Merchant sailors recognised as frontline workers will aid mental health

Merchant sailors recognised as frontline workers will aid mental health

A declaration marking merchant sailors as key workers during the pandemic is a major step towards safeguarding their mental health at sea, shipping experts have said.

Signed by more than 750 organisations in February, the Neptune Declaration prioritised seafarers in the same way as health workers, putting them at the front of the queue for Covid-19 vaccinations.

But with many crews unable to come into ports due to ongoing travel restrictions, the reality of isolated sailors going unprotected against Covid-19 remains.





Getting shore leave is almost impossible now so seafarers are constantly on the move

Reverend Andy