This last week we have seen more developments as the government’s pandemic strategy has resulted in the closure of borders to all but the most essential travel. We are working hard to ensure seafarers and maritime workers remain exempt and are allowed to travel and will continue to push our case with Ministers and officials in the coming weeks.

There is positive news though as today we have heard that another vaccine has had some good testing results and is now set to go through the approvals process. As more and more people are vaccinated we hope the government can begin to unlock some restrictions.

The crew change crisis continues to make headlines and I was extremely proud to sign the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers from across the globe have been left stranded working aboard ships beyond the expiry of their initial contracts and are unable to be relieved since the outbreak of the pandemic. We have joined over 350 other organisations in signing this declaration and it is now time governments act to sort out this humanitarian crisis at sea.

We were pleased to announce another Gold Sponsor for our Virtual Conference this week with Anglo-Eastern Offshore sponsoring our Offshore panel debate. The event is taking shape nicely and we are delighted to have Dr Grahaeme Henderson OBE and Nikolas Tsakos as our morning keynote speakers, following the Maritime Minister Robert Courts and HRH The Princess Royal. We are also thrilled to have Graham Westgarth and Stephen Gordon deliver the afternoon keynote addresses. The day’s proceedings will be overseen by Paddy Rodgers with Richard Meade moderating in the afternoon.

It really should be a fabulous day and away from the keynote speakers we have some brilliant breakout sessions. You can see a full programme, and register your place, by clicking here.

Finally this week, we will shortly be closing our latest membership survey. We have had a really good response but it is vitally important we make sure we are providing you with the service you require. If you are a member please click this link to complete the survey, it shouldn’t take any longer than 5-10 minutes and we really do value your feedback as we continue developing the organisation.