Impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on Seafarers’ Life and Well-Being

Abstract

This research paper aims to identify the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting travel restrictions to seafarers, either onboard or whose embarkations have been delayed. Two questionnaires were prepared, specific to the seafaring category. Four hundred onboard seafarers completed the survey, as did 100 waiting to embark. The demographic of the respondents represents the global seafaring community. The findings show that both categories have been and continue to be affected by the prevailing circumstances and have substantial concerns about the physical, mental and economic wellbeing of themselves, their families and colleagues. Given their views that the pandemic will continue for some time to come, it is concluded that employee welfare and freedom of movement must be addressed in a systemic manner by industry and governments alike