The Socio-Economic Impact of Covid-19 on the Seafaring Community: The Case of the ‘Minority Group’ in Shipping

Before the December 1st, 2020 resolution, the failure of coastal and maritime states to accord seafarers a ‘Key Worker’ status during moments of demonstrated selflessness was evidence of the lack of genuine interest in their concerns. The situation appears worse for the non-traditional seafaring community. Thus, the examination of the response to the general challenges faced by mariners was in comparison to efforts directed towards the world’s minority seafaring community. The case of the African seafarer and the cost of training and certification (STCW 2010) amid the pandemic, is because the year 2020 through 2021 heralds the call for global inclusiveness, and the need for a targeted intervention –a lack thereof contributing to the slow international response and inefficiencies, and poor implementation of COVID-19 interventions. The rising COVID-19 cases, unemployment, job losses, poor mental health, hospitalisation, and eventual deaths have been consequential.The study employed a hybrid approach, combining remote surveys and direct interviews, primarily conducted online, to examine seafarer concerns. It identified and investigated policies implemented in response to the identified COVID-19 impacts, assessing these based on the various relief interventions offered by stakeholders. The intention was to help determine the best responses in addressing seafarer concerns.The study found that few maritime institutions currently service global supply shortages. The seafaring community is characterised mainly by people in the age group of 24 to 35 years. The seafarers expressed desperation and raised concerns about exploitation suffered at the hands of criminal elements. Of the number of people who responded to the interview, women constituted fourteen (14) per cent; ninety-seven (97) per cent had their jobs impacted; ninety-one (91.06) per cent supported current calls for IMO-led interventions; almost eighty-two (81.81) per cent approved of a continuation post pandemic; seventy-two (72.12) per cent were dissatisfied with the current cost of STCW documentation, while sixty-one (60.86) per cent sought financial intervention for renewal.Despite the need for further research studies in areas such as health emergencies, maritime transport, and operations, the study concludes that establishing a framework led by the IMO to support the expansion of the targeted approach to employment for minority groups worldwide.