Crew services specialist Boers has launched seafarer vaccination programmes at German and Belgian ports, as shipping executives warn of onboard Covid-19 outbreaks because mariners are not getting vaccines quick enough.
Seafarers arriving at ports in
The Janssen (
"Getting as many seafarers as possible vaccinated is absolutely vital to supply chains and global markets," said
"We've seen with the crew change crisis the challenges shipping companies face in hiring seafarers for their vessels, creating a shortage of available mariners which in turn has led to rising prices for goods, food and petrol as demand outstrips supply.
"For us, the most important thing is making sure crew members entering Belgian ports have access to free Covid-19 jabs. Protecting seafarers from the virus is paramount - and we have the means to help do that. The more mariners who have the vaccine, the quicker shipping and life in general can return to normal."
Boers recently began offering free jabs to mariners at German ports in
While Boers is supporting efforts to vaccinate all seafarers, maritime executives such as
Poulsson added that crew changes were not happening quickly enough to satisfy increased demand for products, especially from the US and
Meanwhile, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim has urged IMO member states to support a fair global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, to ensure seafarers have access to jabs.
"No seafarers should be left behind or forced to forgo their careers because of limited resources in their home country," Lim said. He added that shipping companies needed to provide testing, appropriate PPE and access to medical and sanitation facilities, to protect crew members and prevent the virus spreading.
At Belgian ports, seafarers who want the Covid-19 vaccine must apply at least 48 hours before their ship is berthed. Application forms, which should include the vessel information, expected time of arrival and details of the mariner wanting the vaccination, must be sent to info@boers-crewservices.nl.
On receiving the application, the port's maritime medical centre will either confirm or refuse the request. Vaccinations on vessels are available for five or more crew members, with groups of four or less having to go to the medical centre. Any Covid-19 jab will be recorded in the seafarer's vaccination booklet.
In
Shipping companies that want vaccines for their seafarers at German ports need to provide Boers with a crew list, vaccination passport, the vessel's contact details and a patient agreement and information sheet signed by the crew member.
For more details, call +(0)3110 415 7725 or email info@boers-crewservices.nl
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For more information please contact:
About Boer Crew Services:
Established in 1946, Boers Crew Services is a crew change specialist, unburdening its clients through local knowledge of immigration rules and maritime infrastructure. The company handles all travel and logistical requirements for seafarers, such as providing taxi services to and from ports, arranging letters of indemnity, visas on arrival, hotel bookings, pandemic services and Dutch documents. A 24/7 consistent, comprehensive, and cooperative maritime service provided by a competent and experienced staff.
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(C) 2021 M2 COMMUNICATIONS, source