementation of sulphur cap and ballast water management.
The 26th Annual General Assembly noted continuation of serious problems the shipmasters and crew face with the implementation of 2020 sulphur cap and prosecution of shipmasters on violations of the existing rules despite the bunkers nowadays are ordered by the ship operators.
When any problems arise with compliance of sulphur contents restrictions or ballast water management rules, the masters are blamed and there are several cases with serious charges against them. The delegates insist on EU institutions to adjust the existing rules to the latest industry and information technology developments but not to blame the shipmasters for the violations coming from the shore parties involved in ship operation and shipmanagement.
Resolution nr. 3: Criminalisation of shipmasters.
The 26th Annual General Assembly again noted that the problem of criminalisation of seafarers and of shipmasters in particular, continues to be a matter of great concern. CESMA urgently requests ship owners and/or operators to always provide legal assistance for masters, serving on their ships, in case of an incident as a consequence of which they are detained by local authorities, until, at least, a final verdict has been pronounced. The Assembly was also reported of an increasing of commercial pressure on shipmasters.
Resolution nr. 4: Fatigue and safe manning.
The Assembly again discussed the problem of fatigue in the maritime industry. The requirement of a minimum of three certified bridge watch keepers, including the master, on each seagoing vessel of 500 GT and more, is still supported by CESMA. It continues to urge Port State Control officers to intensify verification of work and rest periods during shipboard inspections.
Resolution nr. 5: Shipmaster key role in navigating the ship in VTS control areas.
The Assembly discussed the safety of ships when navigating in VTS surveillance areas and the current trend to restrict the shipmasters’ decisions in favour of more authority by the VTS operators. CESMA urges European institutions and national legislative bodies to respect the shipmaster’s overriding authorities as per ISM Code in saving life at sea, the ship and marine environment.
Resolution nr. 6: MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship).
The Assembly noted the development of autonomous ships and the consequences on seafarers’ employability. It noted also that the responsibilities in case of incident are not yet clearly defined. CESMA will remain vigilant on the respect of International Maritime Laws.
