Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the crewing of merchant ships on the (a) UK, (b) Red Ensign Group and (c) Flag of Convenience shipping registers during the covid-19 pandemic.
These matters are flag blind, I wrote to the International Maritime Organization, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization on 23rd March stating that as a port state the UK will continue to recognise its international obligations and allow seafarers to transit and transfer in the UK and to access shore leave.
I have spoken with Lord Ahmad (Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) regarding specific issues with the repatriation of seafarers.
As the flag state authority, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has made specific measures in regard certification and employment to aid shipowners and seafarers with crewing arrangements.