Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, seafarers have played an instrumental role in maintaining the essential flow of goods around the world including food, medicines, and medical supplies.
With many seafarers having been away from home for months and unsure when they will be able to return home due to travel restrictions, the 2020 ‘Day of the Seafarer’ observed on 25th June, will pay tribute to the sacrifice and issues they face.
Recognising seafarers
The campaign seeks to raise awareness of the work achieved by seafarers in response to the pandemic
2020’s Day of the Seafarer campaign, led by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) renews the call on the Member States to recognise seafarers as key workers, and therefore provide them with the support, assistance, and travel options available to other key workers.
The campaign also seeks to raise awareness of the work achieved by seafarers in response to the pandemic and to thank them for their contribution. Everyone is invited to recognise that the ability of seafarers to deliver vital goods is central to responding to, and eventually overcoming this pandemic.
Aura VSAT service
Many Satcom Global customers have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus situation and related restrictions. To show their support, back in April 2020 Satcom Global offered free telephone vouchers, to enable the crew onboard to make additional contact with home and family, whilst being faced with a long spell at sea than usual.
To date, over 6000 seafarers on approximately 300 vessels using Aura VSAT service have taken up the free voucher offer, from over 30 different ship owners and managers. We have also been able to provide additional support to customers through initiatives organised by satellite networks Iridium and Inmarsat.
Safe and sustainable maritime transport
Maritime transport depends on the 2 million seafarers who operate the world’s merchant ships, which carry more than 80% of global trade by volume, including most of the world’s food, energy, raw materials, and manufactured goods.
According to the IMO and the UN, crew changeovers are essential for the continuity of shipping safely and sustainably.