Kitack Lim discusses the crew change crisis

Kitack Lim discusses the crew change crisis
Splash August 6, 2020 https://splash247.com/kitack-lim-discusses-the-crew-change-crisis/

Kitack Lim, the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is the latest high profile name to star in the Wallem-sponsored Maritime CEO Seafarer Leader Series powered by Ocean Technologies Group.

Throughout July and August, Splash TV has been asking the industry for solutions to the crew change crisis as well as seeking suggestions for more long term regulatory changes to improve the working lives of seafarers.

Lim, the head of the IMO since the start of 2016, talked about how the world has handled crew changes to date, suggesting there were now around 50 countries that allow crew changes to some degree, albeit not all of these 50 have followed the IMO-approved 12-step protocols for safe crew changes.

“We’re encouraging member states to do more,” Lim said.

Once the pandemic recedes, Lim said it was vital to carry out a review of the status of seafarers.

The IMO needs to focus more on seafarer welfare, the secretary-general conceded.

The IMO and other shipping bodies are campaigning around the world to raise awareness of seafarers as key workers, Lim stressed.

The Wallem-sponsored series comes out every Thursday.